Day 73: West Highland Way - Drymen to Rowardennan

Day 2 on the West Highland Way, and it was absolutely stunning. I’ve been walking along the shore of Loch Lomond for most of the day, which is beautiful. 

• Date: 1 June 2024
• Start: Drymen
• End: Rowardennan
• Miles: 16.3
• Total miles: 983.0
• Accommodation: Ben Lomond Bunkhouse

The campsite last night was buzzing this morning with movement. Everyone was getting up early, having their breakfast and getting ready to set off. 

We then headed off along forest tracks as we approached Conic Hill. 

There were streams and streams of people heading up Conic Hill, lots of West Highland Way walkers, but also lots day walkers. The views of Loch Lomond were worth it though. 

After a tough descent, we made it into the village of Balmaha, which was heaving. We popped to the national park visitor centre and then the shop to pick up supplies and had lunch on a picnic bench. Julie could tell I was getting annoyed with all of the people around, so we soon headed on our way. 

The rest of the day was spent walking along the shore of Loch Lomond. People were enjoying being either beside or in the water, with the smell of BBQs constantly in the air. 

The path along the shore kept going on, but eventually we arrived at our hostel for the night. You aren’t allowed to camp alongside the loch without a permit, and as all permits for tonight were sold out, we were in a hostel instead. It was actually beneficial, as we wouldn’t be eaten alive by the midges. 

The hostel had its own tuck shop, so I bought a pizza for dinner and also had a complimentary hot chocolate. 

Having had enough sun for one day, we spent the rest of the evening sat in the lounge and watching TV.