THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY (1st venture) 17th - 24th MAY 1986 .... (the pic. above shows the original front cover for the story you are about to read).
THE MASTERPLAN (and how to hatch it!)
Organising and "doing" walks like the West Highland Way, 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, more often than not start with a room full of drink and a throw away remark like, " I was watching yon Jimmy McGregors' walk of the West Highland Way on the telly..... fancy it?"For most the 'Way' is a serious venture, "the big picture", all kitted out in mega bucks gear and rerrin' to go.
We appeared to have missed this grouping by a big mega! In fact, having analliz..anniel...thought about this, we probably are a category of our own.
We sincerely hope the following masterpiece in the art of Ramblin', (in both senses of the word), will be of encouragement to the, "not so serious type walker", to go out and attempt and enjoy the walk, the scenic beauty, and, most importantly the fun attached to walks such as the 'Way'.
Ramblin' Dans Mountain Daredevils is probably a well chosen name for this group. Not only do they enjoy a ramble through the countryside, but they are all rather fond of a wee blether as well. One member is reputed to be able to speak 250 words per minute.
The "POEMS", (we use this term loosely), on the site were a way of communication between members prior to the walk of the Way, particularly with Danny McCafferty, who, with only one task to undertake in our preparations, (getting us all gaiters), appeared to be experiencing some difficulties.
GAITERS .....
Have yae seen about the gaiters yet?
to walk the WAY wie nane is bammy,
N' if that's the case, we're as well tae walk
in wan slipper and wan sanny.
You've no been asked tae plan much
you know you can't be trusted
tae take your brain oot once a week
and huv it bloody dusted.
The weather's not the best we've seen
but oor spirits not been dented,
I'm only glad we're Hostilin'
and decided no tae tent it.
The day's are gettin' shorter now
the time draw's near fur shootin'
An' there's another another point fur wurryin'
we've no a kerryoot in.
We know you've not been training much
you're takin' quite a gamble,
so sit and ponder this wee note
and huv yirsel a RAMBLE....
WE'RE OFF ! (or is that yesterday's socks hingin' fae your Rucky?)
MILNGAVIE - DRYMEN
Saturday morning and we are on our way to meet Allan Johnston at Milngavie Station. Thank goodness Brian McAteer has agreed to take us with our single end rucksacks in the mini-bus.
The weather is doing a fantastic impression of the Monsoon season, as Brian takes our picture departing the scene. (Why is Brian laughing as he drives off??). Anyway, we are off on our first stretch of the West Highland Way and it feels good, wet - but good.
The first stage is pretty straight forward, through Mugdoch Wood and along by Connells old estate to the sitings of the Carbeth Huts. Connell, for those who don't know, owned a large shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow. (Famous saying of Connells worker's - and Raymund - "are yae still wurkin' wae Connells" ... "Naw, they got electricity in"). Aye .. the auld wans are the best!
Where was I, ... towards the Carbeth Hut's. Lots of trees to see on this stretch, all big brown ones with green bit's sticking out of them, it kind of makes you at one with nature.
It has to be said, the next section, along the old railway towards Drymen in the rain is as boreing as hell. I know you're not supposed to say that, but after trekking for a couple of hours in pouring rain thats exactly what it is.
At this stage the rain is pouring down, down our knecks, down our boots, we are saturated, HOWEVER,
the liquid refreshments donated by various kind hearted individuals kept the company happy. Contrary to reports it also survived past Milngavie.
Up to our ankles in mud for most of the day, we plod on and eventually reach Drymen. First stop is the 'Clachan', to dry out a bit, (outside only), and to enquire about camping facilities for the night. We are pointed in the direction of the 'Bridge House' where Mrs Duncan shows us our pitch for the night.
** Ramblin' Dans Dodgy Tip of the Day**
Tents 'parked' Allan suggests to Danny that by putting his wet gear at the bottom of your sleeping bag your body heat will dry your clothing.
Danny duly tried out this idea and spent the next day carrying a sodden sleeping bag.
Breakfast was duly served by the resident food destroyer, Danny 'Gourmet' McCafferty, and it was a case of bite the food before it bites you.
It's funny how you don't remember pitching your tent in a duck pond.
A fellow "walker" emerges from the caravan at the bottom of the field and comes to inform us he has heard that Conic Hill is closed due to the lambing season, and that he has decided to take a bus to Balmaha.
We look at one another in total disgust at the very thought, take a quick vote, and decide by a MAJORITY, to walk the whole Way.
The character from the caravan was to cross our path again on the Way as you will hear.
THE KERRYOOT CRISIS ( a short poem ..... for a rambler)
Yer heartfelt plea, it made me greet
Tae think O' ramblers, wi' wet feet
Cos getting wet, is whit they'll be
unless oor Morag I do see.
gaiters is needed, that is clear
As the Glorious Day comes ever near
Socks are warm, when they're dry
But when they're soakin', they're jist high.
As fur plannin', I know whit yae mean
But it's no' as if I'm no being keen
It wis last years "watter oan the brain"
That's responsible fur the IQ drain.
The Kerryoots the wurryin' bit
it's the oil from which flows the sparklin' wit
Whit - Nae Beer? wid be oor cry
It's no whit's meant by staying dry!!
So, my dear friends (and Raymund too)
We'll huv tae decide whit we're to do
I'll see Morag aboot the gear
but who's attending to the beer.
Jist wan mair point before I go
Yer poem shows your brains no slow
ye keep yer talents fairly hidden
ye've a fair wee wit, and ah'm no kiddin'.
Ah'm ramblin' oan in ususal style
It's enough tae gie ye's all the bile
But you's are the wans that christened me
Ramblin' Dan fur all tae see.
Whit wid we dae withoot oor drink?
Ah widnae really like tae think
Dry on the ootside may be fine
But on the inside? - I draw the line.
I'll ramble oan merrily day in and day oot
BUT NO' WITHOUT A KERRYOOT!
Oh my goad - i'm beginning tae panic
Withoot a "KERRY" - I'll go manic.
Walk On A Page or Two .........
