WEST HIGHLAND WAY pt1 - 2011. [Advert free video].

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=da03cf7df9ab9b110afd25&skin_id=701&a...
Commencing the walk from Kelvingrove Park in the centre of Glasgow adds another approximate 10-miles to the now 96-mile West Highland Way. Featuring the summits of Dumgoyne (a very short detour from Glengoyne Distillery) and the fantastic views from Conic Hill before arriving at Rowardennan, this part of the video ends on the lower slopes of Ben Lomond (the ascent continues in Part 2).
"By yon bonnie banks, and by yon bonnie braes, -- Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomon' -- Where me and my true love were ever wont to gae, -- On the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomon' "

It was a bleak walk through the Glasgow parks but the wonderful granite monument by William Kellock Brown in memory of the Scottish writer and historian, Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) greets the walker en route. The monument comprises a rugged, largescale hewn torso and head that erupts out of a block of stone and was erected by public subscription in 1916.

Arriving at Milngavie its great to see the change that has taken place there in the last couple of years - yes, the place has finally woken up after more than 30 years of hillwalkers arriving there and finally put up some welcoming signs!

Dumgoyne summit provides good views over the Way and much more: the immediate view further along the Campsie Fells being that of Earl's seat. The helicoptered in summit stone now replaces the old insignificant small handful of stones. An indicator arrow on the new stone states Ben Lomond - just a pity none of the helicopter crew had a compass with them when they laid the stone eh! The steep descent ensures a swift return to the Way.

Approaching Balmaha the walk over Conic Hill is always spectacular and shouldn't be avoided if possible. Balmaha on the bonnie banks is a significant geological discontinuity as the Highland Boundary Fault traverses Scotland from the North Ayrshire island of Arran [see other videos] to Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, separating two distinctly different physiographic regions - namely the Highlands from the Midland Valley. The fault line can clearly be observed on the descent from Conic Hill.

This video ends at Rowardennan on the lower slopes of the Ben above the Loch: Geoffrey of Monmouth who died in 1154, detailed how King Arthur pursued his enemies up Loch Lomond and all but exterminated them on the islands and consequently overthrew an Irish army that came to their relief - and it was in 1263 that Olaf of Man with sixty ships from the fleet in Millport Bay headed up Loch Long then dragged the ships over the two-mile rise into Loch Lomond and swept the islands with sword and fire. The "Beacon Hill" is Scotland's most southerly Munro and its well worth allowing the extra time for the ascent above the Way where the Loch is at it narrowest and deepest.

The now 96-mile West Highland Way became Scotland's first official Long Distance Footpath when it was officially opened on 6th Oct. 1980. The Way departs Milngavie in search of Fort William and has been described as departing from the outskirts of Scotland's largest city [Glasgow] to the foot of its highest mountain [Ben Nevis], following the shores of its largest freshwater loch before eventually heading over moorland into Glencoe from where Kinlochleven and Fort William are then reached.

Basically the Way passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault over Conic Hill above Balmaha and on into the Scottish Highlands. Much of the Way (see other videos posted) follows ancient and historic routes of communication and the route can be extended along the now waymarked Great Glen Way all the Way to Inverness. Although located only ten degrees of latitude from the Arctic Circle, the 'Highland Capital' and City of Inverness is sheltered at the top of the Moray Firth and enjoys milder weather than some places farther south.

"The road that leads to Rannoch is the gangrel's royal way,
But Ben Doran is to climb, with Stob Gour and Inverveigh"

[from the book - 'The Road to Rannoch and The Summer Isles']

This is Part One of the West Highland Way 2011. And cheers to Ray Hatfield for the downloads.
[all text and pictures - roddymck 2011].

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• Scotland
• West
• Highland
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• Glasgow
• Glengoyne
• Balmaha
• Rowardennan
• Ray
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[HazelAgnes48]

Will look forward to seeing the other parts. This brings back memories of when I did this walk with my dog almost 2 years ago now.

Hazel.