Carleatheran and Stronend, near Kippen

Summary

Explore the escarpment of the Fintry and Gargunnock hills to reach the high points of Carleatheran and Stronend both with great views over Flanders Moss to the mountains beyond. Can be boggy and needs careful navigation in poor weather.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Farm track, then moorland path, section to Stronend is mainly pathless and boggy in places.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking area on Glinns Road, off A811 near Gargunnock, at grid ref NS652922. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 23.25km / 14.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 631m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS652922

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Carleatheran
Sub 2000: Stronend

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

The route starts along the track leading to Ballochleam Farm on the minor road signed Glinns Road off the A811 between the turn offs for Kippen and Gargunnock. Although it is possible to approach from the west the road is very rough and has a couple of gates to open. There is no room to park at the entrance to the farm track as access is needed for tractors, so continue along the road to reach a parking area on the right just after crossing the Boquhan Burn. From here head back along the road for 0.7km and turn right up the track for Ballochleam Farm. The break in the escarpment which is the route up can clearly be seen to the right.

Stage 2

Follow the track, pass the farm entrance and go through the farm gate to continue to a fork, branch right here and go through another gate. The route now climbs up to the Spout of Ballochleam. After the gate at the top, continue a short way on the track and then strike off to the left on a vague grassy track.

Stage 3

The route is often boggy but it basically keeps to the higher ground, keeping right where the track forks (do not rely on the indistinct vehicle tracks for navigation as they may change) to reach a gate in a fence. Go through this and continue over the undulating ground, getting closer to the edge of the escarpment at Standmilane Craig - the grassy track gets easier to follow and passes a small cairn before heading through a wooden gate.

Stage 4

The track leads to the large cairn with a trig point in the centre marking the top of Carleatheran at 485m. The rocks form part of an ancient burial chamber, contrasting with the small windfarm nearby. From here you can either retrace the route along the top of the escarpment or follow the circular route described here and on the map which is less scenic, easier going but longer. Follow the track SWS directly towards the wind farm, it crosses a broken down fence and bears west to pick up a gravel track.

Stage 5

Follow this past a shooting hut on the left and a tall mast to descend towards Gourlay's Burn, passing through a gate before crossing the burn and returning to the top of the Spout of Ballochleam. From here head south west over a wooden gate onto a grassy track aiming for the left side of the Boquhan Burn. Keep right at a fork to pass a tree and pipeline before descending to the right to cross the Boquhan Burn and heading up the grassy track on the far side. This passes a line of grouse butts before the track becomes more indistinct.

Stage 6

Eventually it is necessary to head over the hummocky and boggy ground to head directly for the summit of Stronend which is marked by a cairn and stone trig point at 511m. There are extensive views with the peaks of Ben Ledi, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin visible on a clear day. From the top retrace your steps to the top of the track and back down it to the start.

Route Profile

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