After yesterdays great day, today would be a stunning scenery experience.
Once again the weather was mixed; showery and breezy with blue sky and sunshine underneath the white and grey clouds! Rubbly lanes through Buchanan Smithy took me int
o a forestry plantation to rejoin the WHW along undulating tracks to eventually emerge onto open heather clad moor and then climb up and around Conic Hill. The weather turned a little bit sour with fresh breeze and a shower. A school party gave me a round of applause as I successfully completed the run over the top - they are walking the trail so I'll probably see them on a couple of occasions before Fort William!
The good news is that my leg injury seems to have healed itself as I have no more pain ei
ther running on the road or running downhill (hoorah) so I was able to fully enjoy the journey back down and through the woods into Balmaha where I stopped for lunch - another £5.00 donation. The trail then hugged the banks of Loch Lomond which, at 27 square miles is Britain's largest stretch of inland water. The views were absolutely stunning and changed round every corner with the loch being flanked by huge pine covered hills. The trail ran through woodland and along the shores itself so a mix of sand, stones and undulating soil tracks. There were loads of places where "off piste" camping was allowed, evidence by the many fire rings dotted along the way. If this is a signal of things to come then I am in for a very enjoyable journey indeed over the next few days.
Mileage 14.64 time 3.26
Once again the weather was mixed; showery and breezy with blue sky and sunshine underneath the white and grey clouds! Rubbly lanes through Buchanan Smithy took me int
o a forestry plantation to rejoin the WHW along undulating tracks to eventually emerge onto open heather clad moor and then climb up and around Conic Hill. The weather turned a little bit sour with fresh breeze and a shower. A school party gave me a round of applause as I successfully completed the run over the top - they are walking the trail so I'll probably see them on a couple of occasions before Fort William!The good news is that my leg injury seems to have healed itself as I have no more pain ei
ther running on the road or running downhill (hoorah) so I was able to fully enjoy the journey back down and through the woods into Balmaha where I stopped for lunch - another £5.00 donation. The trail then hugged the banks of Loch Lomond which, at 27 square miles is Britain's largest stretch of inland water. The views were absolutely stunning and changed round every corner with the loch being flanked by huge pine covered hills. The trail ran through woodland and along the shores itself so a mix of sand, stones and undulating soil tracks. There were loads of places where "off piste" camping was allowed, evidence by the many fire rings dotted along the way. If this is a signal of things to come then I am in for a very enjoyable journey indeed over the next few days.Mileage 14.64 time 3.26
3 comments:
Hi Carole,
Glad you had a birthday to remember and hope you took time to really enjoy your birthday cake. The plant with the huge leaves looks almost tropical (are you sure you're in Scotland?)
You're really in the heart of Scotland now surrounded by water and mountains, the scenery must be breathtaking.
Good news about the leg, you can start to enjoy this stage of the journey. If you strick lucky might even see a Golden Eagle.
Best foot forward
Pat
Hi Carole
Glad the leg is better, I'm sure that's a weight off your mind with the Scottish terrain to come.
Only two weeks to go, how scary is that. I guess you'll be working on your next challenge soon.
Have fun in the highlands
Phil
Hey Carole
Two weeks to go....unbelievable!
So pleased your leg is ok!! The scottish tourist board should be giving you a commission..... Scotland looks so beautiful the photos are wonderful, so many will be inspired!!
Hey what a birthday!!
Take care, looking forward to celebrating on your return.......keep out of them tunnels Love Jax x
Post a Comment