ALL PHOTOS CLICK FULL SCREEN.
Craigmaddie and the Campsie Fells. Above. It seems to be a habit of mine, 'out of sight out of mind' that when I go to an area, even within my current self imposed mileage limits ( The Scottish Central Belt, within 40 miles or so of Glasgow) I still tend to forget about or overlook areas that I think I know well.... then suddenly discover I've not been there for a long time. Most of that is down to money. I haven't got a lot at present and I'm attempting to save up, despite prices on everything shooting skywards year on year. It is also testament to Central Belt Scotland's immense variety of locations that I do not repeat myself very often on walks. This is the Baldernock area, above. I used to take my Mum here on day runs from the Dementia Centre in Glasgow and she enjoyed the scenery. It also suited me as it was only for an hour or so in the car to get her outdoors in the fresh air, and being just north of Glasgow it was handy to reach. Both my parents died many years ago.
Bardowie Loch where a small sailing school exists. I was here during the recent heat wave in May, 24c to 26c for almost a month of unbroken daily sunshine. The UK is 100 percent getting drier and hotter, as is most of the rest of the world. But I was taking this network of minor back roads this time for a different reason. Yes, to bag another loch in the 'Glasgow Lake District' of modest puddles that dot the landscape hereabouts.... but also because, having just started to drive again properly in a car that could get me places ( the last one couldn't for six years) I was appalled at both the increased traffic, the speed it was travelling at, and the reckless maneuvers of some of the drivers. Partly it's getting older, partly a car I would like to keep undamaged, but also, getting further afield the amount of cars and lorries on the roads seems to have doubled or tripled in the last 10 years, as has the numerous potholes. ( this was further backed up by a recent journey through Pollok's main roundabout next to the Silverburn Centre, a crossing so densely packed with cars and lorries these days, all desperate to claim a place on the roundabout that I avoided it completely on the return and never want to do it again. It never used to be that busy and was fine. I'd imagine accidents do occur here and traffic lights on it are the solution, just like the equally busy Canniesburn Toll roundabout at Bearsden which had to put them in recently... in 2024?
Loch Ardinning is a wildlife reserve just north of Glasgow and Milngavie on the A81 just before Strathblane. There is a very pleasant walk/path along the lochside then up onto the high moorland plateau above it. Two laybys exist either side of the A 81 near the loch. A note of caution here. Keep close control on any dogs, children, teenagers or elderly if parking here as cars and lorries race past on this straight road at 60 to 70 mph. Un-handily I was on the opposite layby side from the loch and had to sprint full pace across this fast road just to make it to safety. And it was nowhere near rush hour times.
If you survive the drive and the road the rest of the walk is easy. You are already elevated at 100- 150 metres ( nearly 500 feet) so this walk is mainly flat or gently rising to its summit points with good views throughout.
This is the path at Loch Ardinning, a mixture of small trees and bushes providing some shade or shelter around the loch, depending on conditions.
It was a warm day for Scotland, 24c to 26c (78 Fahrenheit) at a guess and there was already some minor signs of wildfire damage caused by either glass bottles, BBQs, a dropped match, vape disposal, cigarette, or a campfire ( take your pick) but it could have been a lot worse. Caught just in time. In heat waves I always prey for rain after a few weeks before wildfires inevitably spring up. Given human activity the two go hand in hand.
Out of curiosity I looked up the last time I visited Loch Ardinning and was amazed to find it was in 2010. A harsh winter with temperatures below minus 5c to 10c for weeks at a time. On that occasion the loch was frozen solid and I walked down a part of it on the ice feeling like the last person alive on the planet- not a soul around and no wild life.
Contrast that with a bonspiel ( curling match) in full swing on the Lake of Menteith ( the same day) with hundreds on the ice, even a land-rover driving out to the central island in the middle of the loch. Which I think was the last time the ice was thick enough to do that here.
I took full advantage of it, along with 100s of others, by walking out to this central island, normally only reached by boat, and stayed out long past sunset and rapidly dipping temperatures, being treated to a few hardy skaters, carving giant snakes in the ice as a blood red sun dropped below the horizon. My photographic reward for waiting longer than most and a very memorable, maybe once in a lifetime, day.
Out on the ice at sunset.
A memorable experience for all.
Starting to turn blood red in the fading light. Skaters just visible in the far distance.
This time, in very different weather I took the longer, extra path up onto the high moorland plateau, which was a first for me. A cracking extra walk that can, after sustained rain, be fairly boggy underfoot but on this occasion was bone dry and perfect.
Dumgoyne. 'The Matterhorn of the Campsies.' :o) Actually, it is quite steep and exposed near the top of the summit path.
The beauty of the Campsie Fells is well seen from this high vantage point without much real effort or ascent. Just as well as it was hot with zero breeze. Like a grass oven. Hot enough for me anyway.
Looking towards Loch Lomond and The Luss Hills.
An ant with a grub on the path. Perfect weather for them. Felt like Australia.
The Spout of Ballagan. A hidden waterfall. Down to a mere trickle these dry days.
Loch Ardinning and The Campsie Fells. Just looking at this body of blue water refreshed me... in spirit at least.
But this was the real refreshment. Tree shade and a pool, dropping the temperature by a few degrees instantly. God Bless trees. Nature's real miracle. Free of charge.
On the OS map a much smaller pool is marked south east of Loch Ardinning next to a wooded area. This is where the circular path leads, raised across a boggy area, (seen here), on the walk back to the car and layby. Around a two to three hour romp depending on pace. An enjoyable day out. Most walks for me nowadays are 2 to 3 hours, especially on hot days. ( hot for Scotland anyway.) That way I can avoid early starts, and avoid rush hour traffic. Normal traffic is bad enough. If I wait another 15 years to do this walk I'll be either dead or down to a Zimmer frame and 15 minute walk intervals.
