John Muir Way, Balloch to Strathblane

[natubat]

This is a scenic walk with a few gentle climbs. The terrain is mostly well-surfaced, but we did it on a hot summer's day - there are a few boggy patches so waterproof boots are recommended.

It's the longest of the John Muir Way walks, at 18.5 miles (29km) so not recommended for inexperienced walkers. There are several places to stop and rest en route, but if you decide not to complete it you could have a long wait for a bus or taxi.

The John Muir Way is well signposted, and as the second half of the walk coincides with part of the West Highland Way, the track can get pretty busy.

The Walk Highlands guide was excellent up to the last two or three miles, Stage 7, where the original path seems to have been blocked by a very large fallen tree. The guide says "This eventually emerges on a wide forestry track - turn left here (signed Public footpath to B821 at Braehead)." In fact at this point the signposts for the John Muir Way carry straight on ahead. We followed the Walk Highlands route, but had to slightly double back due to the fallen tree, and we ended up walking along the B821 road, which was quite busy, and we were unable to see the "fine view over the Campsies".

However this was a minor problem, and the walk was very enjoyable.