free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
I wanted to go somewhere, not too far but where I could get a good walk with the dogs and Glen Tanar seemed a great choice! I had planned to do this route last year but had to change last-minute because of forestry work closing off the route but no such issues today though there was some forestry work going on, Moss decided to help out a bit...
We parked up, the parking charge is now £3 I'm not sure when that changed as last time I was there the machines weren't working but there is an option of getting an annual pass for £25 which I may well opt for. Over the bridge and initially following the Old Pines route past the chapel and into the forest. Where this route goes down to the viewpoint we continued straight on following the Firmouth road. Couldn't see much, the sun was right in front of us!
It is an easy track to follow. Another track splits from the main route by a carved stone, this is the way we ended up going last time. That was a lovely walk too but we didn't switch plans instead remaining on the main track.
At a zig-gag there was some excitement because there was a pool! We stopped for Moss to have a swim, Coinneach accidentally dunking himself in a deeper part and scrambling to get out pretty quick!
The track led on through the forest and a small building appeared ahead. Inside it was like a little witches house with brooms hanging on the wall!
![15.jpg]()
- The witches house
A bit further along I was surprised to find some sheep in the forest. Not something I've ever seen in the forest itself but they seemed happy enough.
The track rejoined the Old Pines marked trail. There are two options here, straight on is the quickest way or add a bit more to the walk by going over the bridge. We went over the bridge, and over the next bridge following the trail through the forest.
As we were getting close to the pond we disturbed a deer that stood watching us as we went past before disappearing. A bit less unusual to see than the sheep!
Reaching the edge of the forest we followed a grassy track to the river Moss stopping for another swim before we headed back across the bridge to the car park.
The walk wasn't as long as what I thought it was going to be but it is a longer alternative to the marked trails and certainly a pleasant walk. We saw hardly anyone, just one other walker and a few cyclists. I'm very tempted to go up with my own bike once I get a bike rack for my car!
