Mountain lookout trail, Crianlarich

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This short walk from Crianlarich is ideal as an early evening leg stretcher. It heads up through the native community woodlands with to a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding mountains. At the end of the loop there is a chance to visit the banks of the River Fillan.

Terrain

Well-made paths and tracks; some steps.

Public Transport

Crianlarich is well served by both buses and a train station.

Start

Car park in Crianlarich, opposite school / shop / pub. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the centre of Crianlarich; there is a good sized car park opposite the school (which is next to the Rod and Reel pub). Begin the walk by carefully crossing the main road and then heading up the minor road that runs past the Londis supermarket. Keep left when it forks (signed 'Mountain Lookout') to reach another small parking area. Here a marked footpath crosses a footbridge and climbs uphill through the woods.

Stage 2

The path passes a bench and then heads through a gate into a more open area. Follow the path uphill passing young rowan, birch, willow and alder trees. This area is part of Crianlarich Community Woodland, where local children have planted native species of trees. At a marked junction keep straight ahead (the Inverardan Forest branch on the left is the return route). Soon the path turns left into a constructed viewing area with seating and an indicator giving the names of the surrounding mountains.

Stage 3

Continue on the path that heads through the viewing area and swings right. Soon it climbs up to a small rocky knobble which gives excellent views back over Crianlarich.

Stage 4

Continuing along the path there are good views ahead to Ben More, the highest local Munro at 1174 metres. Turn just past a bench (blue marker) and then left when a t-junction is reached with another path. This leads to a wooden boardwalk across a wet area; cross this and then turn right along a landrover track beyond.

Stage 5

When this reaches the edge of commercial forest plantations turn right (blue waymarker) onto a footpath. This soon passes through a gate and then returns to the junction mentioned at Stage 2. From this point turn left and retrace your steps back to the car park.

Stage 6

Before leaving the car park, it is worth following the 'River and Rail Trail' path from the far side. This swings left past a bench to run along what was once part of the Oban and Callander railway line, which closed in 1965. Follow it until it leads beneath the Glenbruar Viaduct which carries the West Highland Line high above - this is still in use. Do not pass underneath, instead following the track to the right to reach the banks of the River Fillan - an attractive spot. Return to the car park the same way.

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