Day 2/6 The West Highland Way 152km - Drymen to Rowardennan - 22 Mar 2009

>> Sunday, 19 July 2009

After a hearty cooked breakfast in Lander's house and lots of wishes from them, I left Drymen, and was greeted by a rainbow towards the direction of Conic hill. The route from Drymen to Balmaha was a wonderful section to the edge of the Highlands. Wide tracks climbed gently through Garadhban Forest - a large mature conifer plantation.








Then the next part was a tiring yet spectacular high route which wound through more forest and then out onto open moorland before ascending to the top of Conic Hill (361m) - which lies on the Highland Boundary Fault, a massive geological fracture separately the Lowlands from the Highlands. Standing on the top of hill exposed me to the line of islands across Loch Lomond, clearly marking the direction of the fault zone which runs across the width of Scotland. It was a pity that the weather was not a very pleasant one. I was trekking through the horribly strong winds and slight drizzle. I was very sure then - that the wind was the strongest I've ever experienced in my whole life. Unfortunately, photos did not turn out good due to the fog and bad visibility.

























Despite the adverse conditions, the climb to the summit of Craigie Fort gave an incredibly vantage point over Loch Lomond and the surrounding countryside. I did not spend long at the top as this was the 3rd time I've been up there. Recalling: 1st time was with Zixiang during the Scotland trip last Dec; 2nd time was with the Landers during my host visit with them.



The steep descent then took me swiftly down to the honey-pot hamlet of Balmaha on the loch shore - a hive of boating activity in summer (not then!). Walking along the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond was relaxing and interesting with frequent sounds of waves splashing onto the banks. :) Just love it!











There were no major climbs though the path rose and fell several times as it meandered through beautiful re-established native woodland punctuated by rocky coves and tiny beaches. One of the climbs was a short 90m high climb. It was panting and panting, perspiring, .... Very tiring to go up and down non-stop with a heavy backpack. The weight of my shoulders was getting more intense. The worse part was my right shoe pressing on my ankle. It was getting painful with every step I took. "Blue-black coming....," I thought.






















I finally arrived at Rowardennan at 6pm after a continuous 7-hour walk. It was a beautiful place with views of Ben Lomond which stood above this tiny scattered settlement. Checked in at the Youth Hostel which was located just beside the loch. It was one of the best hostels I've stayed before - very well maintained, clean. Everyone had to leave our muddy boots at the reception area. This was probably why the hostel was so clean. Microwaved pasta for dinner....met a lady from Ireland....a great bath after that...before retiring to bed. :) Recharging of energy in process...







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