Date

 2006

Grade

Title and Description

Saturday

2nd

December

1) C+

2) C

(1) Kilpatrick Braes (photo) and (2) Erskine Bridge

Two walks which can be taken together or individually. Please contact leader (01389 842040) if you intend doing the second walk only.

1)      Walking up the Kilpatrick Braes onto the hilltop trig point at 365m for views over the river Clyde.  Returning either over the Slacks or by original route depending on time and weather conditions.

Terrain:   Rough track, moorland and grassy hillside.

Distance: 8 km, duration 5 hrs, total ascent 365m to max, ht. 365m

2)      Urban Ramble over the Erskine Bridge and back for fantastic views up and down the river.  Test your head for exposure with a look over if you want to, or just enjoy the walk away from the edge.

      Terrain:   Some walking on thick grass then pavement most of the way.

      Distance: 5 km, duration 2 hrs, total ascent 60m to max. ht. 60m

Start point for both walks:   Small car park at pumping station. Access gained from Old Kilpatrick going under the A82 Dual Carriageway.          

OS Map 64 / Explorer 347, grid ref: NS 470731.

Sunday

10th

December

C

Clyde Coast Walk

Beach and coastal paths. Exact route will depend upon state of tide. Return by public transport – please remember to bring fare.

Terrain: Beach and coastal paths, wet in places.     

Distance: 9 km, duration 3½ hrs, total ascent minimal to max. ht. 1m.

Start point: Helensburgh Pier car park.

OS Map 56 / Explorer 347, grid ref: NS 295822.

Saturday

16th

December

B

Dumgoyne

A volcanic plug and one of the most prominent of the volcanic hills of the Strathblane Fells.  We commence at the Glengoyne Distillery with a short uphill section before a 3 – 4 km easy walk to Cantywheery Farm area where we commence a climb towards Cauldhame Glen.  Skirting the base of Dumfoyne we head for Dumgoyne. There is a steep climb to the summit from where there are good panoramic views all round – Glasgow to SE, Loch and Ben Lomond and other mountains to the N. Thereafter a straightforward but steep descent to the start point.

Terrain: Paths throughout but of varying condition ranging from good vehicle farmtracks to sometimes almost indistinguishable tracks.  A short area of loose scree entailing a scramble near summit. One or two small burns to cross and some wet areas.

Distance: 8 km, duration 3½- 4 hrs, total ascent 500 m to max ht. 470m.

Start point:  Glengoyne Distillery on the A81.  Usually sufficient parking but if necessary utilize the Distillery car park on the west side of main road.

OS Map 64 / Explorer 348, grid ref: NS 527827.

Sunday

17th

December

C +

Cat Craig Loop

Forest track from car park heading towards Rest and be thankful, turning left at first junction and following track round to single track road.  Then on road for approximately half a mile to caravan site and follow shore path and forest track back to car park.

Terrain: Forest track and shore path.

Distance: 8 km, duration 3 hrs, total ascent  185 m to max ht. 188m.

Start point:   Ardgartan Forest walks car park.

OS Map 56 / Explorer 364S, grid ref: NN 269037

Saturday

30th

December

C+

Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks

The Whangie and Auchineden hill (photo)

A gradual climb along a well defined track to a striking cleft in the ground, the Whangie.  Depending on conditions a less well defined route will be taken over rough moorland to an ancient cairn, returning beside Burncrooks reservoir.  In either case Auchineden hill will be ascended on the return.

Terrain: A mixture of unpaved paths, rough grassland and modest gradients. As always the potential for being soft under foot.

Distance: 13 km, duration 4 ½ hrs, total ascent 540 m to max ht. 180 m.

Start point: Queens View car park.

OS Map 64 / Explorer 347, grid ref: NS 511808.

r GRADING OF WALKS