Читать книгу Not the West Highland Way. Diversions over mountains, smaller hills or high passes for 8 of the WH Way's 9 stages онлайн

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After passing above Ptarmigan Lodge, the WH Way divides. The main route continues along the vehicle track, 50–100m above the loch. The going is easy, but uninteresting; there are occasional views of the water. The little-used alternative path turns down to the lochside, with a solitary waymark post at the bottom. It continues along the shore, and is not easy at all. In fact it allows you to re-enact the lochside journey of September 1716 made by Montrose’s redcoats on their way to raid Rob Roy at Inversnaid. The redcoats did it from Drymen overnight, in a rainstorm; but even by daylight it’s something of a struggle. However, it can be enjoyed by those not trying to cross it quickly.

WH Way path beside Loch Lomond

After 4km the lower path passes Rowchoish bothy, and soon after that rejoins the track above. This track shrinks to a wide, well-made path, and descends to the shoreline at Cailness. Here the high line over Ben Lomond rejoins the WH Way.

The final 3km to Inversnaid is a ramble along the shoreline. The path is well made but not too well made, winding under oak trees and stepping over a boulder. There are glimpses across the loch to the Cobbler and the other Arrochar hills. Even on a dismal wet day there’s shelter under the trees and the sound of waves along the shoreline, not to mention the warm Inversnaid Hotel just ahead. It’s a delightful moment of the Way: and one quite different from the various mountain moments still to come.