The walk starts from the centre of
Drymen with an
immediate route option
of either pick up the West Highland Way for a short distance or
heading off on a minor road to the north of the Drymen. The road to the
North soon crosses the WHW as it tracks north west to
Loch Lomond. At this point the two Ways separate, the Rob Roy Way
heading north east beside the forest and the side of Muir
Park Reservoir.
Drymen Square
Clachan Inn - Oldest Pub in Scotland
After a further mile the minor road reaches the
highest point in the days walk at the Muir Park Reservoir and the
crossing point between the Garadhban and Loch Ard Forests. This point
is also well defined by a radio mast and a line of electric pylons. On
a good day there are attractive views out to the east and south.
Remain on the minor road along the edge of the forest till reaching a
cross roads with a park on the right and two tracks leading off to the
left.
There is a temporary diversion at this point due to
forestry work. For this reason you will take the first and not the second
track on the left (as detailed below) and follow the diverionary route.
For a downloadable map showing the diversionary route
click on this link.
Take the second track on the left into the forest. Along the
first half of the Loch Ard Forest section there are many signs of the
Glasgow Water Supply
System as it travels underground and over aquaduct on its way from
Loch Katrine.
Intersection of West Highland Way and the Rob Roy Way
Muir Park Reservoir
Having left High Corrie behind and entered the forest now
on both side of the track you come to a staggered crossroads. Keep
straight ahead up a series of hairpin bends and underneath the same
pillon lines detailed at the Muir Park Reservoir, till reaching a second
cross roads with another of the attractive stone breather points.
Take
the track to the right shortly reaching Clashmore.
Clashmore is another key junction requiring care especially as there are several paths at this point.
Taking the track sharp left and again uphill. The path turns to the right and now passes some minor
junctions before reaching another junction on the route with tracks heading west and south west. Take
the line that follows in a north east direct along what becomes a relatively straight forest track for about
two mile till it reaches housing at Balleich.
Glasgow Water Supply - Breather Dome
To assist walkers with this section and indeed all the route they can obtain a table of
directions based on O/S Grid Reference points supplied by Walking Support. There is a nomimal
charge (£3.99) for this details which can be purchased and delivered on-line to your computer.
To obtain an e-mailed copy of the instructions click on the button below and then follow the
straighforward secure payment instructions
Kirkton Church - Aberfoyle
The final walk into
Aberfoyle is along a tarred road crossing the River Forth just to the
west end of the Main Street. As you come up this tarred road there is
the ruined Kirkton Church and graveyard on the right, a very
interesting location, and one that is detailed in the
local history section. In
Aberfoyle there are many places of interest and the opportunity to use
the local transport to explore the heart of the Trossachs area.