free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Set off about 1130hrs today from the Car Park heading up the East Lomond Hill. Going was wet and muddy with minimal visibility of 50m. For the ascent, I thought I would tackle the steepest part of the climb as gave me a good workout up to the top. On reaching the top, visibilty was poor so couldn't see the valley or towns but worth the climb. Headed off on the easiest descent and went off track to the drops and worked my way back along the fencelines to re-join the track back to the car park.
I then walked the track upto the West Lomond Hill, again steepest ascent and gradual descent off to the Relay station. Follow the rock wall down to the tree line to re-join the path. Took the first left past the Mountain Bike trails and jumps (some high ones there and must have *&$! of steel!) cutting up the hill at the bend. Again, keeping to the mountain bike tracks heading down, meet up with a track heading up the hill and following the fence line. About 500ms up crossed over the fence and tried to follow the track as highlighted on the map. Visibility still poor and plenty of differeing tracks, thought it best to keep to the treeline on my right and head towards the disused quarry back to the main road.
Apart from the low mist, a really good walk to loosen off and for getting back into it.
Lessons Learnt: Take a compass and brush up on pacings. Don't just rely on the map or GPS on the phone (Blackberry!!)
