Strathkelvin Ramblers

Hi Folks,

12 walkers joined Ailsa for a very windy walk at Whitelees wind farm. Unfortunately, although the turbine were whirling around, no views were had on the day but everyone seemed to enjoy the company and chat.

Saturday 5th July

Overview

Steven Cartwright will be leading a walk of approximately ten miles along the Rob Roy Way. Mostly on forestry tracks and good paths, but there may be a bit of mud in places; tarmac for the last section. Choose your footwear accordingly. Countryside walking and some lovely views, weather permitting. Ospreys were seen at either end of this walk on the recce, but they are not guaranteed on the day. Some mildly complicated car shuttling about will be needed as this is a linear walk and drivers will therefore get to miss out the big initial climb.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/aberfoyle-callander-along-rob-roy-trail

Aberfoyle to Callander along the Rob Roy Trail - Ramblers

A walk of approximately ten miles along the Rob Roy Way. Mostly on forestry tracks and good paths, but there may be a bit of mud in places; tarmac for the last section. Choose your footwear accordingly. Countryside walking and some lovely views, weather permitting. We saw ospreys at either end of this walk on the recce, but ospreys are not guaranteed on the day. Some mildly complicated car ...
www.ramblers.org.uk

Future Events

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

July 12 B Stuart Ferguson – Walk from Rowardennan
July 12 B+ Steven Cartwright – Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan Ridge
July 13 B Joyce Northcott – Beecraigs Country Park and Cockleroy Hill
July 19 B Parmjit Kaur – Pentland Hills and Reservoirs
July 26 B Jim Dougall – Glen Striddle Horseshoe (Luss)
Aug 02 B Alan Hughes – Three Peaks from Flotterstone
Aug 02 C David Kennedy – River Kelvin and West End

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 14 July 2025

Hi Folks,

12 walkers joined Ailsa for a very windy walk at Whitelees wind farm. Unfortunately, although the turbine were whirling around, no views were had on the day but everyone seemed to enjoy the company and chat.

Saturday 5th July

Overview

Steven Cartwright will be leading a walk of approximately ten miles along the Rob Roy Way. Mostly on forestry tracks and good paths, but there may be a bit of mud in places; tarmac for the last section. Choose your footwear accordingly. Countryside walking and some lovely views, weather permitting. Ospreys were seen at either end of this walk on the recce, but they are not guaranteed on the day. Some mildly complicated car shuttling about will be needed as this is a linear walk and drivers will therefore get to miss out the big initial climb.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/aberfoyle-callander-along-rob-roy-trail

Aberfoyle to Callander along the Rob Roy Trail - Ramblers
A walk of approximately ten miles along the Rob Roy Way. Mostly on forestry tracks and good paths, but there may be a bit of mud in places; tarmac for the last section. Choose your footwear accordingly. Countryside walking and some lovely views, weather permitting. We saw ospreys at either end of this walk on the recce, but ospreys are not guaranteed on the day. Some mildly complicated car ...
www.ramblers.org.uk

Future Events

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

July 12 B Stuart Ferguson – Walk from Rowardennan
July 12 B+ Steven Cartwright – Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan Ridge
July 13 B Joyce Northcott – Beecraigs Country Park and Cockleroy Hill
July 19 B Parmjit Kaur – Pentland Hills and Reservoirs
July 26 B Jim Dougall – Glen Striddle Horseshoe (Luss)
Aug 02 B Alan Hughes – Three Peaks from Flotterstone
Aug 02 C David Kennedy – River Kelvin and West End

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 03 July 2025

Hi Folks,

Fortunately, the weather was cooler than on Friday and Stuart’s walk to Deil’s Cauldron and the Melville Monument did not result in a mass of dehydrated walkers by the end although they definitely appreciated the refreshments at the end. 27 members including one visitor from Troon thoroughly enjoyed the walk and exploring the Earthquake House.

Saturday 28th June

Overview

Ailsa MacLennan will leading an easy B walk on good paths following the Lochgoin circuit afround Whitelees Windfarm with a short incline to Blackwood Hill viewpoint for tea break.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/whitelees-wind-farm-0

Future Events

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

June 23 All Leaders – Programme Meeting, Kirkintilloch Miners Institute
July 5 B Steven Cartwright – Aberfoyle to Callendar along Rob Roy Trail
July 12 B Stuart Ferguson – Walk from Rowardennan
July 12 B+ Steven Cartwright – Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan Ridge
July 19 B Parmjit Kaur – Pentland Hills and Reservoirs

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 24 June 2025

Hi Folks,

The weather forecast on Saturday was very grim so Bob wisely decided to postpone the planned walks to the Cobbler and arranged a low level walk around the Auchinstarry circuit. In the event, the weather was even worse than expected and the 13 walkers voted to curtail the walk after 3 hours and avoided ascending even the low hills of Croy and Barr because of the threat of lightning, another wise move. Nevertheless, a good time was had by all and the waterproofs were given a real test.

Please don't forget the Leaders Meeting on Monday 23rd June at the Miners Institute in Kirkintilloch.

Saturday 21st June

Overview

Stuart Ferguson will leading a long, but not too challenging “B” walk from Comrie to Deil’s Cauldron and Earthquake House .
From Comrie the route follows a track alongside the River Lednock where it passes the Wee Cauldron and then the Deil's Cauldron. These are quite spectacular waterfalls if the river is in spate.
After leaving the riverside the route ascends Dunmore Hill to the site of the Melville Monument where there are beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
After descending Dunmore Hill the route follows the Maam Road for some distance until it crosses the A85. The Three Saints Way is soon reached and this is then followed all the way back to Comrie, passing close by to the Earthquake House.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/comrie-deils-cauldron-and-earthquake-house-0

Future Events

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

June 23 All Leaders – Programme Meeting, Kirkintilloch Miners Institute
June 28 B Ailsa MacLennan – Whitelees Wind Farm
July 5 B Steven Cartwright – Aberfoyle to Callendar along Rob Roy Trail
July 12 B Stuart Ferguson – Walk from Rowardennan
July 12 B+ Steven Cartwright – Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan Ridge
July 19 B Parmjit Kaur – Pentland Hills and Reservoirs

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 17 June 2025

Hi Folks,

16 intrepid walkers were not put off by the poor weather forecast and endured a dreich couple of hours slogging up to the top of the Campsie Fell before conditions improved. Lunch was taken at the picnic tables by the Crow Road car park. Everyone was very pleased that a slimline version of Iain Walker joined the party and successfully completed the route for the second time that week and it was good to see Eric at Clachan as well. Hopefully they will both be participating in a more active way in the future.

I would point out that we do not yet have any walks planned for 28th June.

Saturday 14th June

Overview

Bob Cole and Pauline Anderson will be leading the indirect route up the Cobbler This walk is a long slow uphill trek from Succoth past the Narnain Boulders to the path junction separating the direct harder scramble from the longer easier approach to the summit from the north. The easier approach is taken to suit those with stamina but not speed. The groups will start together, take the same route but be separated by speed.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/cobbler-slow-hill-walk

Overview

Gillian Lang and Jim Dougal will also be leading a steady challenge route up the North ridge of the Cobbler. This walk is a long slow uphill trek from Succoth past the Narnain Boulders to the path junction separating the direct harder scramble from the longer easier approach to the summit from the north. The walk is planned as a steady challenge group, taken faster than the slow hill walk group. The groups will start together, take the same route but be separated by speed.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/cobbler-steady-challenge-hill-walk

Future Events

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

June 21 B Stuart Ferguson – Comrie, Deil’s Cauldron and Earthquake House

June 23 All Leaders – Programme Meeting, Kirkintilloch Miners Institute

July 5 B Steven Cartwright – Aberfoyle to Callendar along Rob Roy Trail

July 12 B Stuart Ferguson – Walk from Rowardennan

July 12 B+ Steven Cartwright – Ben Lomond via Ptarmigan Ridge

Cheers

Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 08 June 2025

15 members went with Marjory to watch the film "The Salt Path" on Friday and although they enjoyed the experience there were no volunteers wishing to emulate the couple and walk the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path.

19 walkers accompanied Gillian on her maiden walk as a new leader for the club to Ben Gullipen last Saturday. Gillian had prepared well for walk and had everything completely under control apart from the weather and the midges. She even gave a demonstration of how to rescue a stag beetle floundering on it’s back. This was over and beyond the requirements of a new leader and one that is unlikely to be repeated by other leaders. The promised views were spoilt by the low cloud and outbreaks of rain. There were no sightings of Ospreys but that did not dampen the spirits and all agreed that it had been a great walk and ages since the club had last paid it a visit. It brought back happy memories for Ann and Robert who confided that it had been the first walk they had led many years ago, definitely a trip down memory lane. A great day was rounded off by coffee and cakes at The Smiddy.

Saturday 7th June

Overview

David Mackenzie will be leading a scenic, circular “B” walk up to Chrichtons Cairn on the Campsie Fells using tracks and footpaths with limited walking on quiet country roads.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://walks-manager.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/chrichtons-cairn

Future Events

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

June 14 B Bob Cole/Pauline Anderson – The Cobbler by Indirect Route 2
June 14 B+ Gillian Lang/Jim Dougall – The Cobbler by Direct Route 1
June 21 B Stuart Ferguson – Comrie, Deil’s Cauldron and Earthquake House
June 23 All Leaders – Programme Meeting, Miners Institute
July 5 B Steven Cartwright – Aberfoyle to Callendar along Rob Roy Trail

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 03 June 2025

Hi Folks,

8 walkers joined Carol on a very wet, blustery day for her walk around Doune and along the River Teith. They lost count of the number of herons they spotted fishing along the banks and were impressed by the size and large variety of trees, most of which they struggled to identify. They tried hard to remember the scenes from epic programmes such as “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” and “Outlander” which were filmed at the castle. The wet weather did not dampen their spirits and a good day was had by all.

Caroline and 15 members fared a bit better with the weather. Rain had been threatened but it came to nothing and the day ended in warm sunshine with great views in all directions from the top of West Lomond once the wind had blown the cloud away.

Saturday 31st May

Overview

Gillian Bentley will be leading a scenic, circular “B” walk gently ascending Ben Gullipen on established forestry tracks and then over to Beinn Dearg along faint hill tracks where we descend down onto a wide grassy flat-topped ridge. Then back down on to forestry tracks walking above Loch Venacher, gently descending down to the lochside for the final stretch back to start point.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/ben-gullipen-beinn-dearg-circuit

Future Events

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

June 7 B David Mackenzie – Crichton’s Cairn

June 14 B Bob Cole/Gillian Lang – The Cobbler

June 21 B Stuart Ferguson – Comrie, Deil’s Cauldron and Earthquake House

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 26 May 2025

Hi Folks,

The sunny weather continued and Pauline’s walk started at the McLennan Arch on Glasgow Green. Most people had travelled by bus and 18 happy walkers set off along the banks of the Clyde making their way through the city before cutting up to a bus stop with an option for people to return after a few miles. Pauline then led the group along the river bank to the new park at Cuningar Loop, an oasis in the city. Past the Bothy and under a metallic arch, we followed the path around the park finally stopping for lunch near the Hope Sculpture, symbolising hope for the future. In the distance, we could hear the roar from Parkhead as Celtic took to the pitch. It seemed as if the whole of the area was enjoying the day, cyclists, walkers, talkers, mums with toddlers, teenage lads in groups, rowers and everyone dressed in summer finery. After lunch we crossed a bridge into the athletes’ village before dropping down to the path along the Clyde again. The new housing was a metamorphosis from the old tenements, created for the Commonwealth Games. Another option was offered to shorten the walk and four left to take the mystery bus tour through Bridgeton back to Buchanan bus station. It was a walk for all ages and abilities, well planned and led at a comfortable pace by Pauline.

A great challenging hike up Ben Vane provided stunning views all round to the 12 members who joined Jim. The hot weather and the level of fitness required for the tough climb meant that not everybody summitted and Jim would like to thank Ailsa for her role as back marker, coaching and mentoring the team to ensure that members got the most from the day.

Saturday 24th May

Overview

Carol Jakar will be leading a stunningly beautiful low level "C" walk along tracks and paths following the River Teith with great views of Doune Castle. Good footpaths with a small muddy section near the river. The walk is two 4 mile loops so if you wish you can easily shorten the walk if necessary.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://walks-manager.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/doune-castle-and-river-teith

Overview

Caroline Logan will be leading a circular “B” walk taking in the highest summit in Fife, West Lomond Hill and encircling four reservoirs, Harperleas, Holl, Drumain and Ballo. It starts with the steady ascent of West Lomond on tracks and then more steeply on open hillside giving beautiful views on a clear day. Following the descent of the hill, the walk undulates through a mixture of open countryside and forest tracks with a short stretch of road walking back to the car park at the end.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://walks-manager.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/lomond-hills-circuit

Future Events

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

May 31 B Gillian Bentley – Ben Gullipen - Beinn Dearg Circuit
June 7 B David Mackenzie – Crichton’s Cairn
June 14 B Bob Cole/Gillian Lang – Beecraigs
June 21 B Stuart Ferguson – Comrie, Deil’s Cauldron and Earthquake House

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 19 May 2025

Hi Folks,

6 adults along with David, his wife and two young kids joined Carol for her walk in Aberfoyle. It was a lovely warm day and the bluebells were in abundance around Doon Hill. They decided to follow the path to the top of the hill to visit the Fairy Tree which was less decorated that on previous visits. The children performed impressively getting to the top, maybe the fairy houses and the coins in the logs encouraged them.

David and the family decided to head back to town for well earned ice cream whilst the rest headed for Lochan Spling where they stopped for lunch and then enjoyed seeing the wire sculptures in the Loch. Hot drinks and scones in the station café finished off a lovely day, thanks to all those who went.

7 walkers joined David’s family outing to Jaw Reservoir. They all agreed that the warm dry weather had significantly reduced the stretches of muddy paths along the route and took full advantage of this to actually visit Black Loch this time. The views over the hills and the Clyde were very good and David was thankful that Bob Cole joined so that he was not the only man on the trip.

Saturday 10th May

Overview

Christine Cameron will be leading a “C+” walk around North Third Reservoir and along Sauchie Crags near Stirling, mostly on footpaths or tracks with a short section of road walking. An undulating walk up to Lewis Hill with a few short steep sections rewarded by great views over North Third Reservoir and the Campsie Fells.

Details

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

Overview

Ailsa Maclennan will be leading an easy “B” walk around Whitelees Wind Farm on good paths following the Lochgoin circuit. A short incline to Blackwood Hill viewpoint for tea break.

Details

Full details can be found by using this link: -
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/group-walks/whitelees-wind-farm

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
June 7 B David Mackenzie – Crichton’s Cairn

Cheers
Neil Kitchener

Details

Category: Blog

Published: 13 May 2025