More Munros : Balloch to Beinnglas Farm

Munros this section :

Ben Lomond

Starting the adventure, in Balloch.

It's adventure time again! It has been a long time... well, the Covid situation in the UK finally seems under control, so I am back, and indeed vaccinated. Travel outside the UK is still dicey, so, Scotland it is... I head for London just as the pubs reopen, time for a beer or two before the overnight bus to Glasgow. 

I'm slightly worried about being turned away from Glasgow, there is some sort of virus hotspot there, but in fact I have no problem quickly transitting to a train, off to Balloch. A nice little place, though I am not staying, I walk straight out, heading for the highlands as of course I am planning to bag some more Munros this trip. Much of this first day is in the lowlands though, it is quite nice to walk through British agricultural country, I've missed it. For most of the day I'm on roads, I do briefly join the West Highland Way, then detour away, before rejoining it for a lovely walk, seven km or so along the banks of Loch Lomond, it certainly is bonny. My campsite is on the lochside too, a beautiful place to stop, I even dip my toes in the water but it is very cold. 

Camped up by Loch Lomond.

Day two, and I keep along Loch Lomond for a little while, keeping to the West Highland Way, before turning uphill for the first Munro of the trip, Ben Lomond. It's a beautiful day for a walk, lovely views of the Loch below me, and fine walking on a well built path right to the top. This was a good idea! Hard work getting up there mind, given I started practically from sea level. On the way down I decide to take a shortcut, first of many I'm sure, yomping down over the bog to rejoin the West Highland Way. Good thing I went a shorter way, I'd expected the Way to be flat along the Loch, but in fact it is a crazy series of up and down. It is past seven by the time I reach camp, still, it has a bar, time for some beer and hearty food, all good.

On top of Ben Lomond.

Photos to go with this post can be found here.