Typical trail on Day 1

We woke this morning to glorious sunshine, which I was sure would pass. Yesterday was miserable when we arrived at a grey and stony Glasgow airport and we were quickly told that it had been the most miserable, wettest Spring ever. (Although, I am sure it was in a long line of miserable-est, wettest Springs ever…..) Despite this, the sun came out this morning and stayed out all day. So we had a very pleasant first day of the West Highland Way. After our 9am sunny departure, we walked through rolling countryside, via a small park and a disused railway line, arriving at a very nice little pub around 12pm. They did a great job of making it an attractive destination for families, including a small petting zoo type of thing, with baby goats, ducks and bunnies. In the background we could see the first tantalizing glimpses of the Highlands.

Our first lunch break on a unbelievably sunny day. Note highlands in the background

The second half of the walk was less interesting, but taking us along some pretty country lanes for several miles ending at our destination for the night, Drymen, and a total of 12 miles checked off. We arrived early and had a cold drink at The Pottery before showing up at our Bed and Breakfast. Stayed at Hawthorne House in Drymen, an excellent B&B with caring, friendly hosts, clean bright rooms, and a good breakfast.  It was a good first day, challenging but not too tiring.

View of Drymen from hotel bedroom.