Grade

Sunday

1st

July

C+

Muirshiel Hill of Stake Circular

A steady rise to site of disused barytes mine. Continuation up incline to undulating moorland and final ascent to summit of Hill of Stake. Return over undulating moorland and final descent to starting point..

Terrain: Unmetalled rough track, undulating grass and heather moorland, very wet and boggy in places..

Distance: 11 km, duration 4½ hrs, total ascent 325m to max. ht 522m.

Start point: Car park at Muirshiel Country Park visitor centre, Inverclyde.

OS Map 63 / Explorer 341, grid ref: NS 313632

Saturday

7th

July

B+

The Cobbler via South Ridge (photo)

Start at usual car park at the head of Loch Long. Later cross river at the dam (280051). Climb to the ridge and follow it to the base of the Cobbler. Follow the path to the back of the Cobbler and climb easily to the top..

Terrain: Grassland. Some large boulders near the top.   

Distance: 10 km, duration 6 hrs, total ascent 884 m to max. ht. 884 m.

Start point: Car park off A83. Payment now required..

OS Map 56 / Explorer 364, grid ref: NN 295049.

Sunday

8th

July

C+

Loch Glashan Circular

Undulating tracks around Loch Glashan through forest with open sections providing views of the dam, the loch and the surrounding countryside.

Terrain: Initial grassy track through forest leading to unmetalled forest access tracks.   

Distance: 16 km, duration 4½ hrs, total ascent 210 m to max. ht. 160 m.

Start point: Off road car park in Glashan Burn forest. 

OS Map 55 / Explorer 358, grid ref: NR 923923.

Sunday

15th

July

B

Cambusbarron to Lewis Hill via Sauchie Craig (photo) (photo)

From disused quarry along the craigs to Lewis Hill trig point, returning via the North Third reservoir and alongside the Bannock burn. Recent forestry work has opened up many views and from the hill there are good views to the west and north.

Terrain: Very short sections on road, thereafter good, well defined paths and occasional forestry tracks. Can be wet/muddy in sections with fallen trees to negotiate.'B' grading due to several short but steep ascents. However the leader will be taking these slowly so within the ability of most 'C' grade walkers.

Distance: 11-12km, duration 4-4½ hrs, total ascent 700m to max. ht. 266m.

Start point: Top of Quarry road Cambusbarron which can be reached from turn-off on right of A811 (Stirling road) 1½ miles after Blair Drummond turn-off. Adequate car parking.

OS Map 57 / Explorer 366, grid ref: NS 773924.

Saturday

21st

July

B

Beinn Tharsuinn from North side of Glen Fruin (Hill of the crossing) (photo)

From the car park at the east end of the military road (A817) climb to grassy ridge. Follow ridge to Balcnock and then Beinn Tharsuinn. Descend via south ridge to the road. Walk back along the road to the cars.

Terrain: Grassy hills but tarmac road verges back to the cars.

Distance: 14 km, duration 6 hrs, total ascent 750m to max 693m.

Start point: First lay-by on north side of A817 approaching from the Loch Lomond end.

OS Map 56 / Explorer 347, grid ref: NS 332866.

It is emphasised that ‘A’ grade walks are strenuous and should only be attempted by those with high standards of fitness and stamina and who are also properly equipped and clothed for the conditions.

Leaders will quite properly turn away those who do not meet these standards as they could create difficulties or danger for other members of the group

Sunday

22nd

July

A  

Binnein Mor (Large peak) and Na Gruagaichean (The Maidens)

From Kinlochmore village we proceed up mountain path to Loch Eilde Mor. The path then ascends past Coire an Lochan before descending again to the bealach between Binnein Mor and Binnein Beag. We then ascend the north ridge of Binnein Mor and follow the narrow ridge to the twin tops of Na Gruagaichean, descending to Allt Coire na Ba and returning to the starting point. (can be reduced if bad weather)

Terrain: Mountain track, boulder fields and steep grassy slopes which can be boggy in places. Descent from Na Gruagaichean is very steep and gives the feeling of exposure so care should be taken. Binnein Mor peak is exposed but can be by-passed to one side.

Distance: 16 km, duration 9 hrs, total ascent 1460m to max ht. 1130m.

Start point: Ice factory car park, Kinlochleven.

OS Map 41 / Explorer 392, grid ref: NN 187618.

0800 HRS DEPARTURE FROM HELENSBURGH PIER

Saturday

28th

July

C  

Dunardry Forest and the Moine Mhor (the Big Moss) (photo) (photo) (photo)

A circular walk round the Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve, taking in a section of the Crinan canal before following a combination of roads and tracks to visit the Dunadd hill fort. The track then crosses the Moine Mhor, one of Scotland's finest mosses and well known for dragonflies and wetland birds, including birds of prey, before returning to the canal at Cairbaan.

Terrain: Canal towpaths, minor roads and well trodden paths. The only significant ascent is the optional climb from the Moine Mhor to the Dunadd hill fort..

Distance: 13½ km, duration 5½ hrs, total ascent 55m to max ht. 60m.

Start point: Dunardry Lock car park near Lochgilphead.

OS Map 55 / Explorer 358, grid ref: NR 824908.

0830 HRS DEPARTURE FROM HELENSBURGH PIER for a two hour drive

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