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Lochgoin Circuit, Whitelee Windfarm

A visitor centre and good car parking makes this an easy circular route around Europe's largest onshore windfarm.

Terrain

Well-made construction tracks, a short section of asphalt and several horse and bike-friendly gates.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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There are 7 user reports for this walk - click to read them.

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Currently 2.70/530

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.5km / 8.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 117m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS530491

Mapping and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Before setting out on this walk it is worth printing a copy of the official map, as it has the numbers of the wind turbines - you can get it here. From the car park head toward the large horizontal turbine blade and pass through the main gate downhill into the windfarm. Alternatively, take a look around the visitor centre first to obtain some background information before retracing your steps and passing through the gate. Turbine 40 has pride of place at the path junction at the bottom of the hill, complete with a short information board. Turn left along the wide track, then after 300 metres turn right along a narrower path, then left, then right again. Follow this path as it curves to the left at the northern apex of the triangular Lochgoin Reservoir, ignoring the path leading off to the right.

Stage 2

Remain on this main track, following the obvious path as it contours around Blackwood Hill. There is a signpost indicating a detour path up to the summit, which has a view indicator. Back on the main path, soon you are turning your back on Lochgoin Reservoir as the path heads steadily east with a short descent and re-ascent, before taking a right turn at the Turbine 74 access road and completing the 180 degree turn to head back towards the reservoir.

Stage 3

Just past Turbine 27 the path turns south-east, before passing Turbines 12 and 13 and reaching the main 'Spine Road' through the windfarm. Depending on the day and weather, this road can be busy with cyclists, some more competent and aware of walkers than others! Turn right, following the boundary between the Lochgoin and Green Hill estates to reach the windfarm control building, with the Lochgoin Monument, in memory of 18th Century writer John Howie, on the hill behind. Soon after passing the control building turn right to complete the circuit of the reservoir and rejoin the outward route alongside Turbine 42.

Walk description: Phil Turner

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