Autumn 2011 Walks Programme
September
Saturday 10th
Biggar, Hillridge + Langlees New pleasant walk in the gentle countryside around thecharming village of Biggar. We walk on a mixture of quiet country lanes, grassy hill
paths and through verdant fields. Great open views all day across to the Southern Upland
hills. We also wander amongst the quaint streets, museums and shops of Biggar itself.
6 miles. 4 hours walk and 2 hours travel. Grade 2
Sunday 11th
West Highland Way: Forest Lodge to Kingshouse 10 mile trek across the Rannoch Moor. This is one of the easiest sections of the Way as we follow an old road across open moorland. Panoramic views abound of the unique Rannoch Moor and the BlackMount Hills. 5 hours walk and 3 hours travel. Grade 2
Tuesday 13th
Evening Walk to The Whangie Short grassy walk to the spectacular Whangie ... a unique rock feature in the Old Kilpatrick Hills. We can't promise a glorious sunset view but you could well be lucky! 4 miles. 2 hours walk and 1 hour travel. Grade 1 - 2
Wednesday 14th
River Ayr Way: Auchincruive - Ayr Final section of the Way starting at the college at Auchincruive. We tour the local landmarks before following a cycle path and lane along the north bank of the river. We then we follow an easy path along the river edge and through some beautiful landscape all the way down through the old heart of Ayr to the harbour and the end of the Way. 6 miles. 3 hours walk and 1½ hours travel. Grade 1
Saturday 17th
Glencoe and the Hidden Valley A chance to go back in time and walk the old road into Glencoe. We then will climb the path up to the Hidden Valley where the MacDonalds hid cattle ... and after the Massacre … themselves. A spectacular and rewarding day.8 miles. 5 hours walk and 4 hours travel. Grade 2 - 3
Sunday 18th
Navigation Course I Beginners level course. It shows you how to get where you want without getting lost. The basics of navigation using maps, compasses and common sense. Lots of fun, practice and not too much theory. An enjoyable way to gain the confidence to find your way around the hills safely. £40
Tuesday 20th
Evening Walk to Duncryne A short walk to this outstanding viewpoint near Gartocharn on the south shore of Loch Lomond. After passing though the Teddy Bears' Wood we have a short but steepish climb to ... hopefully ... see the sun setting on the hillsoverlooking Loch Lomond. 1½ hours walk and 1 hour travel. Grade 1 - 2
Wednesday 21st
Union Canal: Falkirk to Linlithgow Beautiful and peaceful eight mile walk along the towpath of the Union Canal. Starting at Falkirk we pass through the dramatic Falkirk Tunnel, open farmland and Polmont, then cross over the magnificent Avon Aqueduct before we reach Linlithgow. A very rewarding and pleasant trek with excellent views. 8 miles. 4 hours walk and 2 hours travel. Grade 1
Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th
Solway Sojourn A repeat of the very popular 2010 weekend. Based in the charming coastal village of Kippford we explore the Solway coastline on excellent paths. We explore peninsulas, cliff tops, beaches and even take a causeway onto an island. Optionof an easy hillwalk for those feeling energetic. Great views across to the Lake District and the Isle of Man. This is the perfect place to come and relax. Accommodation: Bed +Breakfast at the comfortable Anchor Hotel. Price £175 Grade 1 - 2/3
October
Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th
West Highland Way Weekend We follow the last 24 miles of the Way. Starting at the Kingshouse hotel in Glencoe we ascend the infamous Devil's Staircase before dropping down to Kinlochleven. On Sunday we climb from Loch Leven to Lochaber through hills and woodland before ending the trek in Fort William. Excellent path all theway. Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast in Kinlochleven. Price £85 Grade 2 - 3
Wednesday 12th
Stoneymollan Trail Exhilarating walk linking the Firth of Clyde and Loch Lomond. Starting at Cardross we follow a country lane up to the 750 ft crest of the hill before taking an old pedlars' track down into Balloch and Loch Lomond. 6 miles. 4 hours walkand 1½ hours travel. Grade 2
Friday 14th - Monday 17th
Royal Deeside Relaxing long weekend in beautiful Deeside. Based in Ballater, we have easy access to a network of paths following the broad glen of the River Dee. We shall visit Cambus o’May, Craigendarroch Hill and follow the Seven Bridges walk. Gentlewalking through tranquil countryside. Accommodation: Bed + Breakfast at comfortable Netherley Guest House. Price £205 Grade 1 - 2
Wednesday 19th
Drymen and Buchanan Castle Easy stroll in pleasant countryside around Drymen as we cross the lands of Buchanan. We take a quiet country lane, bridle paths, forestry tracks and private drives on this walk through farmland, woodland and secluded properties. 5 miles. 3 hours walk and 1½ hours travel. Grade 1
Saturday 22nd
Ceres: the Moor Road + Hill of Tarvit New walk in Central Fife starting from Cupar. We follow a country lane and then the old Moor Road path over to the charming village of Ceres. We return on country lanes and paths to the Hill of Tarvit, through openfarmland with wonderful views down to the coast. and then back down to Cupar.
8 miles. 4 hours walk and 2½ hours travel. Grade 2
Sunday 23rd
Ben More and Stob Binnein Twin hills that just ask to be climbed together. Weather permitting that is our goal with Ben More being the first target. This is a steep grassy ascent route with a ring of scree just below the summit dome. From then on it is a straightforward route onto Stob Binnein. We return via the Benmore Burn track.5-7 hours walk and 2½ hours travel. Grade 4
Wednesday 26th
Loch Ard and Lochan Spling Easy stroll through the Loch Lomond National Park near Aberfoyle. We use a network of woodland tracks and paths and visit pastures, hillocks and lochans on this six mile circuit. A pleasant and relaxing day with outdoor sculpturesto keep everyone interested. 3½ hours walk and 2 hours travel. Grade 1
Saturday 29th
Tak-ma-doon and Colzium Two walks on the slopes of the Ochils above Kilsyth. Colzium is a fine estate that offers pleasant strolls along the main water source for the Forth-Clyde Canal. We then have a short drive up the Tak-ma-doon road to a viewpointbefore an easy stroll along the ridge of the Kilsyth hills. Glorious views in both directions, with the Carron Valley on one side and the Kelvin Valley to the south.
7-8 miles. 4 hours walk and 1½ hours travel. Grade 2 - 3
Sunday 30th
Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin Deservedly popular trek over this landmark Perthshire Munro. Starting at Loch Earn we follow a good track up into the corrie before a much improved path takes us onto the ridge. We then have a straightforward ascent onto the summit and its glorious view south over central Scotland. Highly recommended.7 miles. 5 hours walk and 3 hours travel. Grade 4
November
Wednesday 2nd
Menstrie Glen Circular walk on good tracks and paths around this glen hidden amongst the Ochil hills. Formerly home to over 100 people it is now empty of all human life. We walk through open green slopes dotted with sheep and cattle, past reservoirs,ruins of derelict farms and avenues of trees. On a sunny day this south facing glen is the perfect place to be. 6 - 7 miles. 4 hours walk and 1½ hours travel. Grade 2
Friday 4th - Sunday 6th
Arran We explore sections of the Arran Coastal Way, Glen Rosa, the fabulous grounds of Brodick Castle and visit the spectacular Glenashdale Falls. Those who wish can also climb Goat Fell. Being there on Guy Fawkes Night is a special treat as not only is there alocal celebration but also we can see the bonfires and displays all the way along the Ayrshire Coast across on the mainland. All that and no crowds! Accommodation: Bed +Breakfast at the 4* Dunvegan Guest House in Brodick. Price £185. Grade 1 - 2/3
Wednesday 9th
Old Kilpatrick Hills: Lang Craigs Pleasant stroll along a grassy path from Overtoun House is followed by a gentle climb through a wood to Black Linn Reservoir. A long, easy slope takes us to the Lang Craigs which provide magnificent viewpoints over the Clyde. We then drop back to the House via some farm tracks 6 miles. 3 hours walk and 1 hour travel. Grade 2 - 3
Saturday 12th
Moffat Circuit + Princess Elizabeth Special On our journey down we hope to see the famous restored steam locomotive Princess Elizabeth as she heads south on the 75th anniversary of her record-breaking journey between Glasgow - London. We spend theday exploring the countryside in this beautiful rural area. We visit the Well around which this spa town developed, trek through open countryside, Gallowhill Wood, along the River Annan, and explore the wynds of Moffat. 7 miles. 4 hours walk and 2 hours
travel. Grade 1 - 2
Sunday 13th
Ben Ledi A fine ascent of this famous Corbett overlooking Callander. We follow a good path steeply through woodland before gradually climbing up onto the grassy ridge which we follow easily onto the 2800 ft summit. Weather permitting we will descend viathe Stank Glen. 7 - 9 miles. 4 - 5 hours walk and 2 hours travel. Grade 3
Wednesday 16th
Glen Lednock Circular walk in this pleasant glen north of Comrie. We follow an excellent path through a beautiful combination of riverside and woodland scenery with a couple of good viewpoints. Extremely attractive walk with recently constructed newsections making it an even more enjoyable day. 7 miles. 4 hours walk and 2 hours travel. Grade 2
Saturday 19th
Sauchie Crags Wonderful circuit around this beauty spot hidden to the west of Stirling. We follow an excellent path over a series of undulating crags above the island-dotted North Third Reservoir and the infant Bannock Burn. The trek includes a waterside andwoodland section. 7 - 8 miles. 1½ hours travel. An outstanding walk. Grade 2 - 3
Sunday 20th
Ben Chonzie This large dominant plateau is very evident in the west when you head up the A9 north of Stirling … especially if it is snow-covered as it always seems to be! Aneasy and straightforward hill which is ideal for those gaining experience in winterwalking. 8 miles. 5 hours walk and 2½ hours travel. Grade 4
Wednesday 23rd
Muirshiel Country Park: Windy Hill and Queenside Hill Two easy hill walks inthe Muirshiel Country Park north of Lochwinnoch. Starting at the Visitors Centre our first ascent is up the nearby, and well-named, Windy Hill. We then cross the RiverCalder and walk onto abandoned mines before returning via Queenside Hill. 6 miles.4 hours walk and 2 hours travel. Grade 3
Friday 25th - Sunday 27th
Holy Island Our annual visit to the enchanting island with its fairytale castle, historic village, medieval abbey, and rocky coves. We shall explore all of these and the brave / foolhardy can even wade across the causeway - but this could be somewhat cold on thefeet at this time of year! We shall also walk the long sandy beaches a few miles away on the Northumberland mainland near the mighty Bamburgh Castle. Bed + Breakfast at Crown + Anchor Inn and Lindisfarne Hotel. Price £185 Grade 1 - 2
Wednesday 30th
Mine Woods Easy walk through the open woodland above Bridge of Allan. Starting in Bridge of Allan we follow a country lane up the west side of the Allan Water before crossing it and joining the Darn Road. We climb up to the Mine Woods whose edge we follow before we reach the Cockburn Reservoir on Sheriffmuir. We return to Bridge of Allan via the Coppermine path. 7 miles. 4 hours walk and 1¾ hours travel. Grade 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grades of Walk
Grade 1 Easy walk along good paths. Normally 5-7 miles. Good introductory walk. Grade 2 Generally straightforward walk on good path. May be a few steeper sections. Length 8-14 miles. For those with some walking experience.Grade 3 Steeper walk normally involving hill ascent. For people with reasonable fitness and some experience of hillwalking. Grade 4 Long days up high hills. Only for those with good hillwalking experience.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prices
Grades 1 - 2 £18 Grade 3 £21 Grade 4 £25 Evening walks £10
Transport provided to and from the Kelvin Hall in the West End of Glasgow.
Booking
To be sure of a place please book your walk well in advance. This particularly applies to the walking holidays and weekends.
Walking Holidays
A separate brochure is available each year for both low and high level walking holidays
throughout Scotland eg West Highland Way, Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Holland and the
Fresian Isles, Knoydart and Skye. Phone now for your copy of the Walking Holidays brochure or access it on our website on
www.scot-trek.co.uk