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.