Ardess History Trail

Summary

The National Trust for Scotland own this part of Loch Lomond and have established a short history trail to explore the archaeology found beneath the heather, bracken and oak trees and to use it to explain how this part of the countryside used to be lived and worked in. An easy circular walk with good views.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked trail on woodland paths with some up and down sections.

Getting there

Start

Rowardennan car park.

Public Transport

No public transport to start of walk. It is possible to take the summer ferry from Tarbet Pier to Rowardennan, regular buses to Tarbet from Glasgow and Balloch.

Start Grid Ref

NS359986

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3km / 1.75 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 175m (Profile)

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OL39 Loch Lomond North

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Start from the car park at Rowardennan where there are public toilets. Follow the shoreside path as it heads north away from the car park and jetty. It soon passes the circular sculpture in tribute to those who have fought for Britain's armed forces and to whom the area is dedicated. Turn left when the main track is reached and keep right where the entrance to the Youth Hostel turns off. At the next fork keep left.

Stage 2

Soon the driveway to Ardess Ranger Centre and bunkhouse is reached. Turn right up the drive but then head through the gate to pass to the left of the building. Just beyond it is a reconstructed cruck house. Pass through a gate and then climb gently, bearing right. The stone built kennels below are a reminder of when the hostel was a 19th century hunting lodge. At a bend in the track turn right through a gate and follow the path through the oak woods, crossing a stream. The original woodland was planted in the 18th century to produce wood for charcoal and fuel and also bark which was used for tanning leather. The area is now fenced from grazing sheep and deer and other native species such as holly, rowan and hazel have been regenerating. Pass through another gate and when a track is reached turn right.

Stage 3

After another gate follow the track until an area of ridged ground can be seen on the other side of the fence. This is the remains of the ridge and furrow method of farming, where soil was mounded up with other nutrients to grow crops and the furrows provided drainage. Each family would be allotted a certain number of different ridges to farm each year to ensure everyone had a fair chance of getting good ground. Soon afterwards bear left uphill heading for a tree and a seat.

Stage 4

Follow the old remains of the stone dyke which would have been used to keep livestock and cultivation areas separate. Head across the open ground passing the remains of sheilings, or summer homes where cheese and butter would have been made in the summer months before the family moved back to their permanent homes lower down. Bear left at the remains to head downhill following the red marker arrows. The route soon goes through a gate to re-enter the wood.

Stage 5

Follow the path as it meanders through the wood, passing the ruins of a house before crossing another area of more open ground. Just before the next gate the remains of a turf house can be seen on the left. Little is known about the use of this type of building, constructed using only turf and no stones. Pass through the gate.

Stage 6

Cross a bridge over the Ardess Burn and very soon head to the right to look at the remains of two stone houses. Go through the wooden gate and follow the path past the remains of a long house, probably one used by a family at one end and their animals at the other. The path soon emerges onto the Ptarmigan path which is used as a way up or down Ben Lomond. Turn left onto this path and follow it downhill. Soon it comes close to the burn and there is a good viewpoint for a waterfall. When the path reaches the main track turn left and follow the track all the way back to the information building and the car park at the start of the walk.

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