Michael,
Your plan is looking good but you might be disappointed when you come to camp at Garadhban Forest, as I was last year when I discovered most of it has been cut down by the damned Forestry Commission! It seems they are out to ruin every forest in the Scottish Highlands lately, which is no good for us happy campers and forest ravers.
There is however a small campsite (Drumquhassle Farm) just about a mile before Drymen. That's maybe your best option for your first night. It gets pretty busy though so unless you're there at a decent time you might not get a pitch.
I've actually had a slight change in my plans now as I realised I won't be able to take 9 days so I'm having to split my trip into two separate ones.
I'll be starting from Rowardennan 6 May and heading for Inverarnan, taking mostly the high roads/alternative routes to reach Fort William on 11/12 May and heading home on the 12th.
I'll then be returning on 17th May, to walk the Campsie Fells to Drymen and the top of Conic Hill reaching Rowardennan end of day 2. Haven't worked out how I'm getting back from Rowardennan yet though!! Maybe I'll just swim out to one of the peaceful little islands on Loch Lomond and stay there. Ah Bliss.
Any questions Michael just ask as I know the route very well after walking it last year, might be able to recommend some good camping spots for you.
and
Wee Birdie...Thanks for the info.
One of the reasons I'm going back this year is to visit the Rowchoich (McThingie) bothy because I missed it last year. I had no idea it was even there, so I'm determined to find it this time , even if it means falling in the loch.
I read that the path down to it is closed while they make it safer but the uneven natural path is all part of the adventure surely. I actually think it's the Forestry Commissions excuse for cutting down more trees to be honest, as they seem to be ripping down every forest out there at the mo, with no care in the world.
I'll be carrying all my gear, start to finish too, all part of the adventure, great way to lose weight plus hundreds of pounds cheaper!
I stayed at "By the Way" in Tyndrum last year, it was a pleasant stay, as was Beinglas but the best of all was Sallochy Bay Woodland camping, loved it , cheap, cheerful and bonny views by the loch, so good I ended up going back 3 months later for a chillaxed weekend with some friends.
Also, if you fancy an alternative you should try the East Highland Way... much fresher and greener than the WHW.