Feeling very happy today, just got back from our first trip with Boyne Nordic Walks. I brought a total of 20 Nordic walkers to ‘The West Highland Way’ along the banks of Loch Lomond, Scotland. I’ve been planning this since February.

 Day 1 Friday – The fun began at 3 pm on Friday at Dublin Airport, time for a glass of wine or a coffee to start the holidays! Relaxed and chilled, we had a great flight to Glasgow Airport, Scotland. The plane was on time, and the Ecosse minibus picked us up and took us to Rowerdennan Lodge YOUTH Hostel!

 Now, we’re at an age where hostels are a thing of the past, but me… I feel 27 so I ignored that! I checked it out in April, and I knew they’d love it. How could they not? I said, trust me! Even when I mentioned bunk beds, some had never stayed in a hostel before! Time for a new experience, I thought! 

 I had the Drogheda Nordic Walking group and the Navan Nordic Walking group! Louth & Meath, could it work? Absolutely! As they all have one thing in common, the ability to have the crack and …a love of nature and walking in the outdoors. Of course, it worked. 

 Andrea, our new forever friend, welcomed us into Rowerdennan hostel and was so accommodating to all our needs. It was a beautiful hostel set on the banks of Loch Lomond. The newly refurbished lounge with velvet sofas is where we gathered with cups of tea, bagels, cinnamon buns, and lots of chat on the first night. A very relaxing start. And in bunk bed by 10pm! 

 Day 2 Saturday – Some warm-up exercises by the Loch, packed lunches in our rucksacks ready for the minibus pick up at 10 am to take us to the picturesque village of Balmaha. A crisp morning and no rain, a perfect start to our walk on the West Highland Way.

 We had lunch halfway in Salochy, where Juls from Alba Nordic Walks joined us. The views were magnificent, some tough climbs, but no bother to us! Lots of encouragement to keep each other going. Approximately 15 km. We were buzzing! Lots of pictures below. 

 Passing the hotel, we dropped a few off for well-deserved drinks in the beer garden, and the rest got ready to swim in Loch Lomond. Both groups had a ball! Some high from beer and others from the ice water swim in Loch Lomond. Couldn’t have gone better! We met for dinner, chats, and more laughs in the lounge with Juls Quiz! It involved one of the Irish doing the highland fling because there may have been a bit of cheating!! Again, all in our bunk beds by 10 pm!

 Day 3 Sunday – The next part of our Nordic walk was towards Inversnead. We took the high road. Walking in the opposite direction from the hostel. Stopping to picnic at a spot overlooking Loch Lomond. Silence came over us as the view took our breath away. We all picked a log or tuft of grass to eat and rest. Just perfect. 

We then made our way back, watching the sun come out so we could sit on the lawns of this beautiful old house. Refreshed and ready for a very delicious dinner in the hotel a short walk from the hostel, with views of Ben Lomond. (Next trip!) lots more banter and then ready for home. 

 Collected promptly from Ecosse minibus and off to the airport we went.

 This was my first trip away Nordic Walking, bringing a group, and all I can say is that it was absolutely fantastic! Thank you to all who booked.. 

What an amazing, funny, quiet, wise, and wonderful group you all are. 

Thank you to Helen (fellow Nordic instructor) who drove all the way from Preston to work with me, keeping a steady walk at the back, not losing anyone! You made my job so much easier, and it all flowed perfectly.

 Thank you Juls from Alba Nordic Walks for joining us too and keeping manners on the middle crew., finding the spot to swim with robes, chairs, and chocolate and the welcoming food when we arrived. A lovely welcome. 

Appreciate all the work you both did. 

 To my walkers… you are the best! 

 Thank you, thank you, thank you 💚 🦯🦯