North Third Reservoir, near Stirling

This excellent moderate walk encircles the attractive North Third reservoir. The route climbs up to the top of the craggy escarpment of Lewis Hill with superb views before descending to cross the dam and continue around the shore.

Terrain

Paths throughout, occasionally muddy. Steep ascent onto the section above the crags.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Laybys near bridge over Bannock Burn, near North Third Trout Fishery. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Currently 3.38/5

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.75km / 3 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 98m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS756879

Maps, App and GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The North Third Trout Fishery is accessed via minor roads to the west of Stirling; find a place to park in one of several rough laybys along the road to the south, close to the foot and road bridge over the tiny Bannock Burn. Begin the walk by heading a short distance further south along the road from the burn, looking out for a yellow waymarker post that indicates a path going off into the woods on the left. Follow this as it climbs up through the woodland, giving an occasional view over the reservoir, until it meets a larger path at a t-junction and second yellow marker post. Turn left here.

Stage 2

The path continues climbing and eventually comes clear of the trees to give more open views over the reservoir and the start of the Lewis Hill escarpment. Follow the path, keeping the crags on the left, until it reaches the white-washed trig point on the summit. There are superb views both over the reservoir far below and towards the Highland Bens including prominent Ben Ledi, Stuc a'Chroin and Ben Vorlich.

Stage 3

Further on the views get even better as the escarpment edge is riven into strangely eroded rock pinnacles, making a perfect foreground. Continue until the end of the cliffs where the path descends steeply in a series of zig-zags. At the foot of these, near another wooden marker post, take a path off to the left.

Stage 4

This leads across to the reservoir dam, built of earth in the 1930s but crowned with some decorative stonework. Cross the dam in two sections and then pick up a grassy path that continues round the shore of the far side of the reservoir.

Stage 5

The path gives good views back across the water to a couple of islands, with Lewis Hill above. A reservoir it may be but the shores are still a delight; pass a large white shed and continue, crossing a wooden footbridge to reach the trout fishery parking area, where boats are hired for fishing. Continue on the path which climbs slightly beside a fence enclosing the reservoir. This eventually approaches the Bannock Burn at a footbridge - this is currently awaiting replacement - until then you can turn right, cross a stile into a field and then cross the field to a stone wall, which can be crossed with great care to reach the road. Cross this and then turn right alongside the burn to follow a small path back to the road and the laybys.

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