Beinn Dubh - Glen Striddle horseshoe, Luss

Summary

The circuit of the hills above Glen Striddle makes an excellent short hillwalk. The ascent up the grassy ridge rising from Luss is a delight and the views over Loch Lomond and towards the Arrochar Alps are superb.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Grassy hillwalking; some areas of peat on the plateau and some wetter sections of path lower down.

Getting there

Start

Luss car park.

Public Transport

Regular buses from Glasgow and Crianlarich as well as Citylink coaches which stop on the A82.

Start Grid Ref

NS359930

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km / 7.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 725m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Fiona: Beinn Dubh

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OL39 Loch Lomond North

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Walk Description

User reports (56)

Stage 1

There is a large car park in Luss village (charge). Head along the road in the direction of the centre of the village, almost immediately turning right towards the primary school. A path ahead ascends steps to climb up to a footbridge over the thunderingly busy A82. On the far side is an attractive house; go through the kissing-gate to its left. Once through the gate, immediately turn right over the stile and head uphill through the field behind the house, aiming for a gate below the woods.

Stage 2

The grassy path climbs pleasantly through the trees, giving fine views back over Loch Lomond as well as across Glen Luss to the other Luss hills. When the path passes through a gate keep on the main, left-hand path which runs alongside the fence briefly before swinging right to continue uphill Eventually it leaves the trees behind and the ascent continues up the bracken-clad ridge.

Stage 3

The ascent levels off briefly as Ben Lomond comes into view. The climb then continues more steadily up the ridge; eventually a fence climbs up from the left and the path follows it for some distance, crossing to the other side at a stile. The views back from this section over the foot of Loch Lomond, peppered with wooded islands, is nothing short of stunning.

Stage 4

A small cairn marks the top of the ridge, whilst just a short distance further on the head of Loch Lomond comes into view, whilst the mountains of the Arrochar Alps look magnificent, including the distinctive profile of The Cobbler, with the highest peak of Beinn Ìme to its right. Many walkers go this far around the circuit and then return to Luss the same way, thus avoiding the boggier second half of the round; however if you have time it is well worth completing the circuit. The fence soon leaves the ridge and descends to the right but the path continues on the high ground ahead.

Stage 5

The ridge loses definition in a mass of peaty ground. Bear left, keeping above the steep ground of Coire na h-Eanachan, before making a beeline for the small cairn that marks the highest point of the circuit at 657 metres. The best views of Loch Lomond have been left behind, but both the Arrochar Alps and nearby Doune Hill look superb.

Stage 6

For the descent, follow the path past another cairn and across a shallow dip to reach Mid Hill. The route down follows the southeast ridge from here, which soon becomes better defined with steep slopes dropping to Glen Striddle on the left side. Loch Lomond and its islands are now back in view and remain so all the way down the hill. Lower down the path can be a little wet. Cross the fence at a stile and finally head through a gate in the drystone wall. The minor road up Glen Luss is reached just beyond. Turn left down this road, crossing an attractive bridge over the Striddle Burn. Continue along the road for almost three kilometres until a wooden footpath signpost near the house at the start of the walk. Head along the path on the left here to return to Luss over the A82 footbridge once more.

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