Day 1: Milngavie to Drymen
Distance: 18km
It was a bittersweet moment to arrive at the terminus that morning. Approaching the pillar with the West Highland Way symbol evoked an emotion that was unexplainable. Standing there, I had an all encompassing revelation of being complete, and yet, the journey had not even started yet. The sheer numbers of months of planning that went into that moment were simply a blip of the past. From that moment on, over the 96 miles to come, none of that planning mattered. Period. The trip was going to be fully mine. And, everything to come, was going to be experienced with gratitude, acceptance, and fulfillment.
I touched the terminus pillar and crossed under the banner archway. The first few steps along the walkway of highlight points sure felt familiar. Maybe that had something to do with all of the YouTube videos I watched during my planning stage. But, needless to say, I felt at home. Like I was meant to be there. A true member of the family. The first several kilometers were mainly wide tract and were surrounded by the noises of civilization. Being Friday, many were working and so the natural sounds of a working city became the symphony and part of the experience.
Approaching the 5km mark, I passed the Craigallian Loch. A cute pond-like loch that presented the first introduction to nature’s beauty that was yet to come. The Craigallian Fire Monument topped off this moment. A small bench alongside the monument, beckoning those who walked past to stop, take a moment, and reflect on the history of this location. The memorial marks an informal meeting place from the 1920s, during the Depression, where passers-by would come to escape that of the Great Depression in Glasgow. I could feel the earth’s energy reverberating with the reflections of the conversations that had taken place there all throughout history. And, I was even lucky enough, to have a conversation of my own with fellow women hikers.
Turning right off Cuilts Road, I was greeted by a majestic view of pastures below the hill of Dumgoyach. A companion that would stay with me for the next few hours. With the beginnings of sore and tired feet, I joined up with the old Blane Valley Railway, which oddly enough was one of my guesses for the brick structures I saw along the way. A nice flat section of the day, which was welcoming to my body. The heat was beginning to build and not having done a lot of training, my feet were telling me already that they were tired and needed a break.
The Beech Tree Inn is located at the 11.3km mark and has a vast menu of options. Food for all, regardless of diet preferences, as well as some sweets and cold ice cream options. The wild ponies were pretty cute too. Despite the yumminess that was before me, I had another destination in mind that I did not want to miss out on. Approximately 1km later, I arrived at the long anticipated Turnip the Beet. An all plant based restaurant with a menu to die for. These little gem restaurants are always a special moment for plant based eaters, like myself. I found myself standing there, truly struggling with what to order. I honestly even debated ordering several items and then attempting to pack them away into my pack for later. An option I knew was not a good idea and so, opted to ask for their top two menu items as choices. Based on their recommendation, I enjoyed a scrumptious chickpea salad wrap with an arugula salad and a sparkling water on the side. I am not one to take pictures of my food but do regret not grabbing a snap of this heavenly dish.
Stomach satisfied, feet somewhat rested, facilities used, I donned my backpack and headed on. With tired and unhappy feet, I knew my goal of reaching the 20km mark today was not going to happen. I would be lucky to get to Drymen, which was still another 5km away. Thankfully, the walking was fairly simple. Easy trails, with minimal ups and downs, followed by a lengthy and exposed road walk, I arrived at Drymen camping around 3pm.
Drymen camping was a luxury I was not expecting to have on my first night. Since it was so early in the day, I had the pick of the field and chose the best I could, keeping in mind more tents were coming. My newly purchased and not yet tried Durston X-Mid Pro 1 was calling my name from deep inside my pack. Begging to be set up so I could lay down and relax for a while. Surprisingly, I had zero issues setting up my humble abode for the evening and within a half an hour or so, my “house” had been created.
Drymen camping would turn out to be a top contender for favourite spots to set up shop for the night as the facilities were fantastic! A rating of 10/10, there was nothing to complain about! The barn had plenty of space to cook food, chill at the picnic tables and relax. The showers were so clean that when in them I did not feel like I was camping at all. It could have easily been mistaken for a bathroom in a decent hotel. Their charging station and Wi-Fi was easily accessible and very reliable. The host was pleasant and I listened to him welcome each patron with the same enthusiasm, even though he had explained the same details upwards of 20 times that night (and likely 100s more if you take into account the whole season). I would definitely recommend this spot as a first night stay to anyone heading out on this journey.
Day 1 of this journey really was full of extraordinary moments and hidden gems of beauty. I mention in my video at the pace of other hikers and how fast they were. I wonder how many of them actually noticed the beauty that surrounded them. Or, did they just walk right by with nothing but the destination in mind. The purple flowers took my breath away. The landscape of the hills and valleys around me filled me with such joy that I couldn’t contain inside of me. And with a joyful song as I walked, I curled up in my tent for the night in awe of the day and experienced tangible anticipation for what was to come….
DanCyn' Adventures 