Distance: 33km
Oh how nice it is to sleep in a bed! I feel nice and rested when I get up. It’s the usual routine. Pack, get food, tape the feet. Go.
Again I have been unbelievably blessed with the weather. It’s another shimmering sunny blue day, not a breath of wind, barely a cloud in the sky.
I’m following the Rob Roy Way today. Essentially I’m walking on forestry trails most of the day. It reminds me a lot of all the forestry trails I’ve walked at home. Some nice parts here, some parts that look completely devastated here, weedy tangles along the road verge, few places that incentivise you to stop and take a rest.
I sit on the outskirts of the town of Aberfoyle to have my lunch. I’ve been really enjoying the opportunity to carry sandwiches, and today it’s a “breakfast with the lot”. Yummo.
Up to this point in the day the walk has been extremely straightforward, primarily flat with no major challenges. It’s a bit of a shock after so many days without any major uphills to come across one! The challenge is good for me, and breaks up some of the monotony I had begun to feel.
The final few kilometres of the day are the ones to really celebrate. The Loch comes into view. A vast body of the bluest water surrounded by spiky green mountains on all sides. I reach my predetermined camping spot (a permit is required here) and nab a quiet spot, right on the beach of the Loch.
The sun is glinting off the water and it is such a pleasurable feeling to bathe in it’s glow whilst I soak my poor feet in the icy waters. It’s a popular spot later in the afternoon, with locals enjoying this unusually balmy weather. Squeals can be heard in all directions as a number of brave souls take the full plunge.
I have a bit of study to do this afternoon. I had given myself 3 nights to walk to the next major township, however, I’m thinking I might have to push that out to 4 nights, just to try and give my feet (and body honestly) a bit more of a break by doing some shorter days. Time to check the maps and try to make some decisions!
It’s hard though when I’m stretched out in the sand, snacks by my side and toasty warm in the sun. That study might have to wait for a bit. I think I’ve earnt some time to relax.
This article was originally published on The Trek which can be found here
Looks a gorgeous spot by the loch – hopefully the first of many. Look after those feet!! xx
A real loch at last! And some contours to climb! Hope your cold water bathing has helped those blistered feet. Y