Yup, today was more work than the last. Still not punishment level, but tough enough.
Started with a climb up Conic Hill, gentle for the first few kilometers and then not so much. The way up was beautiful – bare and grassy mountainside exactly like I had imagined the highlands to be – with views of Loch Lomond, the largest loch on the island.
As we rounded the hill to the backside up very steep and loose rock steps, there were suddenly throngs of people. Turns out there’s a parking lot on the other side of the mountain from where we started, and it was filled with day trippers. Fair enough, but not what we were looking for, you know, lining up for the optional extra 100 meter climb to the tip top, etc.
The West Highland Way is a very popular walk, and there are a fairly limited number of ways to do it due to a lack of amenities like accommodation. This naturally limits the number of people on it at any given time. We commonly see other people on the trail, often the same people, though most of our time is pretty solitary. Except I guess when it’s a beautiful spring Saturday and you are on part of it that’s a short tour bus away from Glasgow.
Conveniently, lunch and coffee was at the bottom of the hill. And the crowds were not.
Figuring we’d cleared the days biggest hurdle and knowing we’d covered more than half the days distance, we carried on confidently.
Much of the rest of that day was along the shore of Lomond. Beaches, stands of pine and also stands of birch. It was a beautiful walk.
But those sub 100 meter hills we faced for the rest of the day were mean. There were maybe 6 of them, spread out so we were on one about every 30 minutes. So steep that most of them had stairs because otherwise it wouldn’t be possible climb them.
Tonight we’re at the Rowardennan Inn, arrived around 3:30. Had some drinks on the grounds overlooking the loch and at around 4:30 got some sprinkles. A week in Scotland and only getting clouds and rain now feels like a miracle.
The only thing near us is a youth hostel and apparently a coffee shop (praise the lord). Crazy overpriced fish and chips for dinner, but they were very good.
We will sleep well tonight.
It looks beautiful and peaceful. My feet, knees and legs ache just reading about your climb and seeing how long/far you walked. You must be tired, no pics of food!!! I’m ready for a good dessert or ice cream photo. Love ya both. Ma
That’s a solid day, considering the hills. I was trying to figure out which island you took a train to, but I realize you’re referring to the isle of Great Britain! Seems like all the bigger lakes (sorry, lochs) are in Scotland.