Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Glen and river walks We are blessed in Scotland with some of the finest glen and river trails. Here are a few to try
Glenfinglas and Balquhidder to Brig o’ Turk
Easy amble through the heart of Scotland via Glen Finglas from the car park on the A821 with a handy pub. The complete walk not circular (so best to arrange transport). Usual start at Balquhidder graveyard, then Ballimore and past Ben Vane to the reservoir and Brig o’ Turk (five hours). Starts for shorter walks at B o’ T and on the A821. And many options both short and long from the Visitor Centre.
Dollar Glen
The classic fairy glen in central Scotland, positively hoaching with water spirits, reeking of ozone and euphoric after rain. Twelve miles by A91 from Stirling or 11 miles from M90 at Kinross junction 6. You walk by the Burn
of Care and the Burn of Sorrow. Start at side of the volunteer-run museum or golf club, or further up road (signed Castle Campbell) where there are two car parks. The castle at head of glen has boggling views. There’s a circular walk back or take off for the Ochil Tops, the hills surrounding the glen. There are also first-class walks up the glens of the other hillfoot towns, Alva and Tillicoultry, which also lead to the hills.
Glen Clova
Most walked of the Angus glens. Many start from end at Acharn, especially W to Glen Doll (ranger centre for orientation, etc). Also inquire at Glen Clova Hotel – two-hour loops of (Loch) Brandy walk starts here – and repair there afterwards (great walkers’ pub). Easy!
Loch Ard
Pleasant Trossachs ambles through mixed forestry by Loch Ard and other lochans. Start around Milton on the B829 two miles west of Aberfoyle. Trailboards. Four walks marked, one a Sculpture Trail. Wildlife abounds. A good family outing.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99