We met our friendly and efficient luggage transport provider, AMS Rucksack Transfers, at the train station to deliver our bags. Our "gang of five" departed from the train station by 9:45 and stopped for photos at the "official" start in Milgavie town centre. It was almost comical to see the dozens of walkers setting off on the "trail." Unlike other long distance routes we've walked, the West Highland Way approximates the superhighway of footpaths. The first day is nearly all on paved paths, waymarked at every conceivable junction where one could possibly be confused.

Shortly after Dumgoyach Bridge we diverted onto a footpath to reach Glengoyne Distillery, one of Scotland's many producers of fine single malt whiskeys. Glengoyne does not dry their barley over peat fires, favoring a process of air drying the barley and later maturing the whiskey in sherry casks. This produces a very smooth, mellow whiskey (very different from the more traditional Highland whiskeys that are distinctly flavored by peat). The tour was fascinating, but more importantly provided shelter during the heaviest downpour we encountered in seven days on the path! We stopped at the Beech Tree Inn at Dumgoyne for a good lunch. The day's walk was somewhat tedious, on hard track surfaces with few views to provide a pleasing distraction. We reached the outskirts of Drymen and our comfortable accommodation, Gateside Lodge, by 4:00, and later walked into town for an excellent evening meal at the Clachan Inn (the oldest licensed pub in Scotland).
 

The Milngavie train station has become the unofficial start of the
West Highland Way, since so many walkers arrive by train

The group's spirits were high at the official start--the obelisk in the town centre

The path quickly enters pretty Mugdock Wood just outside Milngavie

The terrain is very gentle on the first day, with little elevation gained

The route passes Dumgoyne Hill, part of the Campsie Fells

We recommend a diversion to tour Glengoyne Distillery...

... which includes a sample of their "unpeated" single malt

Glengoyne's water source

We experienced showers throughout the day, but the path wasn't too muddy

Crossing the bridge at Gartness, where the river is brown with peat

Panorama near Gartness

On the road, near Dryman

On to day two

Write to us:  (gowalk@pacbell.net)