(Pete Ellis writes)
Tuesday 3rd May, 8 intrepid Canadians (4 Parkers and 4 Wallaces) plus Pete arrive at the start point of the West Highland Way in Milngavie. The arrival, 10am, had been delayed by pressing business at a well-known supermarket. Being soon after Easter, it appears that chocolate mini-eggs were on special offer and a substantial supply was bought up for the week.


At Milngavie, ready to hit the trail

So, after the usual photo-call, off we set in glorious sunshine. A gentle first day soon saw us in Drymen.

Wednesday also dawned bright and sunny, and after a short diversion in Garadhban Forest, the whole group made it to the top of Conic Hill for a splendid view over Loch Lomond. Well done to Les and Bill, who have now summited two hills in Europe!


Approaching Conic Hill and Loch Lomond

After a leisurely lunch, the woods beside Loch Lomond proved more taxing than expected, not helped by the leader saying ‘this is the last little bit of up’ only to find another little bit of up around the next corner. Fortunately the said leader found a pair of earmuffs hanging from a tree, which were put to very good use when the barracking started (I must remember to take them on future trips!).


Loch Lomond in evening light

Thursday, and along the shores of Loch Lomond. Three days on the trail, and still no rain – could it last? The ambiance of the Drovers’ Inn was enjoyed in the evening.

Friday: not so sunny but still dry. A small area of mud/muck was encountered which necessitated the leader applying the earmuffs for a while until things had quietened down. The chocolate mini-eggs were still being liberally distributed.

Saturday: a long day ahead, 30km from Tyndrum to Kingshouse. An unpromising start (light showers) soon improved to give a largely dry day. In the afternoon, a long and loud rumble of thunder caused a quickening of the pace, but the dark clouds over the Blackmount hills fortunately didn’t amount to anything: Rannoch Moor is not the best place to be in a thunderstorm! A very welcome drink was enjoyed at the Kingshouse, before transferring to the Clachaig for the night.


At Ba Bridge on Rannoch Moor

Sunday: pretty wet, but only a short day so plenty of time in Kinlochleven to dry out. Luckily, the rain and clouds held off for long enough to get a good view of Ben Nevis from the top of the Devil’s Staircase. With the rain falling, there wasn’t much interest in hearing about Patrick MacGill and the hard life of the navvies that built the Blackwater dam in the early 1900s.


Belted Galloways, that distinctive breed

Monday: showers again, but views in between. And soon we were strolling down Fort William’s High Street to the new finish of the West Highland Way in Gordon Square – and the man will still be sat on the bench rubbing his foot!

So, another good week amongst the mountains of Scotland, with the usual mix of Scottish weather. And thanks to a great group of clients: we had a load of fun, lots of banter, a few cuckoo impressions, and we consumed 27 packets of chocolate mini-eggs. Is that a record?

West Highland Way - our WHW trek, available guided in 2012