Day 15: Strathblane to Drymen

May 2

Kilometers: 16

Ascent: 148

I don't do well walking up hills, that's why I always keep track of the ascent. So far it's been very flat, but that's about to change. Today the John Muir Way would join the West Highland Way, but first I had a decision to make. Walk up a steep hill or no hill. Walk 1,5 kilometers longer or 1,5 kilometers shorter. No muddy track or muddy track. Well, I'll choose a muddy track over a steep hill most days. So I chose to walk another dismantled railway again, though this one wasn't suggested for walking on the map. But hey, no hill! And no tarmac 😁

Beautiful walk.

A downed tree, not very difficult to pass

This one was trickier. It wasn't until I found a faint path to the right I could pass. It did however involve passing two barbed wire fences and balancing on a narrow ledge next to one of the fences.

Finally I joined the 'real' track and the going got easier. I was now joined by a horde of people. After walking alone for so long it was strange with all these people, but also very nice.

Four West Highland Way walkers in one photo. I lost count of people passing me sometime around 45. And they all pass me, that's how I got my trail name, Low Gear 😂

I'm a real coo. Take my picture.

 My boots got muddy today, but I came prepared with a small brush to clean them, a necessity when hiking in white boots. Not my first choice, but white was the only color I could find.

I'm staying at Drymen Inn tonight. I asked for a quiet room when I booked and was told it wouldn't be a problem 

 I guess they meant 'quiet after closing the pub.