A Short Walk to Tea

Some Sundays are for long, exploring walks but this week we decided on a more relaxed route to take in the Autumnal scenary and possibly even stop in for some cake. This shorter walk would be great if you don`t feel like going far, or just fancy a leaisurly stroll on a colder day. It starts from the main car park as you enter Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond. This car park is the starting point for ferry trips on the Loch and provides beautiful views across to Ben Lomond.

Exit the car park across from the hotel and continue to the right. Walk along the pavement which crosses several burns. At one point we had to walk on the side of the road as the pavement stopped. The road is a busy one with it being the main route to Fort William so take care! We crossed the road to the left hand side which had more of a path and continued a short stretch until there was a path that led up to the wood.

Across from the path you can see Tarbet Isle and stunning views of Loch Lomond. We stopped here for a bit to admire these views and noticed that there had been a campfire recently. It`s amazing that such a peaceful spot can be found so close to a main road.

Back across the road we followed the trail into the woods. This gentle up and down path led us through ferns and trees, coming out at the Bonnie Braes tearoom. Through the wood you can catch glimpses of the loch and the mountains around.

Reward yourself for being half way through the walk with a nice hot chocolate and a wee nibble at the tearoom! Unfortunately, on the day we went it was closed (but thankfully my mum brought a back up chocolate bar for us!)
On the way back, take the right hand route through the wood which gently climbs. This path takes you through some ferns and provides a nice view of the Loch on the wander back. I do love a circular walk!

This gentle woodland trail is perfect for all weather types and I can imagine it providing beautiful views whatever the season. Also, a warming cup of something nice half way through a trip is a rare treat!

The Facts on this Walk:

• Starting point is from the car park as you enter Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond. Parking is free.
• Nearest public toilets are in the snack shop in the car park, which are also free.
• This walk took around 1hour- 1hr 30mins. May take longer if you order cake.
• Distance is 5km/ 3miles
• Difficult points: Generally easy walk, but I did slip on the grass at the car park so you never know what you`ll find hard... Also, be careful when walking along the road.
• Wear: weather appropriate clothing, may be a bit muddy in the wood.
• Perfect for those who want a gentle walk with rewarding views and a slice of cake!

Cnoc Coinnich

On our Bank Holiday Friday my mum and I decided to make the most of the extra day on our weekend and the early Autumn sunshine to go a hike. Our pick was Cnoc Coinnich, a hidden peak among some more well known hills like The Cobbler and Ben Donich. We parked the car at Ardgarten Visitor Centre, just past Arrochar. As you enter the visitor centre drive over the bridge and continue to the left until it leads you to the Coilessan Events car park.

From the car park the walk begins through the locked gate and cross over the burn. Continue a short distance until the Coilessan Glen signpost where you make a turn to the right. From here the clear path continues to climb through some conifers with views of the mountains all around.

Continue on straight, ignoring a cycle path on the left. The walk is constantly climbing but is not too steep at this stage and the path is clearly marked. Leave the main path at the signpost for Lochgoilhead 6km and follow a more rough up and down path over two footbridges. Then it is time for the proper climb which follows the side of the burn. This is the steepest part of the walk and I don't feel ashamed to say we took a brief break half way up to catch our breath and admire the views.

At the top of this ascent is a fence with a style to climb over. We saw 3 sheep in this area but they quickly wandered off after our arrival. There is no path for the last part of the climb but continue straight, looking out for the cairn marking the summit. Parts of the hilltop are a bit boggy so take care to try and avoid these.

Once at the cairn it is time to appreciate the views of the surrounding mountains and lochs. There is also a small lake at the top of the hill. We crouched at the cairn to take pictures, admire the sights and shelter from the strong wind. Although it was a calm September day at the top of Cnoc Coinnich the wind was very strong and standing was even difficult. The beauty of this walk was how remote it felt, considering how close it is to Arrochar, Tarbet and the hussle of Loch Lomond. We didn't pass another person and from the summit no signs of modern Scotland could be spotted, apart from some far off cottages. I'd recommend this walk on a clear day to really take advantage of the surrounding views, but I think it would be perfect for any season. We returned by the same route, feeling the buzz of having accomplished something with our Friday.

The Facts on climbing Cnoc Coinnich:

• Starting point is from the Coilessan Events car park in the Ardgarten Visitor Centre, just past Arrochar.
• Nearest public toilets are at the start of Ardgarten Visitor Centre and are free.
• Climbing Cnoc Coinnich takes around 2hours 30mins- 3hours.
• Distance is 6miles/ 9.5km.
• Difficult points: Steep climb by the burn up to the hilltop; strong winds at the summit.
• Wear: Hiking/ hill walking boots and perhaps bring a hat or hairband if you have long hair as the winds at the top are very strong.
• Perfect for those who want a bit of a challenge, and seek the reward of stunning views that are rarely seen by others. Remember to add your stone to the cairn!

A Woodland Walk from Tarbet

The starting point for this walk was from the restaurant car park behind an old church (now restaurant) in Tarbet. The train station is a 2 minute walk from here, but the restaurant car park is much larger and free so I would recommend it for parking. When setting off we saw a few other walkers getting ready so it looks like this is a popular starting point.

 From here we followed the path to the train station and went through the underpass until we got to the Cruach Loop signpost. If you were to turn left here you could walk to Arrochar, but today we took the right turn. This walk is circular and on the way up we took the path parallel to the railway line. This is an enjoyable route through woodland with low hanging branches and up and down gentle slopes which keep the walk interesting.

 

Following this path we got to a footbridge which we crossed then continued to climb up a steeper slope. This was the hardest part of the walk as the slope ascends quickly as you follow the route of the burn, but at the top of the incline you are rewarded with a picnic table and a spot of rest before crossing another bridge. From across the bridge you could continue right on a smaller path which would lead you to the summit of the small hill Cruach Tairbeirt (but watch your feet as there is a large quagmire on this route). But today, as the weather was gray and we were taking it easy we took the left route from the footbridge and continued on the return route through the woodlands.

The beauty in this walk was the glimpses through the trees of the higher hills around  and the delicate flowers and fungi hiding in the woodland. The gentle, reassuring noise of the burn also adds to the relaxing feel of this route. Altogether at a very realxed pace this route took us around 2 hours and followed mainly well guided clear paths, despite a few diversions for fallen trees. We never saw anyone else on the route this day but I think it would be suitable for most as well as dog walkers. This was our first walk on this side of Loch Lomond but I'm looking forward to discovering some more!

The Facts on this Walk:

• The starting point is the park park behind the old church in Tarbet, or from Tarbet train station.
• Nearest public toilets that we found were in Luss, which are free.
• Walk without Cruach Tairbeirt is around 1hour 30mins- 2hours.
• Difficult points: Cruach Tairbeirt if your so inclined, or the steeper slope after the first footbridge.
• Wear: appropriate footwear as it could be muddy if its been wet.
• Perfect for any walker who wants woodlands with a bit of a view of the surrounding mountains! 

 

Inversnaid and Rob Roy's Cave

 

Inversnaid is situated on a much quieter bank of Loch Lomond, near to the top of the Loch on the East Side. To get there we drove from Aberfoyle which took around 30minutes as the road is single track with regular passing places. It was a beautiful day, with dramatic clouds and heat still in the air. The road passes a few smaller lochs on the way as well as farmer's fields filled with horses and Highland cows.

At Inversnaid there is a large hotel with a few rowing boats tied up on the Loch. To the left of the car park there is a waterfall and some picnic benches looking out over the water. There is also a restaurant in the hotel if the walk makes you peckish. The way to Rob Roy's cave starts from the right hand side of the car park and takes in part of the West Highland Way (WHW). We followed the single path through some woodland until we shortly got to a metal boathouse with a small peebly beach. There were  some remains of a fire when we got there and I imagine it being a good stop for a BBQ on a lazy, warm day.

We continued the route to the back of the boathouse and up a grassy path. Along from this we followed the RSPB trail, rather than the WHW. If you were looking for an easier route follow the West Highland Way sign. The RSPB trail involves a bit more of a climb up a steep grassy hill and through some very tall ferns, which made me feel 6 years old again, but once at the top there are some lovely views over the Loch and of the surrounding hills.

The path continues down the hill and we kept heading right, to the North of Loch Lomond. The path becomes more rocky at this point before getting to the wooden signpost for Rob Roy's Cave. Here the rocks become boulders and my hands got involved in the scrambling. I'll be honest, we didn't actually make it right to the cave but we did see the white painted word "CAVE" on one of the rocks! Getting to the cave involves climbing over a few large rocks and we decided it would be nicer to sit by the water and take in the view (while having a well deserved chocolate based snack). It was really peaceful and except from the odd boat passing it felt like we were alone on the banks of the Loch. On the way back we took the lower woodland route to make the walk more circular. Despite not being a long walk I felt refreshed on getting back to the car. I think this is a good walk for everyone and a nice way to see Loch Lomond without the tourists of Balmaha and Conic Hill.

 The Facts on walking to Rob Roy's Cave:

• Starting point is at Inversnaid car park.
• Closest free toilets we went to were in Aberfoyle, but I'm sure Inversnaid hotel have some too.
• Walk is around 2 miles and takes about 1hr 20mins if leisurely strolling.
• Difficult points- steep grassy climb after the RSPB sign and scrambling to the cave after the Rob Roy Cave signpost.
• Wear- Waterproof clothes if it is wet and shoes you can scramble and climb in. Clothes you don't mind getting muddy.
• Perfect for anyone who enjoys woodland walks, Loch Lomond, scrambling to caves and a bit of Scottish history.

Conic Hill

This Sunday my mum and I decided it was time for another adventure so off we went to climb Conic Hill. And wow, what a view!

The route starts at Balmaha on the edge of Loch Lomond where you follow the signs for the West Highland Way just at the back of the car park. The route is fairly simple and well signposted with a steady climb through a woodland area and up quite a few wooden steps (you could definately feel these on your knees on the way back down). At this point when you come out of the trees you can see how high you are already and the views of the Loch below begin to emerge.

Continuing up more wooden and bouldery steps the view of the four peaks of Conic Hill unfolds. There are some lovely spots at this point where you can have a sit on the grass, a bite to eat and take in the views of the Loch and the mountains to the North. To get up to the peaks my mum and I followed the West Highland Way around the back of the "obvious path" and found a rough animal track through some heather. We actually didn't realise this was the right track at first as it didn't look as marked out as the rest of the route, but after walking a wee bit along the WHW and realising that we weren't really prepared for that sort of commitment just yet we turned around and ventured up the animal path. I'm really glad we done this as there was noone around and we managed to find a really peaceful spot amongst some mountain flowers to have a picnic.

The rough animal track path

From here we climbed up the first of the peaks. Once at the top we could see the other peaks in front of us and then the beautiful views of Loch Lomond, round to the South and the Campsie Fells and up towards Ben Lomond. We were very lucky to have picked a warm, sunny day and the visability was amazing with blue skies peppered with fluffy clouds all around. From this peak we ran down and then back up the next one. This was my personal favourite part of the walk as it gave you a break from climbing and rewarded you with some more stunning views. Again, we ran down this and up to the next 2 peaks. By this point we were feeling confident so decided to take the more "interesting" and adventurous route down- the stony edge of the last peak. I'll be honest, we ended up doing this on our bums as it was a bit steep and rocky; pebbles were tumbling down with each step we took! Although I think the more brave out there could have managed it more elegantly... we'll get there! We then followed the same path back down to the car park and enjoyed the last panoramic of the Loch. Apart from the rocky "cliff" the walk was very steady and although steep and a bit tiring at some bits I think all abillities would manage this happily! There were a lot of people when we went including families with children and dogs, large tourist groups, professional walkers with sticks and men in kilts. I'd recommend doing this walk on a nice clear day when your boots can properly grip the hill and the views go on for miles. Just remember, if the sun is out always wear sunscreen... even in Scotland!

The facts on climbing Conic Hill:

• Starting point is at the back of Balmaha car park on the East side of Loch Lomond.
• Toilets are 20p in the Balmaha tourist centre in the car park.
• Walk is around 4.5miles/7.5km.
• Takes around 2.5-3hours.
• Difficult points- steep initial climb up the steps and scramble back down from the peak.
• Wear- decent, comfortable shoes (trainers, hill walking boots etc) Kilts welcome
• Perfect for casual walkers, beginners and people who love a view.