Balquhidder to Brig O'Turk via Glen Finglas

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Summary

This moorland through route links Ballimore, near Balquhidder to Brig O'Turk via picturesque Glen Finglas. Transport needs to be arranged to return to the start. A superb remote walk with dramatic scenery on an old drover's route.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Moorland path, very boggy in places, and tracks and minor road. Route climbs to 408 metres at an exposed pass.

Public Transport

Only very limited bus service.

Start

Ballimore at road end south of Balquhidder. 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: 14.5km / 9 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 6 hours
Ascent: 295m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN529174

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Accommodation

Walk Description

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Stage 1

Take the minor road south of Balquhidder over Stronvar Bridge until Ballimore at the end of the public road is reached (if walking from Balquhidder this adds around 4 kilometres to the distance). Here there is limited parking for 5 or 6 cars. From here walk over the old stone bridge, onto land belonging to Immeroin Farm, and then immediately up the steep bank on the right to follow a faint path southwest across the field crossing a dip and a small stream. Head for the farm gate in the wall ahead. The gate has a sign for the path to Brig O'Turk and should be climbed before continuing on the rough path ahead.

Stage 2

The path is very wet in places and keeps above the burn on the right but does not climb to the higher ground on the hillside. At one point the path forks, later these two paths merge again and the lower path is marginally less boggy. Soon the confluence of the burns can be seen ahead with a large cattle shed and sheep fold on the far side. From this point the path starts to head uphill and turns the corner into Glen Shoinnie. This section can be very overgrown with bracken in summer, which may require a detour around. Otherwise continue following the faint path, keeping to the left side of the burn and climbing over numerous knolls as the path heads steadily uphill.

Stage 3

When the highest point of the pass is reached the path bears right across rough ground to reach the Glen Meann track near a bend. There is a prominent waymarker sign at this point. From here head downhill keeping left where the track forks near the bottom of the steeper section. The walk along the glen is delightful following the Allt Glen nam Meann as it flows towards the Glen Finglas reservoir. Low in the glen a large rock with a tree growing atop of it bears a memorial - this estate now belongs to the Woodland Trust Scotland which is working to regenerate the natural forest in tandem with keeping the area as farming land. Continue until the main Glen Finglas track is reached.

Stage 4

Turn left at the track and follow it alongside the picturesque reservoir. On a clear day the view up Glen Finglas is superb and after a short while there is a viewpoint with a compass marking the direction of various points of interest. Continue on the minor road passing through a number of gates on the way down the glen and passing the farm and various houses.

Stage 5

The road climbs away from the waterside and through woodland. After another gate a path marked by boulders leaves to the left. This is the route that skirts around Lendrick Hill to arrive at the Forestry Commission Glen Finglas car park. It is an attractive route and makes a good alternative to the road descent to Brig O'Turk if you can arrange transport from the car park. Otherwise continue on the road as it starts to head downhill.

Stage 6

The road undulates with good views of the Glen Finglas dam in places. Ignore the road to the right which leads to the bottom of the dam itself. Follow the road all the way to Brig O'Turk and the junction with the main A821, passing the school on the way. The unusual name, Brig O'Turk derives from the Gaelic, Tuirc, meaning wild boar and probably referring to the popularity of Glen Finglas as an ancient Royal hunting area.

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