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 ).
20180125_104511 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrTurning onto the A912 gave my first view of East Lomond.
20180125_105422 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrNormally 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.
20180125_153638 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrParked 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.
20180125_112046 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrAbout 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.
20180125_113312 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_113349 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr.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.
20180125_114508 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_115658 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrArraty Den
20180125_115412 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrIt 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 ??
20180125_120231 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrNOPE
The track soon petered out and I ended up finding the best way I could through the trees.
20180125_121052 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrA wee scramble at the top and I was out onto the hill.
20180125_121523 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrWith 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.
20180125_123500 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrI 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.
20180125_124130 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrThe path onto West Lomond.
20180125_124511 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrLooking back at East Lomond.
20180125_124528 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrAs 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.
20180125_125505 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrLooking back at East Lomond from half way up.
20180125_125845 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrNot too long and I was at the summit.
20180125_130350 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrSummit views.
20180125_130425 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_130636 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrA 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.
20180125_134729 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_134734 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrOther 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.
20180125_135215 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrYou quickly pass the Craigmead carpark & picnic area on your right ( unless the road is impassable, the toilets are open 7 days ).
20180125_135428 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrThen turn left for the path to East Lomond.
20180125_135439 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrAgain easy navigation from here until you reach the gate where you turn onto the hill path.
20180125_140935 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrEast Lomond now looms infront of you.
20180125_141112 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrWest Lomond behind you.
20180125_141119 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrFollowing the track you soon reach the last climb to the summit.
20180125_142024 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrThe obligatory summit shot & views from the surrounding area.
20180125_142615 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_142644 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_142736 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_142724 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrI spotted down the hill to my left a trig point, I had to investigate.
20180125_143000 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrThen 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.
20180125_145139 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrNow 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.
20180125_145239 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrThis path leads you on downward into Maspie Den.
20180125_145718 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_145727 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrA last view of East Lomond before you get deeper into the Den.
20180125_150259 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrDown you go until you find the waterfall and path behind & under it.
20180125_150543 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_150707 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_150733 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrYes, you can stand upright behind the waterfall.
20180125_150758 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrThe path continues on downward, past the crags and a few more waterfalls.
20180125_150848 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_151034 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_151304 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on Flickr
20180125_151513 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrWatch out for the troll as you pass through the tunnel.
20180125_152142 by IainHamiltonPhotography, on FlickrEventually 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 Flickr11.3 miles and I'm back at the car for 15:40.
Still living life "Just For Today"
