Strathkelvin Ramblers

Hi Folks,

The recent warm weather has encouraged the flowers to bloom early this year so Carol has brought the Bluebell Walk forward to the coming weekend. This means that currently there is no walk planned for 10th May so unless someone offers to lead a walk there will be a gap in the programme for the first time in years.

On Saturday 7 members joined Carol for the Primrose Trail at Loch Katrine but sadly low mist and light rain prevented them from seeing the expected views across the hills and the loch but they did see a few primroses. Despite the dismal weather, everybody enjoyed the walk which was new to most of them. They especially liked the newly opened Roderick Dhu Path and the Scenic Tower which provides a new viewpoint along the Loch near the pier. The café was a good place to dry off and get warm after a damp day.

Saturday 3rd May

Overview

Carol Jakar is leading a lovely low level “C” walk from Aberfoyle main car park along forest paths and tracks through the Loch Ard Forest, hopefully, to view the bluebells around Doon Hill.
There is an opportunity to extend the walk by 4 miles if you wish by walking to Lochan Spling and back.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/bluebell-walk-aberfoyle

Overview

David Mackenzie is leading a “B” walk to Jaw Reservoir via the Black Loch in the Kilpatrick Hills using hill paths and farm roads, part of the route follows the Clyde Coastal path.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/jaw-reservoir-black-loch-0

Future Events

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

May 17 B+ Jim Dougall – Ben Vane
May 17 C+ Pauline Anderson - Glasgow Green to Cuningar Loop
May 24 B Caroline Logan – Lomond Hills
May 31 B Gillian Bentley – Ben Gullipen - Beinn Dearg Circuit

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 13 May 2025

Hi Folks,

13 people, including a visitor from the Young Glasgow group, joined Phil and Gillian for their climb up Ben Venue. Fortunately, the long dry spell over the past week or so meant that the ground was not as boggy as it could have been and the stream crossing was okay. There was no rain and in spite of the chill wind which kept everybody well wrapped up, the summit was busy and despite the low cloud the views were good.

Saturday 26th April

Overview

Carol Jakar is leading a “C+” walk through woods on the North side of Loch Katrine to view primroses. It offers stunning views of The Loch and Ben Venue, passing filming locations for Outlander.

Starting from Loch Katrine car park, we follow the shoreline then head uphill for a while, we will take this section very slowly, stopping as often as necessary.

After that the path levels out across moorland ending with a descent back to the shoreline, where we follow the road back to the car park.

Details

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

Future Events

The programme for the following weeks, which can also be viewed on the website or The Ramblers App, is as follows:-
May 3 B David Mackenzie – Jaw Reservoir via Black Loch
May 10 C Carol Jakar – Bluebell Walk at Aberfoyle
May 17 B+ Jim Dougall – Ben Vane
May 17 C+ Pauline Anderson - Glasgow Green to Cuningar Loop
May 24 B Caroline Logan – Lomond Hills

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 25 April 2025

Hi Folks,

8 Members and one visitor from Perth joined Carol for her walk to the Melville Monument and Deil’s Cauldron near Comrie. Unfortunately, there were still large numbers of trees blocking the footpaths and they only managed to see the Wee Un with a modicum of water. It was a beautiful day with amazing views in all directions, finished off with coffee and cakes at the Auchingarrrich wildlife centre.

Joyce’s joint walk with the Cunninghame Group also attracted visitors from Glasgow, Kilmarnock and Eastwood, a right cosmopolitan group. It was great to meet fellow ramblers, share ideas and enjoy their company. After so many “wet and miserable” attempts to recce the route, Joyce was very grateful that the weather was good all day in spite of getting a wee bit overcast towards the end and all 27 got home dry. Even though we have experienced a very dry spell recently, the Campsies lived up to their reputation for wet boots. Unfortunately, the late start meant that they could not avail themselves of coffee and cakes at the end, may be next time.

Saturday 19th April

Overview

Phil and Gillian will be leading a challenging B+ walk up Ben Venue which lies east of Ben Lomond and is accessed via Aberfoyle from the shore of Loch Ard. In Phil’s opinion, it is of the finest walks in the area with plenty of variety and beautiful views from the summit.

We start the walk through an ancient birch woodland before exiting onto the open hillside and a good track leading to a straight forward river crossing. From here a well defined track leads to a col followed by a traversing line to the final summit pinnacles. Some bog encountered in this section, so waterproof boots and gaiters recommended. The summit has excellent views for 360 degrees. If this is not enough to tempt you, then Liz Macgregor's cafe in Aberfoyle might!

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/ben-venue-1

Future Events

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

Apr 26 C+ Carol Jakar – Primrose Hill at Loch Katrine
May 3 B David Mackenzie – Jaw Reservoir via Black Loch
May 10 C Carol Jakar – Bluebell Walk at Aberfoyle
May 17 B+ Jim Dougall – Ban Vane

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 18 April 2025

Hi Folks,

16 walkers joined Parmjit for her walk along the river to view the Falls of Clyde in perfect weather, dry and sunny but not too hot. Unfortunately, the weather has been so good these last few weeks that the water levels were quite low and the falls were not seen at their best. Nevertheless, with the coming of spring, there were plenty of flora and fauna to delight the eyes.

Saturday 12th April

Overview

Carol Jakar will be leading a medium distance and not too challenging “C+” walk in the Perthshire countryside.

From Comrie we follow the Maam Road for some distance before ascending Dunmore Hill up a short steep path to the site of the Melville Monument where there are beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

We then descend Dunmore Hill and follow a track alongside the River Lednock which passes the Deil's Cauldron and the Wee Cauldron although the route to the Deil's Cauldron may still be blocked by fallen trees. The cauldrons are quite spectacular waterfalls if the river is in spate. We then continue along the track back to Comrie.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/comrie-deils-cauldron-and-melvilles-monument

Overview

Joyce Northcote will be leading a joint “B” walk with Cunninghame Ramblers up the Campsies to its highest point Earls seat with great views of all surrounding villages, Loch Lomond and the highlands and the unmistakable prominence of Dumgoyne.

We leave from Clachan of Campsie car park or Campsie Glen as it is more commonly known, we head through Schoenstatt onto the main road for a short walk leaving to the right up the farm road until we pick up the path to head upwards towards Earls seat on paths, rough tracks, some steep ascents and marshy open ground. The route covers the hills of Dumbreck , past Owsen hill, Little Earl and onto Earls seat 1896 ft at the summit.

We return on the same route until Dumbreck where we follow the path to Ballagan Farm, cross over onto the old railway path and follow it back to Clachan of Campsie.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/earls-seat-campsie-glen

Future Events

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

Apr 19 B+ Phil Hyde – Ben Venue

Apr 26 C+ Carol Jakar – Primrose Hill at Loch Katrine

May 3 B David Mackenzie – Jaw Reservoir via Black :Loch

May 10 C Carol Jakar – Bluebell Walk at Aberfoyle

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 09 April 2025

22 Ramblers set off from St Kessog's Church in Blanefield on 3 variations of the intended walk to Dumgoyne. 7 were for various reasons intending to walk along the pipe track to Killearn and return on the bus to the start point. The remaining 15 were planning to split at the bottom of the final ascent to the summit of Dumgoyne and either skirt around the summit or continue to the top and then follow the track back to Ballewan House before returning to the start.

Unfortunately, the weather had other plans in store for us. As the group split at Killearn the forecast rain began, the higher we got the heavier the rain which was turning to hail, fell. We stopped for lunch in the shelter of the crater. After a short lunch, we started towards the rear of Dumgoyne. The wind and rain increased, so discretion being the better part of valour (the leader is a wimp), we decided to give the summit a miss and just make our way back to Ballewan House.

Pleased to report that the remainder of the walk passed without incident and all made it safely back to St. Kessog's. The group was still smiling (may have been frozen grins) so it's safe to say a great time was had by all and hopefully Vicky, our newest member on her first walk, won't be put off.

Saturday 5th April

Overview

Parmjit will lead a circular “B” walk from New Lanark to explore the River Clyde. The walk takes the footpath alongside the river where we will see the Falls of Clyde which consist of four falls in total, Bonnington Linn, Cora Linn, Dundaff Linn and Stonebyres Linn, of which we will see the first three on our walk. It is quite spectacular if the river is in spate. The route crosses the river near Bonnington Linn and then returns along the other bank before looping back to New Lanark.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/new-lanark-and-river-clyde

Future Events

There are still quite a few gaps for low walks so any offers will be gratefully accepted.

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

Apr 12 C+ Carol Jakar - Comrie, Deil’s Cauldron and Melville’s Monument

Apr 12 B Joyce Northcott – Earls Seat

Apr 19 B+ Phil Hyde – Ben Venue

Apr 26 C Carol Jakar – Primrose Hill at Loch Katrine

May 3 B David Mackenzie – Jaw Reservoir via the Black Loch

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 31 March 2025

10 walkers, including a visitor, left Lenzie Station with Jenny and reached Stepps via the new right of way from Auchinloch that was restored in 2024. After the memorial to the last working pit in Lanarkshire which closed in 1983, the walkers crossed Cardowan Moss, now a local nature reserve and part of the Seven Lochs Walk. After reaching Provan Hall, lunch was enjoyed in a walled garden and some walkers explored the Hall and Auchinlea Pond which it overlooks before they all braved the local buses for the trip home.

Jim attracted 15 walkers for his walk around the Pentlands on a route which had been recced by Rose and Stuart and included some new paths. Rose even provided panettone for the tea break. The weather improved during the day, ending with scattered sunshine and was much better than the forecast. A good day’s walk was crowned by coffee and cakes in the garden centre

Saturday 29th March

Overview

Robert Bain and Aileen will lead a “B” walk to assault of Dumgoyne from the rear starting from the carpark at the back of St Kessogs Church in Blanefield and walk the pipeline track towards Killearn. It is named the pipeline track because it contains the pipe that brings the water from Loch Katrine to Milngavie reservoir. Just short of Killearn we veer right onto a Land Rover Track that increases our height at a steady pace. We then reach the path up onto Dumgoyne, because we have been increasing height it is only 5 minutes up to the summit although a bit rocky.

On the way down we take a gentle sloping path on the other side, down onto a sheep track along the foothill of the Campsie's before dropping down to the pipeline track again for the walk back to the cars.

For those walkers who do not wish to tackle the short, but steep, ascent/descent of Dumgoyne, Aileen will lead this group on an “Easy B” walk around the back of Dumgoyne and Dumfoyn to rejoin with the main group further along the path.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/rear-assault-dumgoyne-0

Future Events

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

Apr 05 B Parmjit - New Lanark and River Clyde

Apr 12 C+ Carol Jakar - Comrie, Deil’s Cauldron and Melville’s Monument

Apr 12 B Joyce Northcott – Earls Seat

Apr 19 B+ Phil Hyde – Ben Venue

Apr 26 C+ Carol Jakar – Primrose Hill at Loch Katrine

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 26 March 2025

27 wallkers, including 4 visitors, joined Rose for her walk into Glasgow along Allander Water and the River Kelvin on a gloriously sunny day. Fortunately, the weather had been dry for the previous few days and the expected muddy patches had all but dried up. There were loud cheers and lots of hugs when Iain Walker joined the walk for short while, it was good to see him and hopefully he is well on the way to making a full recovery. A few people took the opportunity to leave the walk and catch the bus home at various points along the way and Rose believes she is in line for the leader who has lost most walkers.

Saturday 22nd March

Overview

Jenny Burgon will lead a linear “C” walk from Lenzie Station through the mining villages of Auchinloch and Cardowan, crossing Cardowan Moss, which can be muddy in parts. There is a section of pavement walking through Garthamloch, past the Fort Shopping Centre to finish at Provan Hall, an “A” listed medieval building with a walled garden. The 19X bus stops at the Hall and the Fort and is an express service back to Cathedral Street in central Glasgow so please remember your bus pass if you have one.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/auchinloch-garthamloch

Overview

Jim Dougall will lead a circular “B” walk in the Pentlands, starting from Currie taking in some four reservoirs, these being Clubbiedean, Torduff, Bonaly and Glencorse.

We start by way of Poet's Glen, continue via two reservoirs to the top of Torduff Hill and after Bonaly Reservoir, our return path is by way of Phantom's Cleugh and Maiden's Cleugh. The uphill sections are fairly moderate and it is mainly good underfoot with very few sections that could be muddy.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/reservoirs-pentlands

Future Events

At the moment there a is still a gap in the programme for a high walk on 3rd May and quite a few gaps for low walks so any offers will be gratefully accepted.

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

Mar 29 B Aileen McLay – Rear Assault of Dumgoyne
Apr 05 B Parmjit - New Lanark and River Clyde
Apr 12 C+ Carol Jakar - Comrie, Deil’s Cauldron and Melville’s Monument
Apr 12 B Joyce Northcott – Earls Seat
Apr 19 B+ Phil Hyde – Ben Venue

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 17 March 2025

Hi Folks,

21 members joined Ann and Robert on the walk. The views, on the ascent of Seamab Hill, were restricted by the mist. Fortunately, the mist cleared and the group was rewarded with excellent views over the Forth valley, warm sunshine and a coffee break at the summit.

The walk continued over Common Edge and down towards Castle Campbell. It then proceeded to Glen Quey where lunch was consumed overlooking the reservoir. After lunch the route took the group down to the dam and then back to the car park at Castlehill reservoir. Coffee and cakes at Mona's in Yetts o'Muckart, taken outside in the sunshine completed an almost perfect day weatherwise.

Saturday 15th March

Overview

Rose Shaw will be leading a linear “C+” walk from Milngavie to Glasgow following the routes of the Allander Water and the River Kelvin.

Narrow paths at first as we walk alongside the Allander Water but widening out after around the 5km point. The route takes us through the Science Park after which we follow the River Kelvin all the way to Kelvingrove Park and eventually Charing Cross Station, returning to Milngavie by train.

This walk is also suitable for those who may not wish to complete the full distance, as we cross Maryhill Road at the 9.5km point or at the Botanic Gardens, it is possible to take a bus either into Glasgow or to Milngavie.

Details

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

Future Events

At the moment there are gaps in the programme for high walks on 12th April and 3rd May and quite a few gaps for low walks so any offers will be gratefully accepted.

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

Mar 22 C Jenny Burgon – Auchinloch to Garthamloch
Mar 22 B Jim Dougal – Pentland Reservoirs
Mar 29 B Aileen McLay – Rear Assault of Dumgoyne
Apr 05 B Parmjit - New Lanark and River Clyde
Apr 12 C+ Carol Jakar - Comrie, Deil’s Cauldron and Melville’s Monument

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 11 March 2025

23 walkers including 3 guests joined Jim for his walk to Overtoun Crags and Doughnut Hill. The sun finally showed its face in the afternoon and they were rewarded with great views across the Trossachs and the Clyde estuary. Customary coffee and cakes were enjoyed in Overtoun House at the end of the walk.

Saturday 8th March

Overview

Robert Bain will be leading a “B” walk on tracks, paths and forestry commission roads taking in Glen Quey and Seamab Hill providing excellent views of the Forth Valley. Can be boggy and or steep in places so gaiters and poles recommended.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/seamab-hill-and-glen-quey

Future Events

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

Mar 15 B Stuart Ferguson – Allander Water and River Kelvin

Mar 22 C Jenny Burgon – Auchinloch to Garthamloch

Mar 22 B Stuart Ferguson – Pentland Reservoirs

Mar 29 B Aileen McLay – Rear Assault of Dumgoyne

Apr 05 B Parmjit - New Lanark and River Clyde

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 03 March 2025