East and West Lomond in the sun and snow

[The Rodmiester]

Today looked promising compared with weather of late, so it was a quick dash over to Fife to pick a couple of 2000 hills East and West Lomond. After a week of DIY I felt in need of a blowout and some fresh air, left the Maspie Den car park just after 0905 hrs and headed up the East Lomond first, wow still a lot of snow about, did not expect quite so much. Both Lomond hills are very popular and there have been many reports written so I'm not going into great detail re directions as they are both very easily climbed and both have tracks most of the way.

First views of both East and West Lomond from the Freuchie Road looking West

Car Park at the start in Maspie Den, cross the road and pass through the style

Good track with a good covering of snow runs between two stone dykes

East Lomond in the distance

Looking back at Bishop's Hill

I found the owner of the discarded sledge later on in the walk, the sledge was being pulled by one of her dogs, West Lomond in the distance

Getting nearer to the climbing bit, easy going so far!

From summit view point looking towards West Lomond, yes it's blue skies!

View over Falkland from the summit of East Lomond

Have now returned to the car park time now 0950hrs, and now heading off on the track on from the rear of the car park which is signposted to West Lomond. Track turns to your right and you come to a gate, after the gate turn left and walk with the woods on your left and a stone dyke and track on your right, this track takes you to the bottom of the hill

Quite a lot of snow has fallen, I don't think I will include Bishop Hill today, too much snow and tussocks to clamber over.

Track carries on and beyond on the North side of the hill

East Lomond and Harperleas Reservoir on the right

Cairn on top of West Lomond

Trig point

Plenty of the white stuff here also

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[Gordie12]

Hi Rod

I always find a bit of DIY every now and again helps with discussions/negotiations over future walking plans, only this afternoon I have offered to paint the lounge and whilst I'm not looking forward to it, tactically it should prove to be time well spent

It must be about 10 years since I walked these two hills and that was in summer so good to see them with their winter coats on. Their a bit busy for me, another couple of hills to do on a friday me thinks.

[The Rodmiester]

Hi Rod

I always find a bit of DIY every now and again helps with discussions/negotiations over future walking plans, only this afternoon I have offered to paint the lounge and whilst I'm not looking forward to it, tactically it should prove to be time well spent

It must be about 10 years since I walked these two hills and that was in summer so good to see them with their winter coats on. Their a bit busy for me, another couple of hills to do on a friday me thinks.

Hi Gordie, an early start helped, well just back of nine, up and down East in 45mins met three others, car park a bit busier when passing through to do the West and met a couply of guys going up, but as you say much busier on the way down. Did not fancy hills this Sunday, roads and hills far too busy, so went into Wicks on the way back (to keep in the good books), so I guess that's my Sunday filled up, but who knows Monday, maybe, as you say, DIY does seem to make it easier to get away some times. Both hills are good with a snow covering very easy walking not much climbing.

[Sarah86]

We drove past the Lomonds yesterday and I was quite surprised to see as much snow. Looks a great walk to do in these conditions but I tend to avoid them at the weekend due to them being so busy. What was the wee road to the carpark like?

[naepace]

Sarah, I couldn't tell you if the road is clear of snow at the moment but I'm 100% sure these conditions will have done nothing for the road surface which wasn't great beforehand. I'm developing a severe hatred of potholes !

[dooterbang]

Nice wee walk and done in quick time

[The Rodmiester]

Nice wee walk and done in quick time

Hi dooterbang, yes fine wee walk, maybe better a week day or as I did early on in the day, but with a bit of snow on, makes a fine mornings work and not too far to drive for me anyway It was quite slippy on top so take care, ideal for Yaktrax.

[hills]

Nice. I cant believe how many hills in the central highlands that you can see these 2 from, and it works in reverse, lovely viewpoint. East Lomond in particular is a firm favourite of mine, very busy hills though....

[The Rodmiester]

We drove past the Lomonds yesterday and I was quite surprised to see as much snow. Looks a great walk to do in these conditions but I tend to avoid them at the weekend due to them being so busy. What was the wee road to the carpark like?

Hi Sarah86, the wee road up to the carpark from the centre of Falkland was clear of snow, but ca canny there are some deep holes so watch your speed and suspension, I went in one, ouch!

[The Rodmiester]

Nice. I cant believe how many hills in the central highlands that you can see these 2 from, and it works in reverse, lovely viewpoint. East Lomond in particular is a firm favourite of mine, very busy hills though....

Your right there hills, I was on the hill early and off by lunchtime, but by then it was getting busier. It was obvious buy the amount of footsteps in the snow how popular they are, but a cracking winter walk all the same.

[Sarah86]

We drove past the Lomonds yesterday and I was quite surprised to see as much snow. Looks a great walk to do in these conditions but I tend to avoid them at the weekend due to them being so busy. What was the wee road to the carpark like?

Hi Sarah86, the wee road up to the carpark from the centre of Falkland was clear of snow, but ca canny there are some deep holes so watch your speed and suspension, I went in one, ouch!

Thanks I have been up the wee road before but not so keen on driving in the snow, not the nights are clearer it would be nice to have a quick walk up East Lomond. Yeah, those pot holes can be a nightmare, the road to the reservoir for walking Bishop Hill is a nightmare too, was zig zagging all over the place!

[alvason]

Nice! Refreshing story and fine pics, Rod. Never been up these hills but often viewed from Edinburgh. My great-grandparents lived in Falkland so I sort of feel attached to the area. Well done!

[The Rodmiester]

Nice! Refreshing story and fine pics, Rod. Never been up these hills but often viewed from Edinburgh. My great-grandparents lived in Falkland so I sort of feel attached to the area. Well done!

Hi Adam, yes it's amazing how these two stand out and can be viewed from so many places,

The Lomonds from Ben Chonzie

Hope to do a few more in these parts soon, but had a wee bit of a tumble coming off West Lomond and bruised some ribs, well I guess if your going to have a slip that's the place to do it so will see how the recovery goes. Rod

[Johnny Corbett]

Good stuff Rod, two lovely hills these. I did them along with the other Sub on a nice cold crisp day.