Day 1 on the West Highland Way

As expected, day 1 was a relatively gentle introduction to the West Highland Way.

There was some showers, but yesterday’s comically heavy rain stayed away.

Transport was cheap and free, again in stark contrast to the unexpectedly high cost of a taxi from Glasgow Airport to the city of Milngavie.

It wouldn’t be a long distance hike unless I got lost at least once. We came across a fork in the road about 2km in and decided to take the main road. A quick check with FarOut showed we were off base. Instead of retracing our steps, we walked down the hill to the trail.

Once we were back to normal, we did a slightly paranoid check to make sure no ticks had joined us, but everything seemed safe.

No incidents thereafter.

Given the absence of snakes, it was safe to walk around with two EarPods. I alternated between inspirational music, the Hallow app, and, appropriately enough, the audiobook of the Outlander series.

At several stages I found myself in such a good mood (this really is a great way to spend a Monday morning) that I risked singing out loud with the music in my ears.

I thought I was a safe distance from people, but every time I tried this, Patrick’s head would immediately turn and look at me accusingly.

I mean, why wouldn’t you sing “The Black Hills of Dakota” while walking through the Scottish countryside?

An early lunch break with Shetland ponies arrived, but so far no sign of Highland cows.

The “caution, nesting aggressive haggis” signs I have seen in some videos were also absent.

We arrived at the Drymen Inn, our base for the night, at around 2.45pm.

I obediently did some stretches.

This definitely seems like a hike to do NOBO. The landscape develops progressively as you move towards the north. I trust that it will improve every day.

Well deserved dinner

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