Morning hike up East and West Lomond

[ChrisFerrier]

I've had these two hills on my list for absolutely ages, but never really got round to heading up them. The weather was supposed to be great this morning, so I figured it was time to head up. This is my first Walk Report, I had to remember to take some photos of the route and not just on the summits!

I climbed up East Lomond first. Which may have been a mistake as walking from the summit of East Lomond, all the way over to West Lomond I had the wind pouring into my face for the entire walk.

Road entrance for EL

The start point from the road, with the initial climb that levels off, until you get to a gate, head through it and continue until you get the main ascent point.

At the bottom of East Lomond ascent

I took the left track up, which was a mistake, as about halfway up I got blasted by the winds and felt as though I was going to fall backwards down the side. After a quick look round the summit, I descended via the other side of the hill, coming across a few guys setting up points for model aircraft races.

Model Village

I grabbed a nice wee photo of the model village of Falkland.

East Lomond Descent

On my return, with West Lomond looking dark and overcast, but tis would soon pass and leave the hill beaming in near-cloudless skies.

Up and down East Lomond took just under an hour.

As I cross the Craigsmead car park and headed through the gate for West Lomond, the walk was easy to the base of the main ascent, though was alerted at how some dogs should definitely be on a leash as a couple behind me were running after one of their dogs which was haring after the flock of sheep.

Base of main ascent

At the base of the main ascent, I took the path to the right, which was not as steep, the path climbed gradually, and as the path curves around the hill to reveal views over Loch Leven, there are several paths that split off and ascent higher. I didn't take one of these, but should have. They looked like offshoots from the main path, but the main worn path looks like I was heading towards Bishop Hill. I had to take a steeper climb to clamber up to the main path to the summit.

East View from WL Summit

Eastern View from the summit, looking back towards East Lomond.

West View on WL Summit

Western View from the summit.

I could only last about 2-3 minutes on the summit, the wind was even fiercer than it was on East Lomond. Though the views were brilliant. I retraced my steps downhill, and made very good time on my return to the car park, wit the wind now behind me. Up and down West Lomond was 1.5hrs in all. A grand morning out.