Day 3: Callander to Strathyre

Day 3 RRW: Callander to Strathyre, 9.3 miles

Today was lovely.   At just over 9 miles, its the shortest section of the hike and it is also probably one of the easiest.  The terrain was mainly flat cycleway, following the track bed of a dismantled railway, so was mostly tarmac with a bit of a dirt path thrown in at the end.  It is shared with the NCN7 cycle path, so you did have to be on the lookout for cyclists, but all in all, today was more of a gentle stroll through the woods than an arduous hike.  Proof that we can have nice things and not always have to bust our ass to get them!

The first section was very pleasant, taking you past open meadows and some railway relics such as arches and old sleepers.  The path also tracked alongside the Garbh Uisge river (Gaelic for “rough water”) so the babbling sound of the water drowned out the traffic noise on the nearby A821!  I kept my eyes peeled in case I spotted any more red squirrels – but alas, no.  I think I know exactly where they all are, if they’ve got any sense!   Apparently there are also otters, dippers and salmon along this stretch of river too – but I didn’t see those either.  I saw plenty of birds (again) including a swan, a heron and a bunch of mergansers (a type of duck).

Halfway into the route, I passed the Strathyre Forest Cabins compound – a collection of rustic holiday cabins situated right next to Loch Lubnaig.  Although they are self-catered, there was a cafeteria and toilets, so I treated myself to a Nice Cup of Tea and a proper pee.  Such luxury!

Even with this break and taking it super easy along the way, I still arrived in Strathyre before 3pm.  Fortunately I was able to check in early, so am now chilling out before dinner at 7pm (provided by the B&B tonight).  I’m grateful today was an easier day as tomorrow is going to be one of the most strenuous of the trip, with a total distance of almost 15 miles and a couple of fairly chunky climbs.  I don’t think I’ve ever walked that far in a single day before, so I’m curious to see how everything holds up.  Up to this point, I’ve not been using my hiking poles as its been fairly flat and I’ve wanted to keep my hands free for my camera – but I think tomorrow will be the day to crack them out, so as to give me knees a bit more love and support.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!!