RSPB Loch Lomond Nature Reserve, near Drymen

Summary

This out-and-back route runs through the RSPB's Loch Lomond nature reserve, taking in varied habitats including woodland, expansive wetland and a visit to a beautiful spot on the shores of Loch Lomond itself.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Well constructed and waymarked footpaths.

Getting there

Start

RSPB Loch Lomond reserve car park.

Public Transport

None to start; 400m walk along busy road (no pavement) to nearest bus stop at Old School Road (between Gartocharn and Drymen). .

Start Grid Ref

NS437870

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.1km / 3.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 30m (Profile)

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OL38 Loch Lomond South

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The RSPB Loch Lomond Reserve is signed from the A811 east of Gartocharn; the car park (charge, free for RSPB members) is reached a short distance from the main road. Begin the walk by heading past the toilet building and a picnic table, and at a path junction turn left into the woods.

Stage 2

The path curves left into Airey Wood, a native oakwood, and then curves back right. When a signposted fork is reached take the left branch - marked for Lomond Trail. The path passes the first of several beautifully carved wooden benches, and passes through a gap in a stone wall. When it reaches the edge of the wood turn left at a junction.

Stage 3

The path swings left through a field rich in orchids in early summer. When it reaches a picnic table it turns right. Cross a bridge over a burn, and then follow a very long wooden boardwalk to cross a natural floodplain wetland - an undrained fen. It provides home or a resting place to many species including the rare Spotted Crake.

Stage 4

At the far end of the fen the path leads into woodland once more. It swings left at another picnic table, and then heads through a pedestrian gate. There are shorter sections of boardwalk and more picnic tables before the path goes straight across a muddy track to pass through another gate. On the far side it reaches a t-junction just short of the shores of Loch Lomomd - turn right here.

Stage 5

The path continues through the trees, with plenty of glimpses of the shores of Loch Lomond off to the left. After passing through another gate it reaches a junction behind Net Bay - turn left here through a final gate to reach the shores of the loch, with a couple of wonderfully carved benches. This is a beautiful location, with stunning views out across Loch Lomond, with Inchcailloch island, Conic Hill all prominent.

Stage 6

Heading the other way at the last junction leads to a viewpoint in the fields, but it is unmarked and the ground is very boggy; you still have to return the same way - it is not really worth the extra effort. Instead retrace your steps back along the main path, through the woods and back across the fen. When the path returns to Airey Wood just before the end, you can take the left branch to visit a striking wooden hide / shelter adjacent to a dipping pond. From here an alternate trail leads back to the start.

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