Glenbranter

Looking back on the trips my mum and I took in 2014 one thing is very clear, the weather was much nicer! This year, while the rest of Europe has been suffering a heatwave, Scotland has been consistently dreich. To accommodate the weather we have had to change our usual summer days of open hill walks, beachside strolls and island hopping to more sheltered trips.  Today we dressed up in our waterproof trousers and set off on a woodland walk at Glenbranter.

This walk can be as long or short as you like with numerous paths that intertwine, all guided by coloured posts. We decided on the path which leads past the waterfalls and takes in some views of the surrounding mountains. I didn't know much about this walk prior to setting off (we only really decided on it when we were driving by) but was impressed with the interesting, twisting paths and waterfalls which get bigger with every turn.

There is a signpost to Glenbranter from the main road and a carpark with rangers centre and toilets so perfect for an easy family walk, even in the rain.

 The Facts on Glenbranter:

• We started from the events car park just past the rangers centre. 
• There are also toilets at the rangers centre.
• Walking at a leisurely pace this walk took us just over an hour. 
• Each walk is different but the distance for the route we chose was around 4km.
• Difficult points: Some bits were slightly muddy but it was raining when we were there. Nothing too tricky!
• Wear: Weather appropriate clothing. No need for specialist clothes.
• Perfect for anyone, from dogwalkers and families to cyclists (there is a longer cycle path here too).

If you're looking for some more information on Glenbranter I'd recommend this page. 

Glen Donich Circuit, Lochgoilhead

To mark the start of Spring my mum and I brushed off the walking boots and dragged out the waterproof trousers (it may be Spring, but it is still Scotland), and headed for a new walk. We were looking for something that gave us a couple of hours of walking while also being sheltered by some woodland. What we decided on was the Glen Donich circular route from Lochgoilhead.

This was our first time at Lochgoilhead and after a slightly scary single track road from the Rest and Be Thankful we entered the village. We parked at the Arboretum car park on Hall Road which is opposite the fire station and primary school. The car park  has a large eagle carving and some nature/ walking guide boards. From the boards we headed right and into the trees. We continued left until the end of this path and then took the path to the right which looks like it is heading along a clearer route.

As we continued we saw some lovely views of Lochgoilhead to the right. On approaching a fence we followed the wooden signpost that pointed to the left indicating "Glen Donich". It was here that we bumped into some Highland Cows who were blocking the gate. Thankfully the cows were pretty chilled out and let us pass by without any drama.

Past the cows we continued on the path up to the left which starts to wind closer to the river, with the noise heightening. From this straight road we came to the rapids and waterfalls of the Donich Water. This is the half way point of the walk and a nice place to take a rest and snap some pictures. We continued across a footbridge and turned left into the forest above the falls. Once you've passed over a second bridge there is a little picnic table. From here there are views to the surrounding mountains through the forestry greens.

Follow the route back down to Lochgoilhead and gently stroll the rest of the way back to the carpark. Being a circular walk with signposts throughout this is a simple route but also a very enjoyable one. We accidently took one wrong turn and ended up on the route to Campbeltown, but thankfully with the walk being a circuit we quickly realised our error! We passed the odd dogwalker along the path but generally we were by ourselves. However, I can imagine this being a popular route with tourists and locals throughout the Summer months.

The Facts on the Glen Donich Circuit:

• We started from the Arboretum car park on Hall Road, Lochgoilhead. It is free to park here. 
• I saw signs in Lochgoilhead pointing to public toilets.
• Walking at leisurely pace this walk took us around 2 hours.
• Distance is around 5k.
• Difficult points: After passing the footbridge over the falls and rapids the path gets slightly steep. Nothing too difficult.
• Wear: Hiking/ hill walking boots and trousers that you don't mind getting a bit muddy.
• Perfect for anyone, from dogwalkers to those looking for a good Spring/ Autumn walk when  the weather is still changeable. 

Craig Varr, Kinloch Rannoch

As dawn broke on this November Sunday morning my mum and I set off to climb Craig Varr which overlooks the Perthshire village of Kinloch Rannoch. Although not as challenging as Schiehallion we were still looking for a good walk and a beautiful view. Craig Varr did not disappoint.

We set off from the car park on the Pitlochry side of Kinloch Rannoch which has a signpost across road pointing to the "Craig Varr Path". In hindsight we could have parked in the village itself and followed a shorter and clearer route but we got a couple of extra miles walk out of this mishap. I also think this might be a good spot to park in the Summer when the village is really busy. The path almost immediately turns left and climbs gently through a woodland path. Around half way to Kinloch Rannoch there is another sign pointing straight ahead. We ignored this and started to climb upwards to the path on the right. I enjoyed this part of the walk with the rust coloured ferns, gentle brooks and autumnal leaves. We also spotted a deer prancing through the trees ahead of us.

As we followed the path out of the trees the route took us away from the peak we thought we were heading to and towards a larger hill, which we then realised was Craig Varr. At this point the path continues over more moor land, past a cairn and towards a bridge over a small waterfall. This is a beautiful spot offering views down to the village below and across to Schiehallion. As we had set off early the sun was now rising further in to the sky and sending rays over the mountains and lochs around us. A really stunning sight!

We continued over the bridge and turned to the left. Once we got to a rough old stone dyke (keep your eyes peeled for this- we missed it the first time!) we started to head across the rough moorland and up the hill. There is no path at this point so we tried to roughly go up and leftwards avoiding swampy patches. As it had been raining that weekend the ground was very squelchy at some points and there were small streams running from the top of the hill.

As we climbed upwards another rough path emerged which was covered with fern and heather roots. We carefully followed this until we got to a stone dyke which we followed up to the top of the hill. From here we were rewarded with captivating views of Kinloch Rannoch, Loch Rannoch, Dunalastair Water, Schiehallion and the mountains all the way to Glen Coe. We spent some time taking in these views and the peaceful isolation that can be found at the top of hills.

After this pause we set back off on our way down the hill, this time heading towards the village following the river and waterfall. Most of this path had turned in to a stream. We were able to walk through it but in bad weather this may be a more difficult route. This took us out at the waterfall in the centre of Kinloch Rannoch. We then continued along the woodland path beside the road which completed our circular route and took us back to the car park.

Altogether this route took us longer than we had expected but if you were wanting a shorter walk I suggest parking in Kinloch Rannoch and climbing up the route we climbed down from as this did not take long. I think this is a great walk for all abilities at any time of the year, especially if the weather is clear to take full advantage of the view!

The Facts on climbing Craig Varr:

• We started from the park park around 1 mile before Kinloch Rannoch, however you could also park in the village for free.
• I believe there are public toilets in Kinloch Rannoch.
• Climbing Craig Varr from the further car park took us around 3 hours.
• Distance is around 7k.
• Difficult points: Some of the paths had turned in to streams which could be slippy and there was no path once you got near the top of the hill.
• Wear: Hiking/ hill walking boots and trousers that you don't mind getting a bit muddy.
• Perfect for those who enjoy finding their own path and being rewarded with amazing views of the lower Highlands.

Further Reading:

• Another guide to climbing Craig Varr, this time starting from the village.

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!

Bracklinn Falls: Waterfalls, General Falls and Getting Lost

Not all walks go to plan and todays post is about one of them. This is what happens when you don't follow the map... Enjoy.

We started with the intention of going to Bracklinn Falls, just outside of Callander. The walk is meant to start from a forestry commision car park which is accessed from the East end of Callander. We parked in the main car park, near the toilets and coach stop in Callander so with the help of a local woman got to the Forestry car park after a 15min walk. From here there is a gentle uphill walk to the Falls. This is a simple route that was very busy the day we went with families and dog walkers. We followed the path and shortly got to the beautiful Bracklinn Falls. A bridge has recently been build over the bottom of the waterfall which gives a great vantage point of the river below. There are also large rocks that you can climb on to get closer to the water. Just make sure your shoes are tied tight- we spotted a lost shoe on one of the far out rocks!

From here we crossed the bridge and continued a rough path that followed the curve of the river. The path was close to the edge of the cliff with a lot of plants and tree trunks crossing the route. Then, we got to a dead end. The route leads to a large fence with a farmers field on the other side. We did consider climbing the fence but there was also barbed wire so decided (as we didn't really know where the field would lead, or what it contained) to retrace our steps.

Back on the right side of the waterfall we walked back up the hill and again left the path. This time we took a wild turn into the forest on the left. We wandered through a forest path a while and noticed the route had been recently cleared, and partly changed by a large truck. This is where my memory of the route gets a little fuzzy but at some point we ended up walking through some tress and coming out on the edge of a large ditch. A LARGE ditch. We had come this far so why not try to get down the very steep, very large ditch? Lets just say I got some very muddy trousers...

 

From here we continued the path until we passed a caravan park, some houses, some sheep then back on a straight footpath back into Callander past some newly built houses, and back to the carpark.

We managed to create a circular walk (the sign of any good walk) but there were a few ad-libbed moments, but we enjoyed it and got a good 4 hours of walking done! The weather was also beautiful and we rewarded ourselves with a chippy on the side of the river in Callander. An eventful and amusing Sunday walk!

The Facts on this Walk (around Bracklinn Falls, Callander and some forest):

• Starting point can be wherever you want... we started in the main car park in Callander which you need to pay for. For Bracklinn Falls you can park in the Forestry Commission car park.
• Nearest toilets are in Callander car park which are free.
• Walk is however long you are willing to walk for! I think we done around 6 miles (but it could be a lot more...)
• Time is also variable. We walked for 4 hours.
• Difficult points: deciding what point of the route you want to artistically change to add some excitement.
• Wear: I recommend trousers if you decide to dive some ditches. Maybe something you can tie round your waste to hide the mud marks on your trousers.
• Perfect for anyone with a sense of adventure!