Day 2 - Balloch to Strathblane

After an AMAZING breakfast at Gowanlea Guest House (yogurt with nuts, seeds, and fruit on top, and scrambled eggs with warm smoked salmon - sorry, Jen – juice, and coffee), I got underway as early as I could, knowing that it would likely take me all day to reach Strathblane, 19 miles away.  Started out going through Balloch Country Park, with ample views of Loch Lomond as I made my way – you guessed it – uphill and out of Balloch.

The first 5 miles or so were on asphalt rural roads.  After a short run through some farmland, the Way split into 2 routes, one for cyclists, the other (a newly established section) for walkers.  This new section takes you through shady forested areas and wide open hills with a reservoir.

Springtime means lambs.  :)

These lambs are brand new.

It’s also 6 miles of (mostly uphill) graveled surface.  This got to be quite painful after a while.  One mile of gravel can be bad enough.  Six?  Freaking BRUTAL.  I was never so happy to see an asphalt surface as I was when that section ended.

I don't know who the creators of this new section of trail found to design the trail surface, but he/she has a gravel fetish.

Yet MORE gravel.  Nice view, though.

Graylag geese, I think.

Linked up with the West Highland Way for about a mile, then continued on into Strathblane, where I spent the night at the 400 year old Kirkhouse Inn.  Upon arrival: shower and cold water soak for my feet (thank goodness for inns with bathtubs).  Pack arranging can wait until the morning.