It was drizzling this morning, so we suited up in full raingear then set off at 9:00. We were feeling very clever to have spent the night just adjacent to the path (staying in Drymen requires a short diversion), only to soon reach a signposted path diversion due to forestry work that forced us back into Drymen! Fortunately it is a short day since we've concluded that our planned alternative routing for tomorrow, over Ben Lomond, does not look promising and as a result we do not need to continue into Rowardennan today as planned. The sun broke through several times, and we remained dry over Conic Hill. Gorgeous views over Loch Lomond are the reward for the modest climb to the top of Conic Hill, although gale force winds kept us from lingering over the view. We stopped for a leisurely lunch at the Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha, hitting the trail again at 2:45 and reaching our B&B, Anchorage Cottage, by 4:15. What a marvelous place; the Corbally's are perfect hosts who made us most welcome and comfortable. Because there is no pub near their house, they have devised an excellent scheme for their guests; we were driven back to the Oak Tree for dinner, and on ringing once we were finished collected again by the Corballys and driven back to Anchorage Cottage!

Setting off from Drymen through forestry plantation

Helen leads the way up Conic Hill

A bridge spans a burn on the path up Conic Hill

Conic Hill offers lovely views over Loch Lomond

Gorse-covered hills are barely visible behind this fern carpeted wood

View over south end of Loch Lomond from Balmaha

Bluebells were still in bloom in the woods

Enjoying a photo opportunity beside the loch

Lovely young woods in an area being restored to natural woodland

View of Anchorage Cottage, our overnight stop (highly recommended!)

On to day three

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