After a slightly restless night, despite a very comfortable bed, my body wondering what on earth I’d done, I woke feeling much refreshed. After a hearty breakfast we hit the road again.
Loch Lomond: The Bonnie Banks
Our walk began pretty much on the shore of Loch Lomond, beautiful on a cold, crisp morning. The sun was out and it felt pretty mild, the frozen car windscreens outside our hotel showing how chilly it had been overnight.
The walking was easy, a fine way to start the day. The loch was calm, an idyllic day to be on the water if that’s your thing.
There was a short section along a minor road and a section along the pebbly shore, beautiful views and reflections in the water on such a still day.
Moving away from the loch a little the path undulated through the woods. It made for easy walking, striding out as we could almost smell the coffee at Rowardennan.
Coffee Stop: Rowardennan
At the Rowardennan Hotel we met a group of guys we’d been chatting to yesterday and enjoyed a blether again. We had a look in the shop, tempted by the midge globe (a good Scottish alternative to the snow globe). Being a virtual Aberdonian these days the £14 price tag put me off.
A wee detour off the path took us to the memorial on the shore and a rare photo of us both.
Closure on the Low Route
We were forced onto the high route due to a path closure on the low route. Unlike our local forestry signs in the Aberdeenshire area there was no mistaking this message! This is an easier path, following a good track / fire road, but climbs higher.
Views across to The Cobbler made the climbing worthwhile!
Up and Down to Inversnaid
Finally, as we approached the last few miles to Inversnaid, our path began undulating once again. This was familiar, terrain becoming a little rougher and wetter underfoot.
Having opted for trail shoes for comfort today I ‘danced’ around the puddles as much as I could, managing to keep my feet dry.
Always a surprise, around a bend and the hotel at Inversnaid suddenly appears in front of you alongside the waterfall which was in great flow today.
Relaxing with a drink, we watched other walkers pass by and the hoards disembark from the boat before getting a lift up to the relative tranquility of the Inversnaid Bunkhouse.
Clare, happiest outdoors! 