Follow part of the Southern Upland Way then woodland paths and forestry tracks on this pretty circuit which takes in lovely riverside sections, mixed woodland as well as open areas with mountain views.
Bog Factor
Forestry tracks, beaten earth and grassy paths. Boggy in places.
Glen Trool Visitor Centre - parking charge.
None to start; nearest bus stop is in Glen Trool village.
NX371785
Park at the Glen Trool visitor centre (charge); there is a cafe here in the summer. This walk is not waymarked in the manner of the other trails here, so head down from the car park to the large metal National Cycle Network signpost (see photo) just downstream of the bridge. Follow this path (signed Southern Upland Way) alongside the Water of Minnoch and eventually turn right to head down to a bridge. Cross and turn right on the far side to join the Southern Upland Way (SUW).
This path follows the south bank of the river through delightful woodland passing a bench. Follow the obvious SUW markers (a white thistle) and yellow arrows - at one point the path heads away from the river to cross boardwalk and head up steps before continuing through the trees and along the riverbank. Eventually turn left at a waymarker leaving the river to follow a raised path and then a short rocky section before a gate leads into a more open area. Bear right after the gate and follow the waymarked path through another 2 gates to eventually reach a track. Turn right here and cross the bridge at Holm of Bargrennan. Almost immediately take a path on the left into the woods following the SUW marker.
Go through a gate and then over a bridge. This section of the walk is extremely attractive as it winds through the woods, coming close to the river and then crossing a stone wall on a stone stile and following a longer riverside section. At the end of this, just before the conifer plantation turn right to head away from the river.
The footpath heads through open ground and mixed forestry before reaching a wide forestry track. Turn left here eventually passing a metal gate and reaching a tarmac road. Cross this staggered junction to take the track on the left to head uphill. When the wide and stony track bends right the SUW leaves on a path to the left. Continue on the track. Further on the route heads straight across another tarmac road.
After 600m uphill fork right onto an older track. The climb is rewarded with great views over to Lamachan Hill to the east. At the T-junction turn left and continue following the track for over 1km until a vehicle barrier is reached. Turn right here and follow the path in the trees that runs parallel to the road back to the Visitor Centre. Cross Stroan Bridge to return to the car park.
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