This is what the young Scottish girl said to me today along the West Highland Way. She’s from Edinburgh and we struck up a conversation. This was her first time walking the trail.
I commented on the fabulous weather and she replied, “I think Scotland must be drunk!” I’m pretty sure I’ll never forget this comment!
Day 2 brought fabulous weather. Nary a cloud in the sky. So atypically Scottish!
But let me back up.
I started reasonably early again, at just a bit before 9am. I was up and ready to go knowing I had a few more miles to get through today and that it would be more challenging than day 1.
I left the B&B about 8:30ish but it was a walk back to the trail. So it was 8:50 or so when I was officially back on the trail.
The trail starts off gently enough through pasture land then you go through some forested areas. Then you begin to catch those glimpses of Loch Lomond.
The beginning of the walk on Day 2
First views of Loch Lomond
And on a day like today it was nothing short of stunning.
Soon enough you cross through the sheep fields and then the fun begins.
For you see today brought lots of climbing up, then descending down.
Looking up at Conic Hill. Look closely and you can see the trail!
First up was going up Conic Hill. Now you don’t quite summit but you do get close.
So up and up you go and the higher you climb, and the more west the trail goes, the more you take in Loch Lomond which is gorgeous.
Loch Lomond from the Conic Hill shoulder — stunning views!
As you make your way down, the views are simply spectacular. Seriously. I’ve seen some amazeball places so far and this area is up at the top of the list without a doubt.
But it’s a long way down from Conic Hill with lots of steep descent and then stairs as you go down further, so you need to pay attention.
The views of Loch Lomond as you descend from Conic Hill — lots of folks do this hike as a day walk from Balmaha
Once at the bottom you end up in the town of Balmaha which is right on the shores of Loch Lomond. From here it was time skirting around the lake and through the trees.
Entering into Queen Elizabeth Forest Park — gorgeous forest
But you climb yet again through the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. At one point where the guide-book says something like, “a punishing little climb” I thought, “little?”
The “punishing little climb” as you get toward the end of the day
I can’t complain though. The day was so gorgeous. I actually think I got some sun on my face and arms.
While it was a far more challenging day being just a bit longer and having much more climbing and descending to it, the day was wonderful. I kept smiling as the scenery was just so stunning. Lots of photos for sure as the West Highland Way is not disappointing in the scenery department.
Walking through the forest toward the end of the day
I would like to point this out — I know how lucky I got with the weather. I cannot imagine making some of the climbs or descents in bad weather. It would suck.
So here’s hoping for more dry days like these last 2. And especially sunny days like today. Forecast looks good!
