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 stone...