West Highland Way: Drovers Inn to Tyndrum

September 1, 2015

The air is still, so the midges (small gnat like flies common along the West Highland Way) are out in full force this morning and we see Joan sporting her stylish midge netting. Many years ago we would wrap netting around our heads similar to this as protection from mosquitoes, gnats and deer flies when hoeing weeds out of the soybean fields.

The plan is to hike 13 miles today through the area of Crianlarich Hills, which are a large group of mountains in Scotland.

It’s tricky ducking down through the sheep creep while wearing a full backpack.

We pass by the ruins of St Fillan’s Priory, which is a small monastery or nunnery that is governed by a prior or prioress. It is from the 13th century and associated with Robert the Bruce.Across the path is a graveyard dating back to the 8th century.

This is a bench commemorating the battle of Dal Righ, or ‘King’s Field’ where Robert the Bruce was defeated by English troops in 1306.Home sweet home tonight is this cute little hobbit house at Tyndrum By the Way Campground.

Quite cozy and we have a microwave and coffee pot. What more could one need?

We end our day at the Tyndrum Inn and meet up with several of our hiking friends with fun conversation peppering the air. Now we must bid a sad farewell to our current path mates since we are opting for a shorter hike tomorrow, while they are planning on hiking about 20 miles. Hugs all around and I feel a little tear in my eye as if saying a goodbye that is probably forever. We do hope they take advantage of our invitation to visit and stay with us at our farm on the Minnesota/South Dakota border. Randy and I may even whip up a batch of Rocky Mountain Oysters to go up against their haggis!

Following is a video of our adventures today: