Walk 1493 - printer friendly version

WHW - Day 3 - Rowardennan to Inverarnan Walk

Author - Peter Smyly

Length - 14.0 miles / 22.8 km

Ascent - 0 feet / 0 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NS365995
Lat 56.16004788 + Long -4.634294296
Postcode G63 0AR (approx. location only)

The first few miles today featured long stretches of woodland with only occasional glimpses of Loch Lomond and walkers were few between Rowardennan and Inversnaid. The lack of road access to this side of the loch tends to mean that those who do walk along here are people doing the WHW. At Creag Iolaire, the path divides and the higher level route to the right is reckoned to be the quicker of the two. As the route nears Inversnaid, the track loses height to follow the lake shore. It goes uphill again to present a change in the scenery as it crosses a bridge over a river with a waterfall. Despite the pretty appearance of rhododendrons in bloom, of which there are some here next to the falls, it is regarded as a nuisance locally, partly since it forms a canopy that blocks out sunlight for smaller plants below. Before reaching Inversnaid, there should be a view of Ben Arthur "The Cobbler" across Loch Lomond. Not on this occasion though as the tops were in cloud

The next section is reputed to be tough in places and near to Rob Roy's Cave, which is not seen from the main path, it is necessary to negotiate some steep, rocky sections, though this bit is soon passed. Later, the route involves some rough and rocky terrain near the lake shore with tree roots. The sun came out as tree-clad Eilean I Vow was seen ahead. Another much smaller island is later seen from close to the shore where there is a shingly beach before the route leads away from Loch Lomond over a hill and down towards some old buildings including a bothy at Doune Byre with grey stone walls and slit windows. The bothy was open so there was a chance to look around inside, the first time I had seen the inside of a bothy. One of the best views of Loch Lomond is the last one, a fine retrospect of Eilean I Vow and tree-covered slopes to the left on the mainland, The route leads inland past the hill of Cnap Mor, a possible digression to a viewpoint though all the other WHW walkers at this point were only interested in reaching their next destination. The small reed-fringed Dubh Lochan is passed on the left as the route leads down through woodland past Beinglas Farm with its microlodges and campsite to reach, via a bridge over a river and a main road, Inverarnan. It is only a small place and the Drovers Inn, with its atmospheric bar and a stuffed bear to "welcome" you at the main reception desk is on the main road. It is slightly off-route, requiring a walk back past Beinglas Farm the next day to rejoin the WHW.

Click here to continue to part 4

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