Balloch to Strathblane

Summary

The second stage of the John Muir Way is a long one, starting with a stroll through idyllic Balloch Castle Country Park. A long section of walking on tarmac follows, as the route follows quiet country lanes through the gently undulating farmland south of Loch Lomond. Later the way breaks from the cycle route, as it heads through forestry and past reservoirs and leads through the northern fringes of the Kilpatrick Hills, continuing in the shadow of the Campsie Fells to reach Strathblane.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor roads at first, then good paths throughout.

Public Transport

Buses and trains serve both Balloch and Strathblane.

Start

Balloch Tourist information / railway station. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 28.5km / 17.75 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 492m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS390819

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Start from Balloch Road, between the tourist information centre and the railway station. Begin by walking east, crossing the bridge over the River Leven, and then immediately turning left before Balloch House Hotel to join the path which follows the river. This is a delightful spot, with boats, ducks and views out towards Loch Lomond. Keep left at several forks to follow the path as it leads through the trees and eventually reaches the shores of the loch.

Stage 2

After passing the small 'Slipway' boathouse building, take a right turn onto a path that winds uphill through the parkland. Higher up bear right to pass in front of Balloch Castle. Continue on the tarred lane beyond, and when this track forks bear left, then straight across at the next junction - now following the blue sign for cycle route 7 - to follow the exit road that leads east out of the park. Once past the gates, go straight ahead on the minor road, emerging on the A811 in around 1km. Turn left at this main road then take the next fork on the right (cycle route 7 sign). Bear right at the fork uphill, then continue along the minor road for 3km or so, passing several houses.

Stage 3

Ignore the road branching left (signed Gartocharn), continuing along the cycle route, ignoring the next on the left (where the cycle route heads off for Croftamie) and then at a T-junction turn left, following the road till its end at Wester Cameron farm. Continue straight ahead along the farm track which soon turns sharp right and heads uphill going through a gate, there are good views towards the Loch Lomond hills. As you near the forestry plantation turn right to go through a wooden gate (ignoring the metal gate ahead) and keep straight on the main track through a fairly monotonous section of fir plantation, ignore the two forestry tracks to the left eventually turning left onto a clear, signed path which meanders through the trees, over a footbridge and crosses straight over a track before climbing to reach open ground.

Stage 4

The path now approaches the dam of Burncrooks Reservoir, keep right where a path diverts down to the dam and head round to the right side (east) of the water. The path now climbs and continues round the reservoir with good views across to the Campsie fells beyond. At the far side of the water turn right at a track and then immediately left to soon reach the approach road to the dam at a gate. Turn right after the gate and after heading downhill go through the gate and past the buildings of the filter station. Keep straight on down the road and at the bottom turn left away from the large white Auchineden Farmhouse and then take the next right to pass in front of the farmhouse towards the Edenmill cafe and farm shop. Follow the signs to cross to the far opposite side of the car park and down to a track where you turn left.

Stage 5

Follow the track, passing fishing ponds on your left until you reach the A809 road after a tree-lined avenue at a metal kissing gate. Turn left and cross the road opposite the Carbeth Inn (currently closed) and take the track to the right just beyond the pub. This leads up to the Carbeth huts, the most famous Scottish hutting community. Originally formed when camping rights were given by the landowner to soldiers returning from the first world war, and the huts developed as people sought the healthy air and activities of the countryside. During the second world war the huts housed evacuees from bombed out homes.

Stage 6

More recently the 'hutters' have bought the land and it the huts are used for holidays. Turn onto the signed path on the left side of the track uphill and keep straight on to pass a number of huts, rejoining a track and then turning left onto a path next to a large stone to descend past more huts to reach a road. Turn right along the road for a short distance, soon there are views of Carbeth Loch. Immediately after the house turn right onto a path which runs alongside a fence and soon reaches the West Highland Way at a signpost. Turn left here to join the WHW for a short distance, passing more huts and turning sharp right after the last hut to leave the WHW, go through a gate and take the slanting path up through the trees.

Stage 7

This eventually emerges on a wide forestry track - turn left here along this track. Follow the track as it runs through a recently felled area and past the house at Boards, keeping straight ahead on the track. Eventually the track passes two benches with fine views over the Campsies.

Stage 8

As the edge of Strathblane is approached, follow the signed path that turns off left. This joins a track and continues down to reach a disused railway line. Turn right along this, soon reaching a housing estate. Follow the signs right, then left to reach the main A81. Turn left along this to reach a mini-roundabout in front of the Kirkhouse Inn. The centre of Strathblane is to the left, but the John Muir Way turns right here.

Next stage: Strathblane to Croy

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