Here we are on day 2 of The West Highland Way, are you just as excited as I am?! This day was by far more beautiful and scenic than the first day. Drymen to Rowdennan, a hard and hilly day, up Conic Hill and then along the side of the angelic Loch Lomond.
Day 2 certainly up’d it’s game by challenging you with, hill after hill. We called them sneaky hills because every time you turned the corner there was another one. Even though as you approach them you think, meh it’s only a little hill, do not be deceived they are hard work!
You will come across your first sighting of Loch Lomond at the beginning of your walk before you tackle Conic Hill. Make sure you get a good look at the beauty that you’re about to walk around because it is stunning.
Conic Hill or Cronic Hill as I liked to call it, was a tough climb. Once you arrive to the top it is totally worth it, although technically going to the top is not part of The West Highland Way. We went up on a warm Sunday afternoon and it was super busy, which kind of ruins it a little in my opinion. I will warn you as well, the midges (as you can see on my youtube video) were in full force right at the top. You probably won’t want to stay up there for a long period of time if they’re out and flying about.
Top tip: take your time coming down the hills because trust me, when you have 5 days left of walking you do not want to knacker your knees in!
After Conic Hill was my favourite part of the walk as you enters the tall woodland trees. The sun peaking through the tops, a major contrast to the openness of your previous ascent. Once you get through the trees you are met with toilets and food, yay! A well deserved rest is on the cards before you start the second part of your walk. In Balmaha you can also spot the famous Tom Weir Statue, an iconic picture spot.
Then you start your wander across the side of Loch Lomond. Coming out of Balmaha it was quite busy, given the sunny day we were blessed with. This then made the side of Loch a popular place for a family day out or a local BBQ by the water. This part wasn’t my favourite purely because of how busy it was at the time, but it didn’t take away from how tranquil Loch Lomond is.
Day 2 round up; hills, hills and more hills. Beautiful scenes of the Loch from all angles. Iconic Tom Weir picture opportunity and make sure you take your bug spray for the midges at the top of Conic Hill.
This is just the beginning of the walk, wait till you see the true highlands! Each day is totally different and brings different challenges, which is one thing I love about The Way.
Head over to my Youtube Channel to check out Part 2 of West Highland Wednesdays, you won’t want to miss it.
Always wandering,
Danielle x
The Wandering Wilson 