APRIL

Date 2009	Grade	Title and Description
Saturday 4th April	B+	Ben Ruadh and Sligrachan Hill This is the often seen but seldom walked north-west horizon from Helensburgh. From Inverchapel on Loch Eck side, start on way-marked path then climb steeply on grass to south ridge. Follow undulating ridge to summit. Continue north past a lochan to climb Sligrachan Hill before turning south into Drynain Glen to join a forest track and road leading to Ardentinny. Alternatively descend directly from Ben Ruadh to Drynain Glen. Terrain: Forest tracks and grassy moorland. Forest roads at end. Distance: 13 km, duration 6 hrs, total ascent 720m to max. ht 664m. Start point: Forestry Commission Car park on left of road, just past Inverchapel Centre on A815. Distance from H’burgh: 50 miles. OS Map 56 / Explorer 362, 363 grid ref: NS 146859. A two car or mini-bus walk.
Sunday 12th April	C	Knockupple Through forest tracks followed by a short stretch of trackless moorland which can be very wet to summit of Knockupple. Return route will, conditions permitting, be around Knockupple Gorge then retracing steps along forest tracks. Terrain: Forest track and trackless moorland, likely to be wet. Distance: 14 km, duration 4 hrs, total ascent 230m to max. ht. 343m. Start point: Wester Cameron Farm. Distance from H’burgh: 15 miles. OS Map 64 / Explorer 347, grid ref: NS 456832.
Saturday 18th April	C+	Cashel Millennium Forest Start on the West Highland Way and then walk into Cashel where there is a steady climb on road to the top of the forest. From here there are some wonderful views. The descent is on paths and tracks with the return to Milarrochy on the West Highland Way. Terrain: Tracks, tarmac road and grassy paths. Distance: 14 km, duration 4½ hrs, total ascent approx 370m to max ht. 300m. Start point: Milarrochy Car Park beyond Balmaha. Distance from H’burgh: 21½ miles. OS Map 56 / Explorer 347, grid ref: NS 410926.
Saturday 25th April	B+	Beinn Bheula Starting with a long steady climb on road through trees, the track becomes muddy before a climb up beside the Lettermay burn. Then a direct ascent is made of Beinn Bheula. Return by outward route. Terrain: Forest road and tracks, steep grassy gullies and high level grassland. Distance: 10 km, duration 5½ hrs, total ascent 832m to max ht. 779m. Start point: Lettermay, beyond Lochgoilhead. Distance from H’burgh: 33 miles. OS Map 56 / Explorer 363, grid ref: NN 188002.