Day-3 Rowardennan to Inverarnan (12 miles)

After a broken nights sleep at the youth hostel, sound really travels at night, it was time for breakfast and to pick up our pack lunches. Leaving the hostel at 8.30, we paused only to drop off our bags in the shed for collection. We then fought our way through the midges and back onto the trail.

Day 3 was to be a tough day of ups and downs, walking or clambering our way along the shores of Loch Lomond, until we climbed up out of the valley, before dropping down to the main road and the historic Drovers Inn.

on the long climb out
of Rowardennan

The morning started easily enough with a steady but not too steep climb, along the forest track. This wound its way through the trees passing many waterfalls along the way. There was a steady drizzle at this stage, so we were all a bit damp and tired. This easy start led us into a false sense of security, for once the track ended the rock climbing and scrambling began.

The path (if you call it that) was heavily eroded in places leading to us having clamber up and down rocks and over tree roots, following the edge of the loch. In some places it seemed more suitable to the feral goats which frequent the area. The one compensation was that once the drizzle lifted the views and weather were even better then yesterday. We continued clambering along the path, still climbing and falling until we reached the Inversnaid Hotel, and its waterfall, at about 11.30 for a well earned rest and lunch.

After lunch the way became even tougher the rocks seemed larger and the tree roots higher as we scrambled slowly along for the next few miles. We eventually stopped at a small inlet for a breather and a drink (of water). The path then left the loch's edge for a while, passing up and over a small climb before returning to the waters edge for one last time.

Having left Loch Lomond for the final time we climbed up and over Crap Mor, before the final long, slow descent to Beinglas Farm and the main road beyond. Arriving at the Drovers Inn (Pub of the year 1750) we found something that wouldn't look out of place in a Hammer Horror Film. The whole building was full of stuffed animals.

The inn that night was crowded, as we settled in for dinner. The locals obviously had an agreement with the bar staff, getting the drinks therefore could take quite a while, once having ordered food and beer we settled in for the night. After the food Debbie & Mike and Matt & Davie joined us for a few bevies and to swop stories. This was to be a late night (later for some then others).