Photograph Gallery Stage 25 Milton of Buchanan to Hillfoot
Photograph Gallery Stage 25 Milton of Buchanan to Hillfoot, Friday 17th June 2011
The Story:
Today the weather was awful, dreary throughout and I got thoroughly drenched. After the efforts of the last four days and the miles done my feet were holding out well but I knew pain wasn’t far away. However I was determined to regain the three days I was behind schedule by the end of today and I was resolved to do it. So I put on all the rain gear, took to the road and with Lil in staunch support I set off. Milton of Buchanan to Drymen was just short of three miles. I put my head down, walked, and was in Drymen in one hour. We had breakfasted at the cafe in the village. I stopped there again on my passage through for a refreshment drink and a temporary dry out. Fifteen minutes later I was off again. Following the last miles of the West Highland Way I just walked and walked and walked in the atrocious conditions, meeting up with Lil where roads crossed for ten minute sit downs and dry outs before stomping off again. At Easter Carbeth I asked her to meet me in Milngavie at the end of the West Highland Way for the obligatory photo shoot. You would have thought the rain would relents just a little to let me celebrate. Not a hope, it poured and poured and without taking in much of the beautiful scenery of Mugdock Wood I pressed on into Milngavie and insisting on just a little ceremony Lil took photos if me smiling at the end of the West Highland Way. Then we quickly dived into a cafe for a drink and dry out. Only then did it stop raining; while we were in the cafe. Sod’s Law.
There was another cause for celebration in Milngavie. I had caught up the three days lost. Buoyed by the double achievement I pressed on toward Glasgow City. I walked along city streets for a mile and a bit to Hillfoot Station. Now I was ahead of the itinerary!
Footnote:
The West Highland Way is a wonderful long distance footpath with many highlights. I really enjoyed my journey on it from north to south with the high moor entry to Kinlochleven being the first. Then the highland crossing to the Pass of Glencoe was brilliant and the first view of Buachaille Etive Mor was a breathtaking experience. I will never forget that. Following on the crossing of Rannoch Moor in the best weather conditions allowing me such widespread views was another day I will never forget. Admittedly the section from Tyndrum to Glen Falloch was dreary but what followed to Inversnaid was both visually inspiring and mindblowing, especially the hair raising final miles on the edge of the seat path. From Inversnaid to Rowardennan there was nothing but enjoyment and then the marvelous woodland sections to Pass of Balmaha. The weather spoilt my enjoyment of the last section but the thrill of walking into Milngavie heightened the whole experience of the walk. I loved the West Highland Way.
Finally, a special thank-you to all the fantastic people I met on the way, the ladies on my walk to Kinlochleven, Ron who accompanied me from Kinlochleven, the family of five on Devils Staircase, Tom and Gail near Inveranan and the many others who I spoke with. Thank you one and all.
The Photographs:
On the road again
The Buchanan Arms in Drymen was home for three nights
Smiling despite the rain
The road went on.....
....and on......
and on
Beef to the heels
The track at Craigallian
Mugdock Wood
Not far to go on the West Highland Way now
Pleased at finishing the West Highland Way
To the city