Day 9: A Journey Along the West Highland Way and John Muir Way to Loch Lomond
Welcome to Day 9 of my exciting Scottish adventure, where I traverse two of Scotland’s most iconic long-distance trails—the West Highland Way and the John Muir Way. This leg of the journey is packed with breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, and heartwarming encounters. From the tranquil shores of Burncrooks Reservoir to the captivating views of Loch Lomond, the Scottish wilderness unfolds in all its rugged glory.
The day begins with a stop at the delightful Edenmill Farm Shop and Cafe, a family-friendly spot where I enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out. The farm is a wonderful way to start the day, offering a cozy respite with views of rolling fields. After fueling up, I take my first steps along the West Highland Way, crossing paths with fellow hikers. It’s always inspiring to meet other adventurers on the trail, sharing stories and exchanging tips as we continue our respective journeys.
Catch my introduction and a visit to Edenmill Farm here:
As I continue along the Burncrooks Reservoir, the trail opens up to reveal long stretches of Scotland’s iconic landscapes. Even on a “warm and sunny” day in Scotland—where the sky is often dark and cloudy—the beauty of this place shines through. The views across the reservoir are stunning, with Ben Lomond, one of Scotland’s famous Munros, looming in the distance. At over 3,000 feet, Ben Lomond is a formidable sight and a reminder of Scotland’s mountainous terrain, with 282 Munros in total across the country.
Explore the beauty of Burncrooks Reservoir and see Ben Lomond:
Leaving the reservoir behind, the trail meanders through a peaceful pine forest. There’s a serene calm as the path winds between the tall trees, the scent of pine needles filling the air. In the distance, I spot a group of baby sheep, frolicking under the watchful eye of their mother. It’s moments like these that make hiking in Scotland feel so special—the connection to nature and the simple joys it brings.
Watch my heartwarming encounter with baby sheep here:
My journey eventually brings me to Balloch, where I explore the Balloch Castle & Country Park. The castle, overlooking Loch Lomond, offers a vantage point that reveals the sheer beauty of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s very first national park. The views from Balloch Castle are breathtaking, with the vast expanse of Loch Lomond stretching out before me, framed by mountains and forests. It’s a place of quiet reflection, a perfect end to a day of hiking through some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes.
Take in the views from Balloch Castle and the shores of Loch Lomond:
As I wrap up Day 9 of my adventure, I reflect on the rich diversity of Scotland’s wilderness—from the open spaces of Burncrooks Reservoir to the majestic vistas of Loch Lomond. This stretch of the West Highland Way and John Muir Way brings together everything I love about hiking: the natural beauty, the encounters with wildlife, and the stories shared along the trail. Join me as we continue exploring the wonders of Scotland, one step at a time.
Keywords:
- West Highland Way hiking
- John Muir Way trek
- Burncrooks Reservoir Scotland
- Ben Lomond views
- Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
- Balloch Castle Country Park
- Scottish Munros
- Edenmill Farm Shop