Day 23: Drymen to West Highland Way Campsite
Distance: 7.35 miles / 11.83 km
Weather: Warm and sunny
Start: 11:10am | Finish: 2:12 pm
Today was an easy one, a short stroll by JOGLE standards, but one that came with a brilliant surprise ending…
I had a bit of a lie-in this morning and used the extra time to catch up on my blog before setting off. The landscape is changing noticeably now that I’ve moved into the lowlands - gentler terrain, wider views, and a different kind of beauty.
The warm weather was pleasant, making for a relaxed walk. I stopped off for a bacon roll and coffee at a charming little cafe called Turnip the Beet (yes, that name made me smile too). From there, it was a leisurely amble to the West Highland Way Campsite.
And then - the surprise.
As I neared the campsite, I spotted a young lady waving her arms enthusiastically in my direction. Turns out it was Catherine from Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK)! She’s the regional fundraising officer for all of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Unknown to me, Adam, Catherine, and my own fundraising officer, Jess, had cooked up a plan to meet me at the campsite.
The plan nearly fell apart because, apparently, I was walking too quickly! I’d received a message earlier suggesting I “slow down,” but hadn’t realised why. Thankfully, the timing worked out, and it was lovely to be welcomed with a big smile and a warm greeting from someone who works so tirelessly for ARUK. Huge thanks to Catherine for taking the time to come and greet me, we shared a lovely afternoon over tea and coffee, chatting about the journey so far. We also met others on the campsite who were generous in their good wishes and donations.
A little later, Adam’s cousin Graham and his friend Alan arrived, as planned. They had arranged a tour of the Glengoyne Whisky Distillery - and, of course, a wee dram to round it off.
The evening wrapped up at a local hostelry where we shared more drinks, good food, and great company. It was a day full of surprises and a refreshing change of pace.
Tomorrow, I’ve got a proper rest day lined up - hopefully spent lazing around in the sunshine and doing very little. Thanks to everyone who made today so special!
