THE HILLS ARE ALIVE
Spectacular views accessible to all
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park’s range of ‘Wee Hills with Big Views’are proving spectacular views can be enjoyed by people of all levels of fitness and experience.
With good transport links and less than an hour’s drive for 50 per cent of Scotland’s population, it’s easy to get to some little gems.
The 4km walk up Ben A’an in the Trossachs offers many ingredients of a mountain hike such as forest, open moorlands, views of crags and a vista of the surrounding landscape at the top.
Starting from Callander, Ben Gullipen is a 414m path hike. The reward for this challenge is breathtaking views of the Wallace Monument, Loch Venachar, Ben Venue and Ben Ledi, as well as the Munros Stuc a’Chroin and Ben Vorlich, and the rolling Menteith Hills.
For something a little less challenging, the Callander Crags offer a pleasant walk through woodlands, over crag tops and to a cairn at 343m. Many people also take in a visit to the stunning Bracklinn Falls, a short walk up the road from the car park start point.
Conic Hill is a short but fairly stiff 361m climb beginning in Balmaha with views of Loch Lomond and its islands.
It is also part of the magnificent West Highland Way.
For a boat trip, cross from Balmaha to Inchcailloch island, then follow the easy-going way-marked trail to the island’s highest point (85m) with a panoramic view of the peaks of many mountains including the iconic Munro, Ben Lomond. Inchcailloch is part of a National Nature Reserve and sits on the Highland Boundary Fault Line that separates Scotland’s Highlands and Lowlands.
Park chief executive Gordon Watson said: “The Park offers a stunning array of walks suited to people of all ages, capabilities, and experience. Whether it’s your first time walking in the hills, or your fiftieth, there is something for everyone. Walking is a wonderful way to connect with nature, to exercise, and to spend time with family and friends, and as always, our Park Rangers can offer you help and advice when it comes to choosing the right walk for you.”
Brendan Paddy, director of Ramblers Scotland, said: “We want everyone to feel confident and inspired to enjoy Scotland’s amazing landscapes on foot, so it’s fantastic to see LLTNP promoting the wonders of its Wee Hills with Big Views. It’s a great reminder you don’t have to be a hardened hillwalker to experience some of its most iconic views, and enjoy the benefits of walking.”
For more see www.lochlomondtrossachs.org/wee-hills.