What a surprise: we awoke to rain ... and more rain! But the hearty breakfast provided by our hosts, Izzy & Ivor Corbally, as well as the perfect night's sleep on their comfortable beds, left us ready to tackle any weather. The first few hours we experienced steady rain, which made it harder to appreciate the beauty of Loch Lomond--the water was steel gray and the surrounding hills shrouded in low cloud. There is an alternative path for a few miles beyond Rowardennan that lies above the narrower lochside path. As we never found the junction to take the lower route, we took the alternative by default and were just as happy; the walking was easy on a flat, wide track, and thanks to the rain there were dozens of spectacular waterfalls both above and below the path. True to form, Bruce found us an excellent picnic spot with a lovely view across the loch. The sky brightened and the sun actually peeked out and kept us dry throughout lunch. We remained dry for the last two hours of lochside trail, which becomes quite rugged with many rocks and tree roots to navigate as the Way nears Inversnaid. The path crosses a powerful waterfall adjacent to the Inversnaid Hotel. We stayed one-half mile off the path at beautiful Inversnaid Lodge. (Besides accommodating walkers, the proprietors organize extended photography courses; see their website for details.) Our charming hostess, Linda Middleton, prepared us a delicious evening meal.
 

Setting off in the rain, but in high spirits!

Izzy & Ivor Corbally, our hosts at Anchorage Cottage

The path climbs through Ross Wood

(another view in Ross Wood)

Misty conditions obscured our view of the surrounding hills

High level waterfall, which begs to be reached!

Do we climb to the top?? (a closer view through binoculars showed
a fence blocking access)

Panorama of path along Loch Lomond
 

                
Dozens of waterfalls lined the upper path

Our chief navigator takes a break

View from our picnic spot above Loch Lomond

Enjoying lunch (hope those red gaitors don't frighten the wildlife)

Loch Lomond through a clearing in the forest

The upper route was a pleasant alternative to the more difficult lochside footpath

Misty view to hills on the west side of Loch Lomond

The sun broke out

It is rare to see bluebells thrive in such an exposed spot

View south from the loch side

The path gets rougher near Inversnaid

Spectacular falls near the Inversnaid Hotel

Another view of the falls

View from our bedroom window at Inversnaid Lodge

On to day four

Write to us:  (gowalk@pacbell.net)