WHW
Reccy 2009
Report
by Michael O'Connor |
The
weather forecast had given me some cause for concern in the days
prior to the run, but we were lucky and it turned out to be perfect
weekend for running. Shane and I set off from Edinburgh at 9.30
a.m. and drove through to Balloch, stopping en-route at Roots and
Fruits in Great Western Road. Arriving in Balloch we located the
bus station and made our way to Loch Lomond Shores for a cup of
tea. Back at the bus station we saw Richard, waiting for the 12.03
p.m. 309 bus to Balmaha. Safely on board the bus, we arrived in
Balmaha by 12.30 p.m. It was then time for another cup of tea and
some lunch in the Oak. We started running at just after 1pm. |
Outside the Oak in Balmaha |
A
7 mile run to Rowardennan was just enough effort to justify a stop
in the pub for another quick drink.
Onward to Inversnaid where en-route there was time for some cross
training on an abandoned bicycle. We were not the only runners out
enjoying the Way on Saturday, Ritchie Cunningham, from Carnegie,
who had run from Milngavie earlier in the day, ran with us until
we reached Inversnaid. A short break at Inversnaid and then onwards
to Ben Glas campsite, stopping briefly at Doune Bothy.
About
here Michael showed off his cycling skills
|
By
the
Rowardennan Hotel |
|
It
was getting dark and quite chilly by the time we arrived at the
campsite. The campsite shop was closed, which was not surprising
at this time of year, but there was still warmth and shelter to
be found in an out building. Emergency food consumed we pressed
onwards, hoping to arrive in Crianlarich before 9pm, so that we
would be able to get something substantial to eat. |
Doune Bothy |
Alas,
our lack of urgency earlier in the day meant that we were unable
to make up the time and despite heroic efforts we arrived in Crainlarich
at just after 9.00p.m. It would perhaps be a sweeping generalisation
to say that there is no food available in the Scotland north of
Balloch after 9 p.m., but it is certainly the case in Crainlarich.
Shane and I ran from hotel, to pub and finally restaurant vainly
seeking sustenance. The impression we were left with was that the
chef at each of these establishments has a car with a getaway driver
gunning the engine, which he dives into, a la Starkey and Hutch,
at the stroke of 9. Luckily Richard had packed some bacon for breakfast,
so we had a modest dinner cooked up in the hostel kitchen prior
to retiring to the Rod and Reel for some well deserved liquid refreshment.
|
|
The
Crianlarich Youth Hostel provided reasonable accommodation, although
I'd steer clear of the Continental Breakfast as it does not provide
value for money.
Richard returned to Edinburgh on the Sunday, via Kingshouse, dropping
our bags off. Shane and I set off for the short run from Crianlarich
to Tyndrum. The sun was shinning again and with the white snow capped
hills the early morning chill in the air gave an almost alpine feels
to the surroundings. |
|
Stopping
for a cup of tea and a generous slice of carrot cake at the Green
Welly, we were joined by Gio MacDonald. Gio had fresh legs and gave
us a ½ hour head start to the next rendezvous at Bridge of
Orchy. The soup at the Bridge hotel was excellent. We were then
joined by Ian King who had already run from Tyndrum to Kingshouse
that morning and was making this way back. Gio alternated between
hill reps and running backward and forwards whilst Shane and I made
slow but steady progress across the moor. Some time later we were
in Kingshouse enjoying the comforts of this well positioned hotel.
|
)
)
)
)
)
)