Last week I jogged the the West Highland Way, in some glorious summer weather.
I started at lunchtime on Tuesday having got the train down to Milngavie.
The first section to Drymen I normally find the least inspiring section . However on Tuesday it was delightful. In Mugdock park there were carpets of bluebells .The trees were a brilliant green with deep dark shadows.On the road section the hedgerows were a profusion of wildflowers; pink campion , more bluebells , buttercups and cow parsley. My main concern on the first day was getting enough to drink and getting enough salt on board. I stopped at Balmaha shop, the hotel at Rowardennan and at Inversnaid to buy drinks. I really enjoyed running along in the sun, but by far the best bit was beyond Rowardennan.By then the crowds of WHW walkers were gone and I had the trail to myself . It was a beautiful evening, the heat of the day was away but the low sun still shone . The pictures below are from two of the many photos I took.
At Inversnaid I couldn't resist a half of guiness; by then I was parched and it tasted delicious ! In previous years when I have done a three day West Highland Way it has always been raining by this point and I normally sleep under a particular rock I know of near Inversnaid . This time I was more concerned by the clouds of midges so I found a high point on the path hoping for a breeze off the loch to keep them away. I bedded down in my bag in the middle of the path and got a few hours sleep.
Day 2 I always find tough . Carrying a sleeping bag ,bivvy bag,spare clothes ,waterproofs, food and water (and of course sketchbook and paints) makes running just that little bit harder. I stopped to write in Dario's book ( close to the bothy ) and was glad to see the usual suspects were keeping up the tradition of writing there. I didn't linger for long as the midges were getting fierce.
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| Woodland by Loch lomond |
I normally get a coffee at Beinglas Farm but on this occasion I was too early ( 7AM), so continued without the stimulation of caffeine. The day started to heat up again as the morning progressed and by the Crianlarich woodland section I had slowed down considerably. This section is a switchback trail through the forest and can be fun if one is feeling fit - but I wasn't ! Lack of fitness,sleep and caffeine were taking there toll and I was unused to the heat. However a cup of tea , at Strathfillan sorted me out and by the time I got through Tyndrum I was starting to pick up. I did the last section of the day much faster than I expected and arrived at Bridgeof Orchy before midday with 3 hours to spare to catch the train . So I went and sat in the river for a bit then did a sketch.
I took the afternoon train home for a good feed and a solid night's sleep in my own bed then got the morning train back to Bridge of Orchy for day 3. The train fare is far less than paying for accomodation and allowed me to leave some of my gear at home . I suppose a purist would have bivvied for a second night but is so much easier running with a light rucksack.
Unbelievably the third day was hot as well ! Fortunately a brisk breeze kept me cool running . and I had a great time.. Again I had to buy drinks at every opportunity as most of the streams were almost dry .
I arrived in Fort William about 5 minutes to late for the 5.35 train but fortunately Helen was able to pick me up.
Although I am quite unfit it was a glorious run , Great weather from beginning to end and the scenery was stunning as always
