August 9, 2025 - The Bonnie Banks

Today’s hike was from Drymen to Rowardennan, about 16 miles, to the top of Conic Hill and much of it along the East Bank of Loch Lomond.  There was lots of rain today and I had my new backpacking rain jacket on a good part of the hike.  It worked great. 


Drymen to Rowardennan - 16 miles 

This was a funny dog on the way to breakfast. He was watching out for passers by and as soon as he saw me he disappeared and returned with a slimy stuffed toy, dropped it over the fence, and stared at me . Of course I had to throw it back and he immediately ran off to chase it. It made him very happy. 

A “Full Scottish Breakfast.”  I could only eat about half. 




Puddles from an overnight rain 

Heather 


First good look at Loch Lomond 




Heather and Conic Hill





Most of the people on Conic Hill were day hiker coming up from the other side (the town of Balmaha).  It was surprisingly crowded.  I asked a local guy if Conic Hill was a Munro (a Scottish mountain) and he said no, it’s not high enough ( only 360m instead of 900m) but, but my friends would never know if I told them I bagged a Munro. So… I bagged a Munro!











A mystery detour that had us walking right on the beach for a while 


There were a few of these interesting trees, still alive, that were tipped over. The soil must be very shallow so the tree roots can’t get in deep enough to hold them. 


A wild rose. 


The ground cover of ferns, moss, etc. was so fine and soft looking 





Another view of the Irn Bru!











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