LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Day 1: 0-20 miles. Photo at start taken by support team of Derbyshire six. Approximately 15 started Way while we were preparing to start. Walked through park passing two golf courses which we thought was one massive course until we studied the map. Passed through lots of stiles where two levers are pulled apart. First break when we reached Old Blane Valley railway by trial jumps. Walked beside large water pipe buried in railway embankment. Passed two walkers about to finish at Milngavie. They were lucky with weather. Lunch in Garaghban Forest by track in sunshine. Easy walking to edge of forest where an enormous 10ft stile was negotiated onto moorland. Steep climb up Conic Hill to some excellent sunny views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains. Did not visit top of hill but had a snooze at highest point of Way after immense effort carrying rucksack. Steep descent to pub for a pint of water and beer. Scottish Cup Final on tele. Undulating walk by Loch to good camp site but expensive. Camped alongside a Scottish and German chap, also 5 noisy girls. Rained in night and next morning.