West Lomond — Local services in Scotland

Great place for a walk. I parked at Gateside and took the route through John Knox pulpit, stopped there for some pictures then headed over it to West Lomond and up a steep path on the south eastern aspect, it was tough but manageable for my wee pooch and myself. There is a path that leads past the lochs you see can see mile or so up the route and i think leads through Craigmead car park and eventually follows the main route up. Or you can follow the boggy path at the 3 district meeting point marked on a stone from this path. Views from the top are beautiful, as you'd expect in Scotland. I followed the main route down the west side, easiest way down, until probably 100 yards off the sandy section then veered down a lightly marked path on the left. This path is very steep but has plenty of footholds to guide you down. Follow that path and you'll be led to the Bunnet Stane and Maidens Bower. I'm sure there is a simpler path, but I went that way! From there its a simple walk out to the main single track road and back to...

Twice I've went up West Lomond with my hardtail bike. First time I approached from Craigmead, it took roughly an hour to get up, had to push quite a bit once I reached the hill. I enjoyed the challenge though and coming back down back to Craigmead only took 15 minutes.

Second time I approached from Glenvale. It was all good until i approached the hill. I eventually got up but wouldn't advise trying to get up with a bike from that way. I ended up going back down the Bunnet Stane way. Absolute nightmare with a bike 😂. I will never do that again.

Craigmead everytime...

The walk from the car park is relatively flat for around 2 miles across open heaths on a good track. West Lomond is fairly steep as it rises up but relatively short. It commands excellent views of quite a vast area of central Scotland though making it well worth the visit on a clear day. Can easily be done along with East lomond from the same car park. There are also toilet facilities at the car park. Below west Lomond is the lovely village of...