Monday

2nd

January

B

Beinn Dubh and the Luss Horseshoe

From start point cross A82 and climb up grassy ridge to Beinn Dubh; from the Beinn follow the horseshoe down then up to Mill Hill. The path then slopes steeply down to Glen Luss where we follow the road back to Luss.

Terrain: grassy hillside. Some peat hags on top. Tarmac road for the return journey.

Distance: 10.5 km, duration: 5 hrs,  total ascent 674 m to max. ht. 642m.

Start point: Luss car park, OS map 56, Explorer 364, grid ref: 359932.

0900 HRS DEPARTURE FROM HELENSBURGH PIER

Saturday

7th

January

C +

Loch Ard Forest

Mainly forest roads near Loch Ard  and in forest following some cycle tracks on a circular route. Distance may be varied dependant upon the weather on the day.     

Terrain: varying tracks and forest roads.

Distance approx. 18 km, max; duration 4 ½ - 5 hrs. Ht. Gained 250 m.

Start point: Drymen Road Cottage car park on Gartmore Road. OS Map 57 / Explorer 347 & 365.

0900 HRS DEPARTURE FROM HELENSBURGH PIER

Sunday

8th

January

B +

Glen Finlas Circular (Beinn Ruisg [Redhill] to Balcknock)

A walk up the Finlas glen, passing the bronze age stone and the river gorge before steeply ascending Beinn Ruisg and circling around to Balcknock. Descending via Craperoch to Glen Finlas following the probable path of the Clan McGregor raiding party which led to the battle of Glen Fruin in 1603.

Terrain: tarmac roadway and rough farm track, ascending steep grassy hillside to hilltops with peat hags and boggy ground.

Distance: 15 km, duration 5 ½ hrs, total ascent 900m  to max. ht. 693m.

Start point: first layby on A817/MOD road about 100 m from A82 junction. OS Map 56 / Explorer 347, grid ref: 352882.           0900 HRS DEPARTURE FROM HELENSBURGH PIER

Saturday

14th

January

C +

Inverarnan to Smuggler’s Cave via West Highland Way

Low level undulating track with good views of Loch Lomond; returning by outward route. (hunt for Smuggler’s Cave optional - at grid ref NN335134 and at ht. 70 m).

Distance: 13 km, duration 4 – 5 hrs, total ascent 300 m to max ht. 600 m.

Start point: Inverarnan Inn car park, OS map 56 / Explorer 364 , grid ref: 319185.            

0900 HRS DEPARTURE FROM HELENSBURGH PIER

Sunday

22nd

January

C

Highland Edge Walk - circular

Good forest tracks passing waterfall and then a short climb(10 mins at most) uphill to where mast used to be! Back via Braeval and Aberfoyle Golf club to start point. Distance: 7 ½ km, duration 3 - 4 hrs, ascent approx 200m to max. 305m.

Start point: David Marshall Lodge, Aberfoyle, OS Map 57 / Explorer  365; grid ref: 521014.

Sunday

29th

January

B

Carleatheran circular via Spout of Ballochleam

A steady uphill climb on farm track then circular route over open moorland to summit.

Terrain: farm tracks, open moorland with some boggy areas.Distance: 16 km, duration 5 ½ hrs, tot ascent 365m to max 485m.

Start point: about 4 km down minor road turning S. off A811 by Mains of Boquhan. OS map 57, grid ref: 652922.          0900 HRS DEPARTURE FROM HELENSBURGH PIER

rContinued