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Day 74: Drymen to Cashel Campsite (10 miles)

I left this lovely B&B at 9:20 having chatted to Jane who generously donated the income from car parking for those walking West Highland Way (WHW) to my justgiving page.

As I walked away from Shannon Farm, I saw my first deer in the field. The road took me back up to the WHW, and for a while went through first coniferous and then native woodland. Breaking out onto moorland it was a pleasure to hear a skylark and notice tormentil and ling among the flowers. 

Loch Lomond came back into view with Conic Hill looming up in front. The path gradually climbed up its flank until steepening up over the shoulder with stunning views now (at 11:20) into the Highlands. I passed the optional short route going up to the summit - day trippers as well as those following the Way were choosing to go there - I chose to descend down towards Balmaha. The views were excellent from where I was standing and I could see a band of rain approaching.

The descent though steep is well paved with regular stones giving plenty of options for the depth of step you take. I was impressed with the work done. The rain stayed light so I was back amongst trees before I decided to put my jacket on but quickly came to Balmaha (12:15) and stopped for a coffee to allow the rain to go through. In the end it quickly cleared and I was able to sit outside enjoying the sun.

The next stretch was a joy - the path closely followed the loch shore apart from a climb up to the viewpoint at Craigie Fort, and the views were beautiful. Further woods took me to Milarochy and a long curving beach. Another squall of rain, this time a little more persistent, occurred again while I was going through woods - the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park - so I benefited from the shelter of the trees, while listening to the persistent call of a cuckoo. The path descended again to the lochside and Cashel campsite.  

I chose to pitch close to the shore, risking exposure to the wind which was in any case forecast to die down during the evening...Not yet a while! I had just pitched when the most persistent squall of the day arrived but I was chuffed that the tent stood up to this just fine and I was able to get the bedding sorted whilst the rain passed through. A stroll along the shore, reading and cooking supper would keep me entertained until bed. Gazing up the loch to the higher mountains and anticipating the next few days would keep me well-satisfied!














Location: Cashel Campsite, Cashel Campsite, Rowardennan, Glasgow G63 0AW, UK

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 29, 2025 at 10:41 AM

    By now you will be well past Loch Lomond and I have been watching the forecast and hoping the worst showers have passed you by. Martin will soon be with you, so I hope this will mean a lighter pack, though it won't reduce the distance!
    Much love Dad xxx

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