We left the Rowardennan Hotel after breakfast, hoping to efficiently mark off fifteen miles for Day 3 to Inverarnan and then Tyndrum, leaving Loch Lomond behind. Our West Highlands Way trek began in a light mist, with heavy clouds obscuring the mountains. The air smelled fresh and clean, while the mosses drank in the moisture and the ground was soft and forgiving under our feet.
We passed by stone crofts, once occupied in the 1800’s, but now abandoned to the forest. Moss was the predominant groundcover, forming beautiful lush mounds over roots, rocks and any detritus on the forest floor.
Loched in…
The West Highlands Way continues along Loch Lomond, beginning a roller coaster pattern, requiring us to navigate rocks, roots and scree that challenged our balance. We had heard that Day 3 was the toughest, and that proved to be true. It was not the mileage or climbs, but the terrain. I was extremely cautious, taking care not to pitch forward on the rocks and roll into the Loch!
Rowardennan to Tyndrum was also a truly gorgeous and unique section, marked by huge boulders, rock precipices and even wild goats!
And this was an easy section with a clear path….
The trail was punctuated by waterfalls, small burns and cairns along the way.
Cairns and ruins by the Loch
The edge of Loch Lomond had both an abandoned farm and a bothy, which is a Scots version of a bad weather hut for those on the walk. Bothys are well stocked, and I am sure, greatly appreciated when needed.
Blooms, pollinators and cattle on the WHW
Heath or heather? I think heather, but if you’re interested, check out this information: https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/heather-and-heath/
And of course, the insects love the Devils Bit Scabious.
Did I mention how amazing and colorful the mosses are in Scotland?
The stone walls were everywhere and have lasted for generations.
What’s not love about cattle that look like this?
We’ve still got Day 5 to recount, which was a grueling but captivating 19 mile trip across the moors. Our Day 6 journey begins tomorrow and it feels luxurious to contemplate hiking just under 9 miles. We have 72 miles down and 24 miles and some change to wrap up the West Highlands Way. https://hikescape.org/were-doing-the-96-5-mile-west-highlands-walk-from-milngavie-to-fort-william-join-us-in-our-scottish-highland-trek/
I hope you will join us- Happy Trails!
1 Comment
WHW: Tyndrum-Kingshouse-Kinlochleven-Fort William - HIKEscape · September 23, 2019 at 11:38 pm
[…] This was our longest day- 18.5 miles across glens and Rannoch Moor. The terrain ascends and descends slowly, and it is only the distance, and the uneven path, that presents a challenge. The panoramic views might cause your heart to skip a beat, however. The weather has been beyond our expectations- sunny, highs in the mid 60’s, and thus far, we’ve only had one day with precipitation. https://hikescape.org/whw-rowardennan-to-tyndrum-day-3-4/ […]
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