Hi all, long time forum lurker and first time poster here!
Next week I will be setting out on my first LDW, the Pennine Way (Which has been part of my bucket list for almost 20 years now). Anyway, long story short it seems a shame to walk all the way to the Scottish border, only to turn back and head home upon arrival without first spending a little time to explore the highlands and experience the wild camping freedom granted by Scotland's Land Reform Act. As such we have planned to extend our trip (at the last minute) and spend a couple of weeks in Scotland, during which time we would like to also attempt the West Highland Way. Is anyone able to answer a couple of questions I have on the route?
1) Loch Lomond and camping
We are planning to wild camp the entire trail, but I understand that camping is prohibited along the east shores of Loch Lomond, where a lengthy section of the trail runs. How far do these restrictions reach? Are the hills and forests east of the loch safe to camp?
2) Food and Provisions
Being on a strict budget, we plan to carry and cook our own food as often as possible, with visits to cafes, pubs and restaurants reserved for occasional treats. How many days worth of food does one typically carry with them on the West Highland Way? Or rather how frequent (or few and far between) are opportunities to resupply? I have done a little research and I know that there is a Spar and a Tesco at Milngavie, an Aldi at Jamestown just south of Loch Lomond (Although this one looks a good 10km off the trail, I am hoping we can possible catch a bus into town and back). The next supply opportunities do not seem to be until the Tesco at Fort William, is there any where else in between that I have maybe overlooked?
Thanks in advance
Daniel