Earl's Seat from Strathblane

[jameski]

Itching for a day out but not enough time for a major excursion, I cast about to see what might be within striking distance from our new home on the Clyde - the Campsies looked to fit the bill. Instead of following the WH route, I started from Strathblane - after taking the train to Balloch and continuing by bus - maybe an hour thirty journey all told.

By 11am I was following the Campsie Dene road past the Cantywheery farmhouse and then through the gate and into the Craigbrock Wood. Once out of the woods the weather took a turn (for the better) and it was possible to catch a glimpse back towards Clydebank.

scenic Clydebank

Skirting the slopes of Dumfoyn I made for the Drumiekill Knowes which afforded a lovely view of Dumgoyne and Loch Lomond.

Dumgoyne from the Knowes

Loch Lomond

Headed on up to Gareloch Hill and eventually Earl’s Seat, shrouded in dense cloud, where I suddenly realised I was starving. Not the nicest spot for lunch but once out of the worst of the wind it was OK.

Earl's Seatward

Instead of retracing my steps I descended down the north slope of Dumgoyne to Glengoyne distillery grounds where a massive grouse crossed my path without making a sound, clearly in a hurry to get somewhere - far away from me no doubt.

the famous grouse

After this I picked up the WHW for a bit around Dumgoyach but then heading straight along an unnamed path which connects a little further on to the B821 sealed road. Followed this up to Strathblane for a coffee at the hotel, then back to Balloch and the train. All in all a very easy half day on some nice grassy hills, though one could probably get turned around quite easily in poor visibility.