Day 3: Tackling the Toughest Segment of the West Highland Way – Rowardennan to Inverarnan
Day 3 of the West Highland Way marked the most challenging yet rewarding stretch of the trail, leading from Rowardennan to Inverarnan. This section of the hike pushed me to my limits, both physically and mentally, but also offered some of the most stunning landscapes I’ve encountered so far. From the shores of Loch Lomond to the hidden beauty of Inversnaid Waterfall, and even a deep dive into the history of Scottish bothies, this day was an adventure filled with unforgettable moments.
Starting the day at Rowardennan, I set off along the scenic shores of Loch Lomond with Ben Lomond towering majestically behind me. The weather was cool but promising, a typical start for a day of hiking in Scotland. The low route along the loch provided stunning views of the tranquil water, with the occasional boat docked along the shore, adding to the picturesque setting.
📍 Watch the first leg of the hike along Loch Lomond here:
As I made my way deeper into the trail, I reached the Inversnaid Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled within the rugged landscape. The sound of the cascading water was both refreshing and energizing, setting the tone for the next phase of the journey. Inversnaid also holds a fascinating history as a ferry dock and a stopping point for hikers along the West Highland Way.
📍 Discover the beauty of Inversnaid Waterfall here:
Continuing northward, the terrain became increasingly rocky and challenging, a far cry from the relatively easy paths of earlier stages. The geological features of Loch Lomond started to reveal themselves in dramatic fashion. Jagged rocks and steep inclines made for thrilling hiking, as I navigated the moraine and explored the rugged shoreline. This stretch was not for the faint-hearted, with plenty of scrambling over rocks and navigating narrow paths, but the sense of accomplishment made every step worth it.
📍 Explore the geological wonders and rocky terrain around Loch Lomond here:
After conquering the challenges of the shoreline, the trail began to open up again as I neared Inverarnan. Along the way, I stumbled upon a classic piece of Scottish wilderness culture—the bothy. These remote mountain shelters, known as bothies, have long served as a refuge for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Scottish Highlands. Their origins trace back to small cottages used by farm workers, but today they provide essential shelter in some of Scotland’s most isolated locations.
📍 Step inside a traditional Scottish bothy and learn about its history here:
The day’s hike ended at Inverarnan, where the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Having tackled the most demanding section of the West Highland Way, the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the trail made every difficult step worthwhile. From the hidden gems like Inversnaid to the rugged terrain of Loch Lomond, Day 3 was a perfect blend of nature, history, and adventure.
Keywords:
- West Highland Way Day 3
- Loch Lomond hiking
- Inversnaid Waterfall
- Scottish bothies
- Rowardennan to Inverarnan
- Ben Lomond views
- Hiking the West Highland Way
- Loch Lomond geology
- Rocky shoreline hike
- Scotland wilderness shelters