Day 2 - Loch Lomond

Peeing down at the monument!

Awoke pretty early (06.30) after a great nights sleep. I didn't wake up once and it wasn't cramped at all. As soon as I opened my eyes I wanted to get on the road and start the holiday properly. We both had showers in the toilet block and I couldn't believe how well equipped, clean and warm they were even at that time in the morning. I had been expecting something from a Prisoner Cell Block H, but this was far far from it. It was nice to be able to spread out a bit more than you can in the Motorhome and the water was hot etc. There were hair dryers available too and an ironing board and iron setup which I thought was a nice touch. I'm sure all campsites won't be as nice as this one so I won't get my hopes up! We had a bit of breakfast (beans probably not the best choice) and waited for it to get light.

'The Dumpling' Duncryne Hill

Got on the road at around 9am, and since our route took us past the Wallace (National) Monument I wanted to stop for a quick look. There was no way we were going to walk to the top as it was pouring down, but I felt better about having missed out on the previous days activities. Next stop was a walk I had seen up a hill called the 'Dumpling' by the locals or Duncryne Hill as it's more widely known. It was a walk that isn't too taxing and I thought it would burn off some of the doggy energy that was threatening to boil over. Found the lay-by no problem and headed through the gate marking the start of the walk. 20 metres in and I could see it was going to be a problem. 

Jim & the pups at the top of the dumpling

The whole path was just a mud bog which Jim immediately refused to cross. I was more determined however and tried to pick out the firmer ground (unsuccessfully). The dogs loved it and Molly belly flopped straight through the first mud pit closely followed by Dobby. Oh well, no going back now.

The walkscotland page had this down as an easy walk and in length and height I suppose it is, but it's pretty steep in places so Jim disappeared of at the usual pace whilst I flagged behind carrying not only my camera and tripod etc, but the laptop I had forgotten was also in the bag. Jim shouting down from about 30 feet higher up whilst I was huffing and puffing 'Look at the dumpling climbing the dumpling!!', almost got a flash.

Panorama of Loch Lomond from Duncryne Hill

Jim's rubbish route plan

View was well worth the climb though and we got our first look at Loch Lomond stretching out into the distance. The rain had eased off quite a bit but not wanting to push our luck I took a few photos and then headed back down. Decent was a lot trickier, like trying to walk down a slip and slide! About 100 metres from the van and Jim wanted to take a diversion through a neighbouring field rather than navigate the quagmire again so we all took this new route. Things were fine at the top of the field but the problems started in the lower ground, it was far more saturated and soon it was an effort to get my boots out of the vacuum

Result of Jim's rubbish route plan :/

they were creating up to my shins. Nice one Jim. Operation 'keep van clean' came into play and the frankly amazing dog bags were deployed. Far easier than anticipated I spread out the towelling bag on the step, dog jumps into foot well, dog gets zipped in then straight into the travel crate to 'cook' for an hour. BEST invention ever.

At Balloch listening to whale sounds from the Sealife Centre!

Next stop after a swift change of clothes was Balloch. I was fancying a cuppa and I knew from research there was a touristy bit to explore so we went for drive around. First the Maid of the Loch - or as Jim observed 'what that old rust bucket?' In fairness the grey miserable day was doing her no favours whatsoever and she didn't look as impressive as I'm sure she is.

The Maid of the Loch

 Next stop the shopping centre where we perused the outdoor clothing shops and Jim bought me a rather awesome pair of soft shell Regatta trousers which I have been wearing ever since.

Nice shopping centre I have to say and they had the Scottish Nature photography winners on display which was a bonus. Bought Jim a beer in the Kilted Skirle and then back to the van for a short trip to Luss. It was raining hard again and we just had a quick look round, oh and found a sunken boat! Another 20 miles or so to our campsite at Ardlui and the road became narrower with huge puddles spanning large parts of it.

Silver Ted playing in the puddles

Jim was trying to get the huge splash the Motorhome was creating, whilst I wished Kerry Katona would be standing at the roadside.
Nae luck there though. Incidentally in Jim's picture you can see 'Silver Ted' who travels with us when we go away. Ted has been to lots of exotic locations such as Afghanistan, Norway and Istanbul. His Trip Advisor map is far better than mine.

The live music!

I will confess that I am beginning to feel a bit like long distance Clara - my childhood heroine, but I'm a pretty good motorhomer I think and pull over quite often to let other cars past, unlike the ones I usually get stuck behind.

Arriving at Ardlui was an eye opener. It's amazing what a flashy website and some snazzy photos can do to your anticipation! In all honestly there was nothing wrong with the site and facilities, it just looks totally different on the posh website. The live music was also not quite what I was expecting either! In contrast Woods site made it look like there was nothing there and it was a huge site with fantastic modern facilities.

Lesson learnt.

It rained non stop all evening so I wrote out the blog for day 1 and then pinched the wireless signal in the residents lounge to upload it. This was followed by a lot of mulled wine and lager in the bar! Great night!

Fay x

Pier at Luss

Balloch

Whoops.

Loch Lomond from Balloch