A classic short hillwalk over West Lomond and descending with good views of Ballo Reservoir. Can be combined with an ascent of East Lomond to make a longer route.
Clear paths, steep in places, farm track
None to start
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Craigmead car park between Glenrothes and Falkland. Map and directions.
The walk crosses land used for grazing and also ground nesting birds therefore dogs should be kept under tight control. From the car park and picnic area at Craigmead take the path at the back of the car park. This soon leads to a metal gate, once through this turn left to climb gently uphill. Soon the couple of routes converge to continue along a track lined with stone walls. There are good views back over the distinctive shape of East Lomond.
The track continues to head towards the dome of West Lomond, eventually heading round a stone wall and later going through a metal kissing gate. Soon after the path splits with a steeper route heading directly for the summit. Continue on the main track to the right as this is a gentler ascent with better views and the direct path is causing erosion.
The track curves around the west side of the hill with expansive views over Loch Leven below and to the Ochils beyond. Again stay on the main path where smaller ones branch to the left. Soon the main path starts to climb steeply and turns back on itself to head directly to the summit. The large cairn and trig point are an excellent viewpoint on a clear day with Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh clearly visible as well as the Bass Rock to the south east.
From the top take the clear path heading south which soon drops down steeply on a slightly eroded path. There are good views of the Firth of Forth and the reservoirs below. When a stile over a fence is reached, climb it and turn left to follow a path alongside the stone wall heading east. After passing through a stone wall the path splits - take the lower option to head diagonally right across the field to a gate. At the gate continue straight ahead to follow a grassy track which leads down to a farm track.
Turn left to go over a stile at a gate and continue ahead on the track which passes new woodland planted by Little Ballo Farm. Pass some ruins near the dam of Harperleas Reservoir and then climb another stile at a gate with good views over Ballo Reservoir. The track now climbs slightly and reaches the main farm driveway - head left here to reach the road at an impressive pair of stone gateposts. From here it is only a short walk to the left to return to the car park at the start.
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Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
