Taking advantage of a sunny autumn day and the last week of the seasonal Tarbet ferry I completed the Trossachs path from West to East. After an early train from Glasgow Queen Street and a walk down from Arrochar station it was just a short journey across the water to Inversnaid and the start of the route.
As noted in the previous report the first section is quite steep and wet, and I was glad I wasn't tackling this section on tired legs. The early effort was soon rewarded with excellent views back over Loch Lomond.
The first half of the route is mainly along quiet, undulating private road and I only passed a few cyclists heading to or from the Stronachlachar ferry. A few nice information boards and points of interest along the way, including the birth place of Rob Roy at Glengyle House. I was glad I had chosen cushioned road shoes rather than trail shoes, but even so it was quite a relief to get off the road and back on to trail just beyond Trossach's pier. Next a nice quiet section through the woods and down again to more familiar ground around Brig o'Turk.
The final section starts with a steep path up to skirt the edge of the hill above the road to Callander which felt much harder and longer than usual. The light was starting to fade on the final approach and suddenly bats were swooping down across the tree lined path into town. A final spurt of speed from tired legs to reach the finish line and avoid any bat related accidents!
Just time to grab a celebratory tesco meal deal and hop on the bus to Stirling, and the train from there back to Glasgow and a hot bath.