Claire's West Highland Way and Ben Nevis Fundraiser

Yesterday I climbed Dumgoyne, Earl's Seat and walked some of the Stirling Straits. Thankfully, it was a dry day and only slightly warm. Climbing Dumgoyne from the distillery end and coming down the other side is challenging: a particularly steep incline and some parts quite scrambly and slippy with lots of shale and scree. The route round the back to the top of Earl's seat is full of marsh and pits. Coming along the front of the Straits back to Dumgoyne and the descent was much more pleasant!

Continued training for the West Highland Way and Ben Nevis today with a 3am start to climb Ben Lomond. The weather was calm and dry but extremely cold at the top. Met some lovely people and dogs on the way back down and finished the morning with a decent breakfast at the Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha.

After-work 9-mile circuit to Balloch and back. Weather was thankfully much better than last week! Sunny, calm and warmish. Breaking in new boots so they are nice and comfy by September.

10th May 2024: I forgot to update last week.
14 mile evening circuit in the Kilpatricks. Lots of lashing rain, wind, frogs and toads. A good practice run for trying out the head torches in case during the West Highland Way we end up being stuck somewhere unexpectedly in the evening.

Training for the West Highland Way started this weekend with a return 16 mile hike along some of the route from Balmaha to Rowardennan (there and back again, like Bilbo Baggins).