An attractive short 'figure of eight' walk in native woodlands recently planted by the Tyndrum community. There are good views of the surrounding mountains on this easy walk which takes in the riverside and can be started from (or extended to) Tyndrum by following the West Highland Way south from the village.
Clear, narrow (unmarked) paths and tracks through woodland and along the riverside..
None.
Dalrigh.
Start at the parking area which is signed for Dalrigh off the A82, just south of Tyndrum. Here there is a picnic table and a map showing the routes in the community woodland and how they join with the West Highland Way - the long distance footpath between Glasgow and Fort William. From this sign turn left down the track which used to the be the main road and pass through a gate. There are good views down the glen to the high mountains of Crianlarich, from the great cones of Ben More and Stob Binnein on the left to the distinctive outline of Cruach Àrdrain. Just before the stone bridge turn right onto a path following the yellow thistle marker of the West Highland Way.
This path follow the River Cononish upstream for a short distance. You can detour down through the trees for a better view of the lovely stone bridge over the river. Follow the path through birch and willow trees, crossing a small stream on stepping stones. The path emerges into more open ground with a stone seat commemorating the site of the battle of Dalrigh in 1306. Here Robert the Bruce and his men were caught by McDougall of Lorne, however they escaped and killed McDougall's men in a bloody battle at this site.
Keep following the clear path by the stream and bear right at an area of gravel where a ford crosses the river. Soon you reach a bend in the track, take the signed path to the left which soon emerges onto a larger track where you keep left and soon reach a wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and head uphill on the track.
Go through a gate next to a cattle grid and continue on the track. When the West Highland Way leaves on a path to the right keep straight ahead on the track. Soon there is an optional detour to a viewpoint to the right. Look for the narrow footpath on the right marked with stones which crosses the drainage ditch. This path heads uphill near a wooden sculpture showing the phases of the moon. Keep going until you reach the viewpoint on top of the next little hillock. From here you can look down at the lochan where legend has it that Robert the Bruce and his men abandoned their swords to try to hasten their escape. Further to the right you can see the shapes left on the landscape by the last ice age.
After the detour return to the track and turn right, very soon take a narrow path to the left just after some sitka spruce pines and before a small stream. Follow this path past a picnic spot and down to the riverside passing an oak leaf sculpture and a single gate.
Pass through an area of lush undergrowth near the river, with great views upstream to Beinn Dubhcraig above some fine pinewoods. When you emerge at the ford turn left and head uphill on the track until you reach the other track. Turn right here and cross the bridge and continue on the track. When you reach another track turn left towards the houses. Pass the first house and then bear right and then left to pass the front of the Old Church House B&B. Follow the track uphill and turn right at the T junction, soon you reach the car park and the start of the walk.
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