A view of Loch Lomand
You don’t train for the Calendonian Challenge overnight. In fact, I started last July – and so far it’s been both interesting and difficult. No matter what the conditions, I’ve been wearing styles from Polaroid’s extreme sports sunglasses - protection is important. And, even in Scotland, you never now when the sun will shine through.
July
Milarrochy to Rowardennan and back (12 miles)
Rowardennan is also the starting point for the ascent of Ben Lomond. At 974 metres (3195 feet), it is the most southerly Munro (a name given to mountains over 3000 feet, approximately 914m).I signed up for the Challenge on the same day, but I have since realised that it is probably the easiest walk I have done so far and probably will remain so. That said, I sail on the Loch and the views during the walk were fantastic and from a view point that was new to me. My sunglasses definitely made a difference.
August
Milarrochy to Drymen and back (18 miles)
This was a tougher but somehow more interesting walk going up Conic Hill. Looking south west, I could see the line of islands following the Highland Boundary Fault across Loch Lomond. This marks the line of a geological feature with a very complex history, much of which is now missing due to erosion, where two continents came together. Conic Hill is made from a form of conglomerate rock and comprises rounded stones of various sizes cemented together by much finer sandstone. This material was eroded from Himalayan-height mountains at one time located to the north west which were formed as the continents moved together. Because of the rounded stones within the rock it is also known as pudding stone. It rained for the entire walk – a sign of things to come, but not unusual in Scotland. It was more like hiking than walking. In the end, we did not manage to walk fast enough and had to curtail the walk at the exit of Garadhban Forest in order to be back in time for the afternoon sailing race.
November Milngavie to Drymen and back (26 miles)
With this walk, we wanted to increase the distance, without significant hills to climb. However, we were still novices and had to curtail this one again at Gartness, as this proved too much for our tired legs and blistered feet. We still managed to enjoy some nice views of Dunreath Castle.
December Inveraman to Inversnaid and back (13 miles) This walk would have been quite nice, along Loch Lomond shore, covered with few inches of snow if our guide, Pete, did not start in the wrong direction, going up Ben Glas. Never mind it was good for the training. The fact that he had a lung infection did not help and as, with all the previous walks, this one also had to be curtailed after a quick stop at Doune Bothy. Are we ever going to complete a walk as planned?
Is there anyone who’s also preparing for a challenge?
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