Meikle Bin and the Carron Valley Reservoir

This walk ascends one of the more distinctive hills of the Campsies. It is quite a long walk of about 8 miles but gradients, even on the hill, are not too steep. It provides a variety of terrain, with excellent forest roads, dreadfully boggy paths, rough forest firebreaks and even ditches to be negotiated. The return takes in the shore of Carron Valley Reservoir, with views of the wind farm on the opposite bank....make of that what you will !



Here is the route....




Starting from the forest road opposite Todholes, the route follows these stoney but well made paths to the foot of Meikle Bin's north-west ridge. Here a very boggy path cuts through the trees, soon reaching the open hillside where a much better path ascends the ridge to the summit. To make a circular walk, continue south off the summit down a grassy path to a firebreak at the tree-line. Into this, very rough ground is negotiated, two ditches are crossed, and a branch going left (east) is taken. On leaving the trees, the path improves again, the route eventually joining the fine forest road network again for the remainder of the walk, which reaches the reservoir and follows it's south-western shore.

The video shows the route and the terrain......

Conic Hill

This walk starts from the village of Balmaha on the east bank of Loch Lomond. It's not a very high hill but there are four tops to explore and great views of Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond and the Arrochar hills. The return down the grassy ridge of Druim nam Buraich is delightful. It is neither too long nor too strenuous and provides a fun half day on the hills.

Here is the route......

From the back of the large car park at the visitor centre in Balmaha, the West Highland Way is followed through woodland then onto open hill. As it runs alongside the hill, the WHW is left to gain the ridge of Conic Hill . Walk along the ridge to visit the four tops. Return down the WHW back to Bealach Ard when instead of turning left down the ascent route, you can continue straight on along the grassy ridge of Druim nam Buraich. A path leads steeply off the end of this, down through woodland to the Balmaha - Rowardennan road. Turn left on this to return to Balmaha.

Here is the video.....