FRIDAY 31 AUGUST





Set out at 8.45am, the day being cloudy but dry. The path meandered along the valley and through woodland – a gentle walk after the last couple of days.
















We passed lots of waterfalls.










Also, passed the ruin of St Fillan's church.














After Crianlarich we had lunch in the sunshine. Then we had a shower or two but nothing very heavy and eventually reached Tyndrum at 3pm. It was a delightful day's walking,


Then, we experienced a problem. The B & B was back in Crianlarich. When I was booking, I had troublr accommodation in Tyndrum but I'd thought it was on teh outskirts of Tyndrum and not Crianlarich!!). Nevertheless, Vicky and I thought we would catch a bus but it wouldn’t take Phoenix. We had to resort to a taxi – there was no way I was going to walk! Arriving at the B & B they gave me use of their computer but the internet access failed. I’ll try again tomorrow. I am over half-way there.

Now, 42 miles to go…

THURSDAY 30 AUGUST

The day started cloudy and dull. At last I was offered porridge for breakfast – I love porridge!. Set out at 9am still feeling weary from yesterday’s trek. It was a very rough path (see photo) following the shores of Loch Lomond but it was still easier then yesterday.

I got into a gentle rhythm and then I heard strange noises coming from the bracken. Looking up the hillside, about 20 feet away, was a family of wild goats playing. I tried to get a photograph (see aside) and if you look closely enough the eyes of the goats can just be seen! Seeing their horns, there was no way I was going nearer for a better shot. I continued along the path turned the corner and I was faced with a black goat with enormous horns. I don’t know which of us was more scared. One thing was for certain, there was no way I was going to back track and so I very carefully made my way round him and as soon as I could ran for it!

In the meantime, Vicky had taken my suitcase to the next stop at Inverarnan. She then walked with her dog Phoenix to meet me. When we met we had lunch and continued the day’s journey.

Now, 54 miles to go.

WEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST

I woke up to a beautiful morning – a cloudless sky, sun shining and Loch Lomond looking idyllic.








Set off from Balmaha at 9am and life couldn’t get much better then this.







My first sighting of a highland cow.

But the way became ‘the steep and rugged path’ undulating all along the east shore of the Loch. It took me until one o’clock to walk the seven miles to Rowardennan. I was very tired and I was certainly not looking forward to the next seven miles. With grim determination and a pack of Quiggley’s mint cake I scrambled along the path to Inversnaid arriving at 5pm. I was very tired.
Inversnaid Lodge is beautifully situated on the hillside and my bedroom has a bay window looking over the Loch. Vicky very kindly brought me my suitcase and we had dinner together. The food and accommodation excellent.

The next problem was getting an internet connection. One of the owners of Inversnaid Lodge, Andre, very kindly let me use his laptop to enter the blog.

Now to bed and 61 miles to go…

TUESDAY 28 AUGUST

This morning I had a leisurely start. The weather was cloudy but dry. The first half of the walk was like going through High Stand Wood (near Armathwaite). It was so peaceful and relaxing. Stopped for lunch by a river, the sun came out and so did the midges.

Captured my first view of Loch Lomond.

Enjoyed the walk over Conic Hill and the descent into Balmaha. View as photo.

Found the B & B which is owned by Betty and Joe Twaddle (Betty is a lifelong friend of Jane Humphries from Ivegill). They looked after me exceptional well. Photo of the B & B Passfoot

Now only 75 miles to go…

MONDAY 27 AUGUST

Vicky drove me to the start of the West Highland Way in Milngavie (pronounced Mull-guy) before she started work for the day. The problem being that we struggled to find the obelisk in the precinct which marked the official start. Eventually we located it, Vicky left for work and I set out on my journey.

I try and keep going at good pace but everyone seems to be overtaking me. Two guys are aiming to finish in four days. I keep plodding away hoping that there is truth in the tale of the Tortoise and the Hare.

Photo below is looking back at Milngavie.

The first seven miles seem very long until I realise that I’ve actually walked ten. I stop at midday, say the Midday (Sext) Office* sat on pile of logs with a view of the mountains in the distance. The weather is fine and sunny with a slight breeze but no midges – yet! After lunch I’m joined by a young man from Germany and I arrive at Drymen at 2pm.

Now 83 miles to go…


* I am following the Bendictine Daily Prayer based on the Rule of St Benedict. It starts with Vigil (or Prime), Lauds (Morning Prayer), Terce (9am), Sext (midday or 6th hour of the day), None (afternoon), Vespers (evening) and Compline (night). This life of prayer is derived from ancient Jewish practice and is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 3.1). Also, referred to in Psalm 119.164 ‘Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous ordinances’.

SUNDAY 26 AUGUST

At 6.30pm, I finish parish work and at 7pm, I leave with Vicky (my daughter) to stay overnight in her flat at Glasgow.

On arriving at the flat, I realise that I have forgotten the lead from my camera to my laptop. I phoned home only to be told there was no need to panic as i could plug the disc from my camera directly into the computer.

Route

please click on image to enlarge

This is the route of the West Highland Way. I hope to walk it in the following stages:

Monday 27 August 12 miles Milngavie to Drymen

Tuesday 28 August 8 miles Drymen to Balmaha

Wednesday 29 August 14 miles Rowardennan to Inversnaid

Thursday 30 August 7 miles Inversnaid to Inverarnan

Friday 31 August 12 miles Inverarnan to Tyndrum

Saturday 01 September 9 miles Tyndrum to Inveroran

Sunday 02 September 10 miles Inveroran to Kingshouse

Monday 03 September 9 miles Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

Tuesday 04 September 14 miles Kinlochleven to Fort William

Getting Ready

In the midst of trying to clear my desk, I am packing my rucksack and making last minute arrangements. I start the West Highland Way on Monday 27 August and my next blog will be on the internet either late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.