West Highland Way Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen

Up bright and early, we set off from our accommodation which was ideally situated just a few hundred metres from both the train station and the start of the Way. We stopped at the monument for the obligatory photo, then headed down to drop our bags at the Travel-Lite van. We were officially on our way.

The first day is a good way to ease into the route with easy paths and good underfoot conditions. We headed towards Mugdock Park, chatting to another couple of walkers that we came upon for a time before continuing on.

In the initial stages there’s not too much of interest, easy trails, the odd bike and quite a few runners (I had checked to ensure there wasn’t a parkrun). In places the views opened up a little which was refreshing.

We ambled along, taking our time, safe in the knowledge that we had the whole day to reach Drymen. We had a brief stop at the Craigallian Fire Memorial: http://www.strathblanefield.org.uk/Craigallian%20Fire/Index.htm

Easing into the day, slowly clocking up the miles we reached the inspirational sign … only 92 miles to go (of this route).

A short road section opened up a lovely view.

Crossing through a couple of gates, the views really began with Ben Lomond being seen for the first time.

Continuing on, never having stopped at Glengoyne Distillery we felt obliged to do so on this occasion. We were kindly offered a taster dram, the 12 year old going down better than the 10, so we bought a wee bottle to keep us going along the way.

Beyond this, the next stop was for food. Again, trying somewhere different, we opted for Turnip The Beet. This was well worth the stop, lunch being a delicious bacon, brie and chilli jam naan.

Suitably refreshed we continued on for the last few miles into Drymen. In our quest to support local business, we were obliged to stop for an ice lolly from the honesty box.

That done, the remainder of the day was on the minor road, the highlights being the gorgeous heilan coos …

… and the hobbits.

Arriving too early to get into our accommodation we were forced into the Clachan Inn earlier than planned! Cheers!

The Aftermath

Having completed the daily blog, I’ve been forced to add a little more as it’s too funny not to share …

On leaving the Clachan (at a respectable time of 5 pm ish), we entered our B & B, pretty much next door. We’ve stayed here previously.Worthy of note, in Bruce’s defence, this was many years ago; for me, more recently in 2021.

Wandering in the front door (there was no doorbell), it appeared they were decorating – somewhat odd when you are expecting guests I thought. A door opened, two dogs rushed through and greeted us warmly, closely followed by a rather alarmed gentleman that advised us our B & B was indeed next door! (It actually wasn’t, it was another one very close by).

I thought it was hilarious and am still chuckling the morning after, Bruce (and the owner) slightly less so! Bruce said he was ‘absolutely (expletive) horrified’ to have wandered right into someone’s house.

I think I’ll find it amusing for a long time, such is my humour.

In the unlikely event that you’re reading this and it was your house, please accept my sincere apologies!