Scottish Garelochhead 2 Day Marches - Day 1
Distance 46.6km Climb 660m
Saturday 4 May 2019
To take part in the 2019 Nijmegen Marches you need to take part and pass a qualifying march. As in previous years we were at Garelochhead to join in the Scottish Garelochhead 2 Day Marches. This was another last chance to take part in the Nijmegen Marches, so I was pleased when Tim asked me if I would be interested. The last time I did this walk was in 2017. At the bottom of the page are links to all my previous walks on the Scottish Garelochhead 2 Day March.
The weather was bright and sunny, with a little cool early morning breeze as, Tim, our new friend Frans and I, lined up ready for the start. The map showed we would be following the same route as in previous years.
From the camp gates we crossed onto the main road, A814 and turned left and marched up the hill travelling North.
After approximately 1 km we passed a roundabout and we started down hill slightly, turning towards the North West. This roundabout was a welcome feature over the next two days.
At the bottom of the bank we reached another roundabout where we took the right turn continuing on the A814 towards Arrochar, heading back towards a more Northerly direction.
The route took us passed The Green Kettle Inn before heading down hill under a railway bridge towards Loch Long.
There were a couple of twists and turns on our way down hill before we reached the Loch side. This looks an interesting building with a cone shaped roof, pity about the storage tank.
We would follow the edge of Loch Long for approx the next 5.5km. Passing a couple of people getting ready to dive into the clear water of the Loch.
After approx 5.5km we reached a jetty that on my previous walk along here in 2017 was set up as a film set. With old vehicles and the back of an animal in one of the trailers, for a Jurassic Park film.
Across the road from the jetty entrance the route turns right and we started walking up the hill in an Easterly direction. A very steep, long hill.
Tall trees stood on either side of the road. As we climbed a large fence appeared on our right hand side, and thoughts were exchanged regarding what type of creature that may have needed a fence as large as this to keep it secure.
As the road levelled we came out from the trees and into bright sunlight. Although sunny the temperature was still pleasant, nice for walking.
At the top we reached the first rest stop.
After a short rest we set off again. We were now heading in an Easterly direction along Glen Douglas. The route along here is best described as rolling, fairly flat in places with a little bit of up and down.
As we walked along I could hear a cuckoo to our left. After a few hundred meters it was joined by a cuckoo, somewhere to our right. You could hear it for miles calling across the Glen.
After a few km the route starts down hill and we caught our first glimpses of Loch Lomond.
As the road dropped and turned a little, looking to our left Frans pointed out Ben Lomond.
The route then took us down a fairly steep bank and we crossed this bridge over Douglas Water.
Passing by Inverbeg Galleries, and Inverbeg Inn we turned down a twisty footpath that took us under the A82 road and onto a path that ran next to Loch Lomond.
Across Loch Lomond we could see Conic Hill increasing in size the further South we walked. Frans and I talked about our own individual experiences of Conic Hill when walking the West Highland Way. I first walked it in 2009 alone, then again with Anne and David in 2012. Frans has completed The Way more recently.
We were heading South towards Luss which was approx 5km from where we joined the loch side path. On our arrival we were greeted with cheers and hand clapping. This was the second rest stop and so we stopped for lunch.
Once we had fed and completed our admin we continued heading South. Leaving Luss on the Old Military Road we passed a large Hotel. I had forgotten, in previous years we have seen wedding parties arrive at the hotel. When we were further down the road I looked back and saw a wedding party arrive today keeping in with that tradition.
We were heading South towards Luss which was approx 5km from where we joined the loch side path. On our arrival we were greeted with cheers and hand clapping. This was the second rest stop and so we stopped for lunch.
Once we had fed and completed our admin we continued heading South. Leaving Luss on the Old Military Road we passed a large Hotel. I had forgotten, in previous years we have seen wedding parties arrive at the hotel. When we were further down the road I looked back and saw a wedding party arrive today keeping in with that tradition.
We followed the Old Military Road passing picturesque cottages and the little statue in the Loch, the locals call "Wee Peter". Checking the internet on returning home I saw there is no real explanation about "Wee Peter" and how he came to be standing there.
The Old Military Road turns right to join the A82 as we continued South passing the gates of the Loch Lomond golf
course. Turning onto a footpath that runs to the right of these gates.
A last look at Conic Hill before we followed the footpath up onto the A82.
After a few hundred meters along the A82, we arrived at the
police escort who were stopping the traffic to allow us and the other groups to cross the
road onto the A817 the Glen Fruin Haul Road.
Once over the A82 the route is now west moving up, up and then up again.
We settled into a nice steady pace and soon reached the last rest stop of the day.
We were now on the final stage for today March. From here the road is on the whole level, with a few parts that were a little up and down. Again what could be described as rolling.
From the rest stop, once over the crest of the hill we could see the finish, although it looks close there are still a few kms to go. The views of the hills surrounding us they were stunning.
After a few kms we could hear a cuckoo. Question, was it the same cuckoo following us or another? I must admit they all sound the same.
A couple of steep drops and climbs then the end came in sight again, although closer than before, we still had a couple of kms to do.
A last steep slope down as we dropped back to the roundabout on the A814 that we had passed near the
start of our walk.
Turn left down hill and there was just less than a km to go. It was all down
hill now, followed by a right turn and a small climb up to the camp gates.
This was the end of Day 1, 46.6km and a climb of 660m. It had been a great day with Tim and Frans, Thank you.
Now it was a return to the block for admin. A few stretches on the grass outside before a quick shower. Then prepare my kit for tomorrow followed by dinner then some rest ready to do it all again the next day.
More to follow
Details correct at time of walking.
If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done on The Garelochhead Scottish 2 Days Marches or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.
Follow link to Day 2 2019
Follow link to Day 1 2017
Follow link to Day 1 2014Follow link to Day 1 2013
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