Walkhighlands

So at last the day had arrived, 100 days clean & sober, I'd managed to get to 99 twice before, only to fall by the wayside at the last hurdle... today would be different

After having spent the previous weekend in the snow covered Lomond Hills doing my NNAS training & assessment, I thought it would be a good idea to see them in their full glory. A quick drive over the Clammananshire Bridge then onto the A977, M90 & A91 and within the hour I got my first view of West Lomond ( left ).
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Turning onto the A912 gave my first view of East Lomond.
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Normally I would have parked in the village of Falkland, but rumour had it that Outlander had returned for some more filming, so today I was going to park up at the "Pillars of Hercules", a small organic farm, shop, tea-room and campsite situated, on the right, about a half mile from Falkland. If you ever want to spend the night in this area, then I would wholeheartedly recommend Pillars. The camping area is quiet, reasonably inexpensive and you have access to toilets, showers & fresh water. You could always park in the village and hike back, that way you can get the backpackers discount rates.
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Parked up, gear on and I was out and away by about 11:10, the weather was overcast but dry and no wind. I'd intended to do a little exploration of the forest to the NE of the Lomonds, so I set off straight up the road next to Pillars.
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About a half mile down the road I turned left past a private dwelling and headed into the forest until I reached a handily situated estate map, here I turned right.
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This is a stunning area and therefor quite popular with dog walkers, runners and ramblers. I even bumped into a old chap who was out trying his new toy drone, we blethered for a bit and then on I went.
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Arraty Den
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It was soon time for me to try and locate a track I'd spotted on the map that would allow me to climb through the forest and onto the side of West Lomond.... SUCCESS ??
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NOPE
The track soon petered out and I ended up finding the best way I could through the trees.
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A wee scramble at the top and I was out onto the hill.
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With no path to been seen, it was a case of heather bashing along any sheep tracks I could find, not too bad going and I could see that the sun was starting to come out behind me.
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I knew the main path to the summit was up and to my left, so I took the first chance I could and climbed again until I reached it.
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The path onto West Lomond.
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Looking back at East Lomond.
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As you can see there isn't really much navigation needed for this route, so it was a case of head down and onward till I reached the final climb.
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Looking back at East Lomond from half way up.
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Not too long and I was at the summit.
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Summit views.
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A quick bite to eat and I was back down the hill and onto the path heading towards East Lomond, the sun was shining and the air was warm. People say addiction recovery is hard, maybe... but today is seemed easy and enjoyable.
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Other than the local sheep I had the path to myself, it's any easy walk from here until you reach the gate at the road where I turn right.
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You quickly pass the Craigmead carpark & picnic area on your right ( unless the road is impassable, the toilets are open 7 days ).
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Then turn left for the path to East Lomond.
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Again easy navigation from here until you reach the gate where you turn onto the hill path.
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East Lomond now looms infront of you.
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West Lomond behind you.
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Following the track you soon reach the last climb to the summit.
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The obligatory summit shot & views from the surrounding area.
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I spotted down the hill to my left a trig point, I had to investigate.
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Then it was back down the hill and an enjoyable walk in the sunshine until you pass the picnic area on your left and reach the West Lomond path & gate again.
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Now I could have followed the road into the village, but why waste a good day on tarmac, so I was back through the gate and up the track untill I see the hill path downwards on my right.
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This path leads you on downward into Maspie Den.
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A last view of East Lomond before you get deeper into the Den.
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Down you go until you find the waterfall and path behind & under it.
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Yes, you can stand upright behind the waterfall.
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The path continues on downward, past the crags and a few more waterfalls.
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Watch out for the troll as you pass through the tunnel.
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Eventually you reach the road again, turn left and then follow the path down beside the fields into the woods, until you eventually return to pillars.

100m from the Pillars car park and I find early signs of spring.
20180125_153319 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr

11.3 miles and I'm back at the car for 15:40.

Still living life "Just For Today"

I never get tired of finding new ways up and down these hills. ...but I don't think I'll bother with part of your ascent route......We went up Maspie Den on January 8th. (down which you walked to the car park) to see how frozen the waterfall was. As you can see, it was still running.....just.[/url]