21/03/13: Drymen to Balmaha

Well, the bad news we woke up to this morning was that Conic Hill has been shut down for eight weeks so that the deteriorating path up to the top from the Balmaha side could get some remedial work, before the season begins and many more hundreds/thousands of feet come along to make the situation worse.

Thus we had to exit Drymen by the road, then enjoy just a mile or so of forest tracks, before turning away from Conic Hill and dropping down into Milton of Buchanan. From there, the only option is to follow the B road into Balmaha. Dull. It was already a short day, of only 7 miles, but had been planned that way so that Conic Hill could be enjoyed slowly, picnic to be taken on the top. As things turned out, we lollygagged along the quicker route and still got there just after midday. Much time had to be eroded at The Oak Tree Inn, so that we would not arrive at the B&B too early. The high spot of the day, some of the finest haggis, neaps & tatties to be had anywhere, came later, at that same inn. Cloud. Silver lining!