The West Highland Way – Day 1 – Milngavie to Drymen

Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
Terrain: Gentle paths, some minor ascents

About a year ago, I saw a YouTube video about walking the West Highland Way and thought I want to do that. I started researching and planning immediately. My oldest son Derick and friend Deb signed up to go with me and we settled on going in April to avoid the dreaded midges. I reached out to Gemini Walks (highly recommend) to coordinate our accommodations and and luggage transfer and then all we had to do was train and wait.

Our West Highland Way adventure kicked off in Milngavie (pronounced “Mull-guy”), a charming suburb on Glasgow’s outskirts. We walked from the Premier Inn into middle of the small downtown area where we paused for a photo at the obelisk that marks the trail’s start.

The trail began gently, winding through Mugdock Wood’s serene landscape. Well-maintained paths led us through woodlands and alongside streams, gradually opening up to reveal stunning countryside vistas. The sunny, mild weather provided perfect hiking conditions.

Midway through our journey, we detoured to Glengoyne Distillery, a picturesque whisky haven at Dumgoyne Hill’s foot. A brief walk around the distillery’s shop to purchase of a dram of their renowned Highland single malt offered a welcome break. We walked back to the trail to walk about another mile to our lunch stop.

Lunch at the Beech Tree Cafe was a highlight. Alongside homemade sandwiches and scones, we embraced Scottish cuisine by trying fried haggis. This traditional dish, crispy on the outside and savory within, was a delicious surprise that added authenticity to our Highland experience.

Shortly after lunch, we encountered a sight that epitomized the Scottish Highlands. In a nearby field, we spotted a small herd of Highland cattle, their long, shaggy coats gleaming in the sunlight. These iconic animals, with their impressive horns and gentle demeanor, grazed peacefully, seemingly unbothered by our presence. We paused for several minutes, captivated by these quintessential Scottish beasts, snapping photos and marveling at their rustic beauty against the backdrop of rolling hills.

Approaching Gartness, we encountered a charming Honesty Box filled with ice creams – a quaint rural tradition perfect for our sunny day. The honesty box system operates on the principle that people will be honest and pay the correct amount, even when unsupervised.We left our payment and enjoyed the cool treats while taking in the scenic surroundings.

The final stretch to Drymen featured a gentle walk through pastoral landscapes. We arrived at the Ashbank Bed and Breakfast feeling accomplished but not overly taxed. Our day concluded at the historic Clachan Inn, reputedly Scotland’s oldest registered licensed pub. Over hearty Scottish fare and a round of well deserved cocktails, we reflected on our first day’s adventures – from the gentle terrain and beautiful scenery to the tastes of Scotland we’d encountered.

As we savored our meal and the 18th-century pub’s atmosphere, excitement built for the journey ahead. This first section, with its blend of natural beauty and Scottish culture, had provided an ideal introduction to the West Highland Way. We looked forward to what the coming days would bring, our appetites whetted not just for more stunning landscapes, but for further immersion in Scotland’s rich culinary and cultural traditions.