Drymen to permitted wild camp next to Loch Lomond.

Day 2 was the first of two days walking beside Loch Lomond.

It would also be the first day I’d wake up in a tent and then go to sleep in it since I was a child going car camping.

The route starts at Drymen and ends at Rowardennan but I was aiming for a permit only wild camp spot by the side of the loch just before Rowardennan.

A map shows the starting point of the day whilst I point to my intended destination, Lochan Maoil Dhuinne, a permitted wild camp spot on the shores of Loch Lomond.

After the trail through Garadhban forest the route went over Conic Hill, which had been closed off earlier in the year to repair the path.

Large white bags filled with rocks are placed along a dirt path on a hill overlooking a scenic view of Loch Lomond and distant mountains.

It’s re-opened now but the path is still being worked on.

A digging machine is parked about half way up the side of the hill, with lots of bags of rocks visible.

I met a lot of cyclists pushing their bikes up the other side who probably weren’t too pleased about that.

There was a constant stream of people heading to the summit, and then onto a lower plateau to get a better view of the loch.

Auto-generated description: A group of people stand atop a grassy, gently sloping hill under a partly cloudy sky.

Because the views were worth it.

Auto-generated description: A serene landscape showing a large lake with several forested islands and lush green hills under a cloudy sky.

Coming down the other side of the hill the path went through a peaceful forest,

Auto-generated description: Four people with backpacks are walking down a forest path surrounded by tall trees.

where I stopped to listen to the birds,

before continuing on to Balmaha where I grabbed some sandwiches.

Met Tim 👋, who is also walking the West Highland Way, and then another week long trip, and then maybe the length of Britain, which is three and a half months of walking. Hope you enjoy it Tim that sounds like a hell of a challenge.

A statue of Tom Weir, dressed in outdoor attire, stands by a stone wall overlooking a scenic lake with boats and surrounded by lush greenery and wooded hills.

Learnt a bit about Tom Weir. He championed the outdoors in Scotland and I guess, even if indirectly, helped with the formation of routes like the West Highland Way. Thanks Tom.

Auto-generated description: A picturesque scene of a lakeside area includes people sitting near the water, ducks swimming, boats anchored, and a lush green hill under a partly cloudy sky.

Topped up my water at a free tap.

Auto-generated description: A blue water refill station is situated on a sidewalk beside a road, with a hillside and buildings in the background.

These should be everywhere.

Then onto the loch-side trail, which was tough, full of tree roots and would go up one minute just to go back down again a minute later.

This will feature again in day 3, so I’ll leave it out for now.

Auto-generated description: A charming stone cottage, covered in greenery, is nestled in a lush, well-manicured garden surrounded by tall trees.

Saw a pretty cottage.

Then more undulating path.

Then eventually I saw the sign for the permitted camp spot,

Auto-generated description: A trail sign in a wooded area provides information about Loch an Eilein, with a dirt path leading into the forest.

and I’m not joking when I say I ran for it.

Well, I tried to. I managed about three strides before my legs reverted back to walking again. I was exhausted. It was a good sign to see.

Not long after the tent was pitched. I enjoyed my themed beer from Balmaha, held off the midges for a while and then went to bed.

I hold a can of beer, called The West Highland Way, and brewed by Loch Lomond Brewery. In the background is my tent pitched amongst the trees with Loch Lomond visible behind the trees.

Drymen to Lochan Maol Dhuinne: 23km