13.1 miles ascent 953′ descent 950′
With much anticipation, we grabbed our backpacks, bid good-bye to Glasgow and took a short taxi ride to the West Highland Way trailhead in Milngavie.
Within minutes we left the hustle-bustle of the city behind us and soon headed out on a flat, though winding path that cut through the lush Mugdock Woods. Entering this wood, the bird chatter was lovely. The cookoo birds seemed to follow us all day long, singing just like the cookoo clock in my living room.
An array of wildflowers were on display as we carried on.
The trail wound through fields of gorse in full bloom. As we continued, the knobbly hill, Dumgoyne, loomed upon the scene. We were able to see this volcanic plug for most of the rest of the day.
Soon we began a slow descent to a stream with banks blanketed in wild garlic. The appealing aroma of garlic was evident. The Way now was along a straight path which followed the creek known as Strath Blane. We passed by the Glengoyne Distillery that I am sure was a distraction to a number of walkers!
Further down the path we met up with John Muir who was born in Scotland, but lived most of his life just a few miles from my home in California!
We thought about grabbing a few snacks at this honesty baking shed – a sample of such offerings sometimes available along the trail. However, we had earlier encountered and stopped at “The Turnip the Beet” sandwich shop which was full of delicious treats and were no longer hungry.
After a bit of climbing we emerged onto a ridge that gave us our first glimpse of Loch Lomond. We would become very familiar with this lake over the next several days.
Soon the trail dropped us down into the village of Drymen. Our home for the night, The Buchanan Arms, offered a basic, but pleasant stay. The best part was a hot tub and sauna!