Over the next week I’ll write a post for everyday covering my Scotland tour at the end of April 2024.
Over nine days I’ve visited Loch Lomond, climbed Ben Lomond, camped by Loch Achray, camped in Glenmore, hiked to the summit of Cairn Gorm, walked the old logging way to Aviemore, had a sunny hike up to the summit of Ben Nevis and explored the forests surround Glencoe Lochan.
This post starts at the beginning with getting to Scotland. With a short section of the West Highland Way (only five miles) and a wild camp on the shores of Loch Lomond.
Getting to Scotland
The drive up was ridiculously quick! I managed to get to Loch Lomond in less than five hours and even that was with a couple of stops on the way. Thank you clear motorway!
I was thrown by the small collection of 8 free parking spots next to paid parking which didn’t allow for overnight. Thankfully I bagged a free space and was able to grab my ‘bushcraft’ pack and head off along a stretch of the west highland way. Everyone else I saw on the path was heading all the way to fort William but I did enjoy the little section I took on.
Loch Lomond Camping Pitch
I managed to find a great camping spot, one that had obviously been used a lot before, which had a fire pit ready to go so I got that going before I actually put my tent up.
A beautiful view of the Cobbler across Loch Lomond made this a great way to rest for the evening, on the lower section of the West Highland Way opposite from the village of Tarbet. The camping spot that was outside of the permit area that surrounds the southern section of the Loch. Permits are in place between March and October for most loch side locations in the National Park. If you’re visiting it is worth familiarising yourself with where you want to camp.
Camp Setup
For the first time ever I managed to create a camp which utilised my tarp perfectly. A shelter that covered the door of my little one man tunnel tent with enough space to sit under. There was no rain so I didn’t really need it. I do wonder how it would handle itself against strong winds but I’ve still got a week of testing out different tent setups. I’m sure that they’ll get tested by the elements.
The view of the Cobbler across the water was amazing as the sun set behind it. I found myself staring out it until quite late. That was a bad idea as it meant that my tent was pretty cold. So I pulled out a foil blanket which ended with a transformation into a burrito. I woke up roasting but at least I was well rested.
I will be back to visit Loch Lomond again later this year too. As I am looking to take on the West Highland Way in September.
It was only a small amount of walking involved on my first day, I managed about five miles. There are going to be plenty more miles to get in yet…