A good sleep and a hearty breakfast set us all up for the second day of walking. The weather was good which was a bonus but not too hot to drain us of energy. We were soon off the road and heading up hill through trees and some stunning views, especially as we came in sight of Loch Lomond. Drs Crerar and Metze decided to take the route up Conic Hill while Dr Roexe and myself took the low road to Balmaha in order to preserve feet from too many blisters and knees/ankles from too many aches. The low road probably wasn't as scenic and much of it was along a road but we arrived in Balmaha with plenty of rest time before the others caught up with us.
Lunch in the local hostelry recharged the batteries somewhat and we were ready to set off on the next part of the journey. The Scholarship of the Way were in good spirits and as our overnight accommodation was actually en route to Rowardennan we decided to call ahead to see if we could drop off our backpack as we passed to save us carrying them the last few miles.
This was an excellent plan as it turned out. The last part of the day's walk was harder with lots of up and down climbing. On one particularly horrible, stepped section I was despairing (and swearing) when Dr Crerar had the most excellent idea of naming each step after a Cabinet member. As a consequence there are now steps on the Way that will forever be called F*cking Michael Gove, F*cking Theresa May, F*cking David Davis, Boris f*cking Johnston etc (there were a lot of steps and all were named!) Each step got a whack with my walking poles (named Biff and Boff) as we named them. It was surprisingly therapeutic and morale boosting.
The Clansman in Rowardennan provided a welcome retreat for food and beer at the end of the day before Ivor from the B&B we were staying in came to collect us to take us to our very welcome overnight rest on the shores of the loch. Ivor and his wife Izzi were fabulous hosts and after what was undoubtedly the best breakfast on the walk, Ivor dropped us back in Rowardennan the next morning with packed lunches provided by Izzi. I heartily recommend staying at Anchorage Cottage with Ivor and Izzi (and Haggis the cat) if you are in that neck of the woods. You will have a warm welcome and a very comfortable stay. http://www.anchoragecottage.co.uk/
No comments:
Post a Comment