Warning over 'contaminated' water on West Highland Way after two walkers fall ill

Walkers taking on the West Highland Way are being urged not to drink water from streams after two people took ill on the popular walking route.

Lomond Mountain Rescue Team were called out two days in a row to people being left incapacitated due to vomiting, and have warned that contaminated water could be the cause.

The team were called by Police Scotland on Saturday to help a person near Rowardennan, on the West Highland Way, who had been vomiting overnight and was unable to walk.

After a short search, the casualty was located and assessed before being taken back to the main car park at Rowardennan in a team vehicle.

Lomond MRT were called by Police Scotland to an individual just north of the camping management zone at Rowardennan D.Lennon/ G.Kelly LMRT

Rescuers had also been called by police the previous day to help a person south of Rowchoish Bothy who had also been vomiting overnight.

The incidents have prompted a warning for those taking on the popular walking route, which stretches 96 miles from Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire to Fort William in the Highlands, not to drink untreated water.

A warning on social media explained: “In the first instance, water should be obtained from known sources, e.g. the Scottish Water fountains, taps marked or known to be drinking water or bottled water (please consider the environmental impact of this one).

“If water is collected from a stream, it should be treated prior to consumption.

“Please bear in mind that filtering alone may not guarantee safety and we would recommend secondary treatment such as boiling or chemical treatment.

“This is especially suggested in areas where livestock / run off may be an issue e.g. on the approach to Conic Hill.

“We don’t want to be alarmist, but we also want all walkers on the West Highland Way to enjoy the hike and stay fit and healthy.

“Hopefully those reading this are already aware, but please also have conversations with others who may not.”