Day 1 - Saturday 20 November 2021
Milngavie to Drymen (12.7 miles)
With Fudge at the granite obelisk that marks the start of the West Highland Way in Milngavie (pronounced Mull-guy). This Glasgow suburb appears to have really embraced the fact it is the start (or end) of this popular walk. There are numerous reminders in and around the start - artwork, memorial seats etc. Yes it is in the middle of a shopping precinct but you have to start somewhere!
The War Memorial in Milngavie. The memorial was unveiled in 1922 and commemorates the residents of Milngavie & the surrounding district who were killed or reported missing in World War I (110 names) and World War II (49 names). The majority of those commemorated served in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
This three-faced clock was an original feature of the Copland And Lye Department Store on 165 Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. The Clock was gifted to Milngavie when it was pedestrianised; at the top of the clock you can see the C & L symbol. It was restored and re-erected in Milngavie town centre in 1981.
The clock in its original place at Copland & Lye Glasgow - the department store closed in 1971
Another example of the artwork in and around Milngavie - this map of local pathways is sited adjacent to the start point.
One of the two engraved seats at the start
From the obelisk the route heads down an access ramp passing several artwork panels depicting various sections of the route
The artwork gives a tantalising glimpse of what lies ahead as Fudge and I head down the ramp. I had slight drizzle for a couple of hours in the morning, however from around 1100 the day became overcast with some sunny spells.
At the bottom of the ramp the route passes through a supermarket access area
The route then heads through an underpass to enter Allander Park - all of a sudden the busy town was behind us
Fudge once again engages his doggy clutch and pops into "trundle" gear as we head through Mugdock Wood and into Mugdock Country Park.
I passed a few of these wooden sculptures as I made my way through Mugdock - simple but lovely at the same time.
Craigallian Loch
The Craigallian Fire Memorial
This site tells the story of an important beacon of history in the outdoors movement, the Craigallian Fire and what it meant to many poor, out of work young people in the Great Depression years of the 1930s. This was a meeting place and its heat warmed the hearts and spirits of the young men and women who were drawn to it. Here was always an unspoken welcome, a mug of tea and a chance to talk to like minded people about the problems of the day. The Fire was a beacon of hope and many of those who sat round its flames were an inspiration to the upcoming generation of walkers and climbers. By its flickering light were born famous mountaineering clubs like the Creagh Dhu, Lomond and Ptarmigan. Some Fire-sitters became pioneers in the movement to open up Scotland's wild places to all people.
This site tells the story of an important beacon of history in the outdoors movement, the Craigallian Fire and what it meant to many poor, out of work young people in the Great Depression years of the 1930s. This was a meeting place and its heat warmed the hearts and spirits of the young men and women who were drawn to it. Here was always an unspoken welcome, a mug of tea and a chance to talk to like minded people about the problems of the day. The Fire was a beacon of hope and many of those who sat round its flames were an inspiration to the upcoming generation of walkers and climbers. By its flickering light were born famous mountaineering clubs like the Creagh Dhu, Lomond and Ptarmigan. Some Fire-sitters became pioneers in the movement to open up Scotland's wild places to all people.
The inscription around the base of the Craigallian Fire Memorial - it reads:
"Here burned the Craigallian Fire. During the Depression of the 1930s, it was a beacon of companionship and hope for young unemployed people who came from Glasgow and Clydebank seeking adventure in Scotland’s wild places. Their pioneering spirit helped to make the Scottish countryside free for all to roam."
"Here burned the Craigallian Fire. During the Depression of the 1930s, it was a beacon of companionship and hope for young unemployed people who came from Glasgow and Clydebank seeking adventure in Scotland’s wild places. Their pioneering spirit helped to make the Scottish countryside free for all to roam."
Arriving at Carbeth Hutters Community Company.
An example of one of the huts at Carbeth. The Company was formed in 2008 to benefit persons entitled to occupy any property within the Carbeth Estate Conservation Area.
Carbeth Loch
Fudge looks to Dumgoyne on the western edge of the Campsie Fells as we make our way down the track known as Tinkers Loan
The wooded hill of Dumgoyach with Dumgoyne to the right
Crossing Dumgoyach Bridge over Blane Water
Once Blane Water is crossed the path turns left to head along the eastern bank of the river
Straight as a die for a while as we head along the disused track bed of the Blane Valley Railway. The line once linked Glasgow to Aberfoyle however it ceased running with passengers in 1951 due to it being little used and sometimes running without a single traveller. The line finally closed in 1959.
A closer view of Dumgoyne from the disused railway track bed
Glengoyne Distillery - I'm not a whisky drinker but can understand why people walking the West Highland Way would maybe nip across the field to sample a quick dram of the product.
It is clear the management at The Beech Tree Inn have a superb sense of humour
We stopped for lunch at a welcome bench near The Beech Tree Inn. Fudge has already wolfed his lunch down and waits patiently for me to drop some of my pie his way - he was fresh out of luck today.
The purpose built rest area at The Beech Tree Inn for West Highland Way walkers. This place clearly gets busy when the season is in full swing however I had it all to myself today. What a great idea. On this site was the former Dumgoyne Railway Station - the pub itself was formerly the village store.
More wooden sculptures as we leave The Beech Tree and cross the A81
Love the name of this delicatessen near Killearn - Fudge doesn't seem amused by it though.
Just under 9 miles in with 4 to go as I once again cross the A81 and head towards Gartness
The weir on Endrick Water at Gartness - in the autumn Salmon can be seen leaping here
I was sharing some of todays route with The John Muir Way - Scotland's 134 mile Coast to Coast Route which runs from Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar in the east.
My first view of Conic Hill from Gartness
I hung around for 5 minutes but didn't see any
By now I was walking along a quiet road which would take me most of the way into Drymen. I passed this very forlorn looking Trig Point on the brow of a hill.
Reaching the Stirling Road (A811) about 1/2 a mile east of Drymen. The West Highland Way carries on over the road however I was meeting Angie in Drymen which would be my stopping point for today. I crossed the road and turned left to reach the village along a pavemented road.
Entering Drymen (pronounced "Drimmen") - don't say Dry-men or you will most likely be shot
And a very nice stage it was too. Guide books and blogs sometimes give this leg a hard time as being flat & boring. Sometimes people just need to open their eyes and stop focusing on the negative - I really enjoyed it and I know Fudge did.
An amusing sign at The Drymen Inn - didn't go to the Beer Garden but will do when I pass through here next May
The Clachan Inn at Drymen. The pub makes claim to be the oldest licensed establishment in Scotland and as the sign clearly states it obtained its licence in 1734. The Inn stands in the very heart of the village and the first licensee was Mistress Gow, one of Rob Roy's sisters. The Rob Roy connection continues just outside The Clachan. The Village Square which The Clachan sits aside is the start of The Rob Roy Way, a long distance walk between Drymen and Pitlochry.
The War Memorial in Drymen
A double rainbow topped the day off very nicely
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GPX File
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Day 1 Data
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Mileage
Cumulative Mileage Time Total Ascent |
12.7 miles
12.7 miles 5hrs 1145ft (349m) |