Today we hiked 15.59 miles. This is a bit longer than the WHW route predicts as the youth hostel is at the far end of Rowardennan and we climbed to the top of Conic Hill. Our total ascent for the day was 2602 ft as there were also several smaller hills and inclines.
Our pace was a bit slower than yesterday as we had a few more stops and there was more elevation. We knew we couldn’t check into the youth hostel until 4pm – so there was no rush – and we finally arrived there just before 3.30 pm.
We really enjoyed the relative solitude and lower temperatures of starting early yesterday so we did the same thing today – starting just after 7.30. Yesterday we found that as the day went on we ran into increasing numbers of other people and that was also true today.
We started by taking the road from the pub we stayed in last night back to the WHW – but took a shortcut down a pretty woodland path, rather than walk on the road in the wrong direction to reach an earlier point of the WHW.
When I say “road” – for my US friends – please note that this is a two way road for cars and also bicycles and people.
We then hiked for a while with views of Conic Hill ahead of us – looking very imposing and a little bit daunting…
We also got our first sights of Loch Lomond.
Loch Lomond always makes me think of “Ye take the high road and I’ll take the low road and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye”
Song link (one version).
We had the company of occasional cows, more prevalent sheep and every now and again another hiker.
Not all of the route inspired confidence though …
There are two alternative routes for the WHW when you get close to Conic Hill. One goes up and over and the other one does not. The former is a mile longer and an extra thousand feet, plus some more feet if you go to the top.
Anyone know knows Mike will know which way we went. If there is ever a choice in direction – Mike goes up.
It started steep with stone stairs but then was not a bad climb at all. A lot easier than it had looked at a distance.
Beautiful views on the way up and we took the detour to the top – where again there were amazing views.
We are being really lucky with the weather so far. Before we came the prediction was rain every day – but we have had no rain so far. Cross your fingers for us that this continues.
It started out chilly this morning (below 60 F (15.5 C) but we got to a high of 80 F (26.7 C)
We worked our way down the other side of Conic Hill.
Arriving at a beautiful part of the West Highland Way (we wouldn’t want you to miss this highlight)
At the bottom of Conic Hill is Balmaha, on the side of Loch Lomond, where we stopped at the St Mocha cafe for lunch and ice cream
They had a very unusual flush mechanism for their one toilet.
The route then wound alongside Loch Lomond – sometimes close to the water and sometimes a ways away from it – usually, although not always, through woods. Sometimes up and down hills for no apparent reason (on at least one occasion the road below stayed flat)
We passed several stone beaches with the rarest of Scottish sights – people sunbathing (here are some shots without the people)
Mike was starting to flag a bit until we came to the second highest hill of the day – which brought back his mojo. He is the only person I know who is energized by going up steep hills.
Finally we arrived at Rowardennan Youth Hostel.
Which, as the observant amongst you will notice – is not a pub. But it serves beer and dinner tonight was Mike’s UK favorite – bangers and mash.
Plus the view from the porch is amazing…
Stats for Drymen to Rowardennan from Mike’s Garmin
Today is supposed to be one of the hardest days we need to do – although not the longest.
Today we came to the end of the road up the East side of the Loch – so the only way forward tomorrow is hiking…
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