West Highland Way: Conic Hill - Rowardennan
Introduction to the West Highland Way
Packing for the West Highland Way
Glasgow
Milngavie to Conic Hill
Conic Hill to Rowardennan
Rowardennan to Inverarnan
Inverarnan to Tyndrum
Tyndrum to Inveroran
Inveroran to Kingshouse
Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Kinlochleven to Fort William
After a relaxing night under the stars I set off and hit my first climb, Conic Hill.
Conic Hill is the first big climb you will encounter on the West Highland Way. If you decide to climb to the top you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Loch Lomond and Milarrochy Bay.
Conic Hill
Balmaha is the next town and sits just below Conic Hill. The West Higland enters Balmaha via a public car park and to your left is the National Park Centre. The West Highland Way then follows the B837 for about 1 mile.
From here the Way follows the Loch shores and takes you through ancient oak woodlands. Along this stretch there are many beaches and bays which make ideal spots for a break or a photo opportunity.
This section took longer than anticipated and was probably due to the fact this part of the West Higland Way closely follows the meandering Loch shore. I camped about 1 mile north of Rowardennan Lodge at a designated wild camping area.
Camping on the shores of Loch Lomond
The Loch provided water for cooking and an opportunity to freshen up. Anyone not wanting to wild camp has the option of:
- Camping at the 4 Star Cashel Campsite 4 miles south of Rowardennan Lodge
- Staying at the Rowardennan Youth Hostel
- Or continuing past Rowardennan for the Rowchoish Bothy
Rowchoish Bothy