Next to Loch Lomond, for some of the path, there is a choice between a low route and a high route. Now, this isn’t the same as the choice you have in the Lake District during the Coast to Coast where the high route takes you high into the hills. No, in this case the guide books say the high route is more suitable for backpackers or cyclists and the low is better if you want to be close to the Loch (I paraphrase here, but it’s something like that).

I’d already decided that I’d take the high route, the same as I did last time, as I like to follow rules and, as I had a heavy backpack,  that was what the books told me to do. I was slightly thinking I should go for the low path for some variation but winter didn’t seem like the time to do that. However, as I met the junction, the signs only pointed to the low route. I can’t remember if in April they pointed both ways, I thought they had, but I didn’t want to risk taking an unsigned route if for some reason that route was closed. So, and I was actually quite pleased about this, I headed along the low path.

It wasn’t in fact too difficult, no harder than a lot of the path along Loch Lomond, but I could see why the advice was there. The high route was definitely easier although not significantly. I did like how it stuck close the the shore line, and if I’d needed to stop for the night there, plenty of nice camping spots.

Much much better

I can’t be sure it was all the work of the blanket, but I had a better nights sleep. It generally didn’t feel quite as cold and there wasn’t ice on the tent so it maybe had just been slightly warmer. Either way, I was happy. It’d been a good nights camping, and even though my watch is still insisting I need to rest, I felt much better for it.

I did wake up a few times in the night but each time I just pulled my quilt around me and got back to sleep. The previous night I ended up outing my coat on and I was still cold, this time i just had my pyjamas on. I would consider it a success.

As I was getting ready in the morning, changing into my walking clothes was easier as well. I didn’t have to build up to it for about an hour. It reminded me of what Willy had said in the cafe about how it takes a couple of days to get into the swing of things. He’s definitely right. It gets easier as you go on.

Stop stopping

I left camp quite early for me, but I do need to get earlier. With the limited daylight, a prompt start would be helpful.

I also need to get out of the habit of stopping every couple of minutes just after I’ve left. My first stop was to fix the tube on my water bottle. It’d become disconnected, which was a simple fix, but still annoying. Also nearly calamitous as while I had the rucksack on the floor, I stepped back to take a photo and my shoelaces caught on my pack and nearly tripped me over. I think that’d be an embarrassing end to the trip.

The other reason I keep on stopping is to check I’ve not left things behind, even when I know I haven’t. When I put tent pegs and poles in the bag I actually said out loud, “you’ve put the pegs and poles in, you don’t need to check again”. It didn’t stop me!

Obstacle course

The path running the length of Loch Lomond really is brilliant. In some places I marvelled at how it has been put together. There are occasional stairs to bridge certain parts, or rocks put down to craft a route. I can’t imagine the effort of creating and maintaining it.

I actually got to talk briefly to one of the team that looked after it. He was doing some work on a bridge and asked me how the path had been and if there’d been any fallen trees. He was real friendly, like everyone I’ve met in Scotland, but I really liked how he congratulated me on trying to walk it in November (best time of year he said) and also that I was camping. He told me that marines do some training here and they find it ‘bloody hard’. I took the compliment and wrote it down.

There is a downside to this section of the trail, especially the second half, in that it’s really hard. I found it difficult today, and although beautiful, I’m glad it’s behind me. I advise anyone walking the West Highland Way to take your time on this bit. The paths later on are easier, and just as stunning.

We have progress

I feel like I worked quite hard today but didn’t really cover many miles. So it was a relief to finally pass my camping spot from my second night in April. I’m probably about 3 miles on from there now so going much slower but the light was fading so I stopped at what is a less than brilliant spot.

I did have to have a stern word with myself near the end of the day though when I stupidly fell over while trying to go under a fallen tree and the a little later slipped on some ice. The fall was actually quite comical as I slowly lowered my knee into a puddle. The ice slip was less fun. Jarred a bit. I’m fine though. Just a warning to be careful. Especially as the forecast is showing another chilly night.

It’s been good

It’s just occurred to me I might be being a little negative. Which really gives the wrong impression, as it’s been a good day.

I’ve enjoyed seeing places again, I’ve seen loads of Robins, I really enjoyed the 5 minutes I took next to a waterfall to fill up my water. That water is so cold and fresh and feels pretty good for getting this far again. I’m feeling good.

Also, it’s been such a quiet day. I’ve seen 6 people all day, and four of them were together. I find it incredible that I have this all to myself.

And last, but by no means least, I’ve spend a whole day walking through undisturbed leaves. They fill the path. I was wondering if they just clear themselves or degrade into the path. Or does someone have to do something with them.

This is what happens when a mind is left to wander all day.