Strathkelvin Ramblers

Hi Folks,

Nine ramblers, including a member from Monklands Group, joined Caroline's leisurely walk round Charlestown and Limekilns. The weather was perfect with blue skies and sunshine throughout the day. Eight walkers retired for some Coorie by the Coast at the end of the walk and it was warm enough to sit outside. A good dose of vitamin D for all.

Saturday 27th December

Overview

Robert Bain will be leading an Easy B walk along good paths and towpaths from Southbank, Kirkintilloch to Torrance, along the River Kelvin to Cadder and returning to Kirkintilloch along the canal towpath.

The walk is relatively short and it is intended to return to Kirkintilloch by 2pm for lunch in the Kirky Puffer for anyone who would like to socialise after the walk. Accordingly, it is intended to have 2 coffee breaks on the walk itself, the second of which can be used as a lunch break for anyone who would prefer that option. There are options to cut the walk short at Torrance and Cadder by either walking back to Kirkintilloch along the canal towpath or getting a bus.

As this is a local walk starting at Southbank there is no need to contact the leader if you intend walking, however the walk will start sharp at 10.00am.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link:-
https://ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/kirkintilloch-torrance-and-cadder-circular

Future Events

The programme for the coming weeks, which can also be viewed on the website or The Ramblers App, is as follows:-

Jan 3 B Steven Cartwright – Dum-Y At with winter hats on
Jan 10 B Jim Dougal – Meikle Bin from Queenzieburn
Jan 17 B Caroline Logan – Jaw Reservoir and Cochno Hill
Jan 24 B Neil Kitchener – Pool of Muckhart and Rumbling Bridge

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 22 December 2025

 Beatrice Clugstone Memorial Walk

Six members joined Jenny on the third annual walk commemorating Beatrice Clugstone, visiting local sites connected to her work, including Lenzie and Broomhill Hospitals and her former residence. Lunch took place at her gravestone, where a wreath was laid. During the visit, it was observed that the screws securing the replacement sculpture were loose; this issue will be reported to the council.

Beatrice Clugstone was a noted figure in Glasgow's history, renowned for her dedication to healthcare and philanthropic work during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Her involvement with Lenzie and Broomhill Hospitals contributed significantly to improvements in patient welfare and public health initiatives.

Blackness Castle to Hopetoun House

Pauline was accompanied by 20 members as they walked part of the John Muir Way along the coast from Blackness Castle to Hopetoun House. This scenic stretch covers approximately 8miles (16.3 kilometres) with a total ascent of 123 metres, making it a moderately gentle walk suitable for most abilities. Some areas visited had been used as filming locations for Outlander. While walking through the deer park, the group observed a stag with large antlers that remained undisturbed by their presence. The group took a tea break on the beach, viewing the three bridges crossing the Forth. Weather conditions remained favourable until a coffee stop on the return journey, but this did not affect the overall walk.

Blackness Castle, built in the 15th century, served as a strategic stronghold on the Firth of Forth and has been used as a royal residence, fortress, and later as a prison. Hopetoun House, completed in the early 18th century, is one of Scotland’s grandest stately homes and remains the ancestral seat of the Hope family. The John Muir Way, named after the renowned Scottish-American naturalist John Muir, is a long-distance walking route that stretches across central Scotland, celebrating both natural beauty and historical landmarks.

                                                                    Hopetoun House                                                                                                                                                                                               Blackness Castle                                     

Stag                                 

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 22 September 2025

23 members helped Stuart to negotiate his walk from the Bridge of Allan and enjoyed the walk helped by a square of tablet at tea break. They followed a scenic route via Allan Water, Kippenrait Glen, Glen Road, Hill of Aithrey, and Cockburn Reservoir where we stopped for lunch.

Despite the wet weather, the group was compensated by the sight of a beautiful rainbow. The return journey took them through Hermitage Wood, adding to the overall enjoyment of the walk.

The entire route covered an estimated distance of 17.1km, took just under 6 hours to complete, and included an elevation gain of 347m.

After the walk some members repaired to the Westerton Arms for a well deserved coffee and cake.

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 21 September 2025

This excerpt comes from an email update titled *"Walks for Weekending 13th September 2025"* sent to members of the Ramblers Strathkelvin group. It recounts a recent group hike led by Gillian and Joyce to *The Cobbler*, a well-known peak in the Arrochar Alps of Scotland.

The hike involved 13 participants, including one visitor, indicating it was a moderately attended group walk.
 Gillian and Joyce were the designated leaders, suggesting they are experienced or regular organizers within the Ramblers group.
 Although the day remained dry, persistent mist obscured visibility—an important detail for a hike known for its scenic summit views.
The mist diminished the panoramic views typically enjoyed from the summit, which may have disappointed many hikers,.

The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) is famed for its dramatic rock formations and sweeping views over Loch Long and the surrounding Highlands. However, as noted in both the email and hiking guides, mist and low cloud are common, often obscuring the very vistas that make the climb worthwhile. This update reflects both the camaraderie of the group and the realities of hiking in Scotland—where success is measured not just by reaching the summit, but by embracing the journey, weather and all.

Would you like a preview of the next walk they’ve planned? It sounds like a scenic one through Bridge of Allan! Walks Programme

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 09 September 2025

Hi Folks,

11 members, including two visitors,  joined Stuart to climb to the summit of Ben Vane. It was a hard climb but fortunately the mist on the way up kept the heat down. After an interesting scramble to the summit where they stopped for dinner, the mist cleared and the views improved significantly. The afternoon sun meant a rather hot walk back to the car.

Saturday 23rd August

Overview

Jenny Burgon will be leading a circular C+ walk to Waterside Bing and beyond from Kirkintilloch Town Centre through Merkland Nature Reserve, Waterside Village to the bing. A climb to the top is optional though the reward is a good view. Beware, a walk round the bing can be wet. Return via the Luggie Water Park.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/waterside-bing-walk

Overview

Jim Dougall will be leading a B+ ascent of Ben Lawers. Difficulty level is moderate due to well marked trails and mostly slight inclines without any difficult scrambles. Good news is we start the hike from the NTS high level car park at around 400m to begin our ascent.(standard practice)

Ben Lawers at 1214m, the tenth highest Munro, is the culminating point of the sprawling range of mountains on the north side of Loch Tay. Beinn Ghlas at 1103m is crossed en-route.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/beinn-ghlas-ben-lawers

Future Events

The programme for the following weeks, which can also be viewed on the website or The Ramblers App, is as follows:-

Sep   6 B+ Gillian Lang/Joyce Northcott – The Cobbler

Sep 13 B   Stuart Ferguson – Brudge of Allan

Sep 20 C   Jenny Burgon – Beatrice Clugston Walk

Sep 20 B   Pauline Anderson – Blackness Castle to Hopetoun House Circular

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 21 August 2025

Hi Folks,

Five walkers met David at Buchanan St bus station then headed to the underground and got off at Kelvin bridge. From there we followed the River Kelvin for a while and then went up to the University to see the birds of prey before heading down to the Clyde walkway and back into the city via a coffee break in the Clyde distillery. We finished off walking along the Clyde and back to the bus station.

Seventeen ramblers made an early start to travel across to the Pentlands with Alanon Saturday, for a walk around Turnhouse and Carnethy Hills. The weather was perfect for walking and we were rewarded with fabulous views. Two people also made a quick dash up Scald Law while the rest of us enjoyed lunch in the sunshine, sitting on the banks of Loganlee Reservoir. A wonderful day to be out in the hills, which we ended in the nice little cafe at Flotterstone car park. 

Saturday 9th August

Overview

Ailsa MacLennan will be leading a moderately challenging “B” walk to the summit of Ben A’an with a steep and rocky start. Stunning views from the summit overlooking Loch Katrine and the surrounding hills. Return route via a muddy forest area and the loch side.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/ben-aan-3

Future Events

The programme for the following weeks, which can also be viewed on the website or The Ramblers App, is as follows:-

Aug 09 B   Ailsa MacLennan – Ben A’an

Aug 16 B+ Stuart Ferguson – Ben Vane slowly

Aug 23 C   Jenny Burgon – Kirky Bing

Aug 23 A   Jim Dougal – Beinn Glas and Ben Lawers

Sep   6 B+ Pauline Anderson – The Cobbler slowly

Sep   6 B+ Gillian Lang – The Cobbler challenging

Carol Jakar is in hospital with a damaged pelvis and is unlikely to be able to lead her walk so there is currently no walk programmed for 30th August. We wish her a speedy and complete recovery.

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 21 August 2025

Hi Folks,

16 members accompanied Jim on his walk up Glen Striddle. Although they donned waterproofs after lunch, thankfully they were not needed. The ice cream and coffee at the end was most welcome

Saturday 2^nd August

 Overview

David Kennedy will be leading a linear “C” walk to the West End and along the River Kelvin, starting from Buchannan St Bus Station heading for Kelvin Bridge then walking along the river to the University and returning by bus.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/river-kelvin-and-west-end

Overview

Alan Hughes will be leading a circular “B” walk to Carnethy Hill in the Pentlands. This is a walk of two halves. Starting from Flotterstone, we will make an ascent up two of the most iconic peaks in the Pentlands: Turnhouse Hill and Carnethy Hill. If it is a clear day we will hopefully have good views over not just the Pentlands, but the whole of the Forth Valley. We’ll then descend down to Loganlea Reservoir for lunch. The second half of the walk will be a more leisurely stroll back to Flotterstone along the road that runs to the north of Loganlea and Glencourse reservoirs. 

The walking will be mostly on good quality paths, which might be muddy at times if it’s wet, with a longer section of road walking at the end. On the first half of the walk there will be some steep ascents. 

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/carnethy-hill-flotterstone

Future Events

The programme for the following weeks, which can also be viewed on the website or The Ramblers App, is as follows:-

Aug 09 B   Ailsa MacLennan – Ben A’an

Aug 16 B+ Stuart Ferguson – Ben Vane slowly

Aug 23 C   Jenny Burgon – Kirky Bing

Aug 23 A   Jim Dougal – Beinn Glas and Ben Lawers

Aug 30 C   Carol Jakar – Loch Ard Circular

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 21 August 2025

Hi Folks,

16 members accompanied Jim on his walk up Glen Striddle. Although they donned waterproofs after lunch, thankfully they were not needed. The ice cream and coffee at the end was most welcome

Saturday 2nd August

Overview

David Kennedy will be leading a linear “C” walk to the West End and along the River Kelvin, starting from Buchannan St Bus Station heading for Kelvin Bridge then walking along the river to the University and returning by bus.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/river-kelvin-and-west-end

Overview

Alan Hughes will be leading a circular “B” walk to Carnethy Hill in the Pentlands. This is a walk of two halves. Starting from Flotterstone, we will make an ascent up two of the most iconic peaks in the Pentlands: Turnhouse Hill and Carnethy Hill. If it is a clear day we will hopefully have good views over not just the Pentlands, but the whole of the Forth Valley. We’ll then descend down to Loganlea Reservoir for lunch. The second half of the walk will be a more leisurely stroll back to Flotterstone along the road that runs to the north of Loganlea and Glencourse reservoirs.
The walking will be mostly on good quality paths, which might be muddy at times if it’s wet, with a longer section of road walking at the end. On the first half of the walk there will be some steep ascents.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/carnethy-hill-flotterstone

Future Events

The programme for the following weeks, which can also be viewed on the website or The Ramblers App, is as follows:-

Aug 09 B Ailsa MacLennan – Ben A’an
Aug 16 B+ Stuart Ferguson – Ben Vane slowly
Aug 23 C Jenny Burgon – Kirky Bing
Aug 23 A Jim Dougal – Beinn Glas and Ben Lawers
Aug 30 C Carol Jakar – Loch Ard Circular

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 28 July 2025

Hi Folks,

10 members accompanied Parmjit on a very wet walk in the Pentlands. They managed to get to tea break okay and then the heavens opened so in view of the heavy rain they decided to forego a trip to all of the tops, stayed low level and shortened the walk, another wise decision.

Saturday 26th July

Overview

Jim Dougal will be leading the “B” circuit of the hills above Glen Striddle to Beinn Dubh making an excellent hike, weather permitting. The ascent will be via the grassy ridge rising from Luss with great views over Loch Lomond and towards the Arrochar Alps. The descent from the summit starts off flat, then becomes steep on the way down to the road and into Glen Luss.

Some parts can be boggy in places depending on the weather, so poles and gaiters should be considered.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/glen-striddle-horseshoe-luss

Future Events

The programme for the following weeks, which can also be viewed on the website or The Ramblers App, is as follows:-

Aug 02 B Alan Hughes – Three Peaks from Flotterstone
Aug 02 C David Kennedy – River Kelvin and West End
Aug 09 B Ailsa MacLennan – Ben A’an
Aug 16 B+ Stuart Ferguson – Ben Vane slowly
Aug 23 C Jenny Burgon – Kirky Bing
Aug 23 A Jim Dougal – Beinn Glas and Ben Lawers

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 28 July 2025