An easy circuit which climbs gently through pine woods and then oak woodland with good views over Loch Lomond and Tarbet Isle below.
Good paths, gentle up and down sections.
None to start - nearest bus Tarbet but the walk along the A82 is dangerous.
Foresty Commission car park opposite Tarbet Isle off A82 just north of Tarbet.
The car park is signed from both directions of the A82 and is just north of Tarbet on the inland side of the road up a steep drive. From the parking area take the path marked with a yellow marker post heading uphill towards some Scots Pines. The path climbs steadily before easing off and looping to the right and then descending for a short section.
As the path goes through mixed conifer and broadleaved woodland the remains of Caulfield's Military Road which ran from Tarbet to Crianlarich can be seen on the other side of the drystane dyke to the left of the path. Keep following the path as it goes through a gap in the dyke and eventually comes within sight of the Bonnie Braes tea room at Blairannich. It is possible to divert over the small wooden bridge to visit the tea room, otherwise continue on the main path as it bears right to head back towards Tarbet Isle.
The woodland is now mainly oak and glimpses of the water of Loch Lomond can be seen through the trees. Tarbet Isle, a small island only 80 metres long and 10 metres at its highest point, can be viewed from here. The island takes its name from nearby Tarbet which itself means the portage place. This name comes from folklore that the 13th century King Haakon sailed his Viking fleet up and down Loch Lomond causing havoc and panic having dragged his boats overland to Tarbet across the narrowest part of the land. The path soon returns to the car park where there are also good views of the water.
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