Author Archives: drow 'n smirr

The Source of the Nith: Recce No.1

BEING WRITTEN 6.15 miles 2h 36m ascent 215m (707 feet) El Sub Sta-source of the Nith-El sub Sta The Nith, till after it gets away from Ayrshire, is one of the most cheerless of streams, sluggish and shallow, seldom more … Continue reading

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Great Trossachs Path: 4 – Ancient woodland, Roman forts and saintly mounds

6.91 miles 3h 44m ascent 233m Glen Finglas Visitor Centre-Callander A great walk. Autumn colours, good paths through woodland and moor, with views down to Loch Venachar, a disused railway through the farmland and marshes of Leny Meadows to end … Continue reading

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Great Trossachs Path: 3 – Twa Brigs, Forestry and Goats

5.56 miles 2h 31m ascent 178m Trossachs Pier-Glen Finglas Visitor Centre “There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” Alfred Wainwright Wet ground, wet air, wet shoes, wet jacket, and wet hair. Constant rain, heavy to start … Continue reading

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Great Trossachs Path: 1 – Glen Arklet, the Garrison and Inversnaid Falls

10.21 miles 5h 7m ascent 359m Stronachlochar-Inversnaid (and back) What would the world be, once bereftOf wet and of wildness? Let them be left,O let them be left, wildness and wet;Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet. Gerard Manley … Continue reading

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Ayrshire Coastal Path: 6 – Sandblown beaches, a Brig o’ Doon and Ayr’s Esplanade

9.12 miles 4h 58m ascent 109m Dunure Harbour-The River Ayr Yonder are the heights of Arran towering from the glistening bay; nearer are the Heads of Ayr, and the old Castle of Greenan standing out on the verge of the wave. A … Continue reading

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Ayrshire Coastal Path: 5 – castles, cephalopods and country parks

6.99 miles 3h 37min ascent 208m Maidens-Dunure Be ye Man – or Bairn – or Wumman, Be ye gaun – or be ye comin,For Scotland’s Pride – no Scotland’s shame,Gether yer litter – an tak it Hame! The Ayrshire Coastal … Continue reading

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Ayrshire Coastal Path: 4 – beaches, burns and bull pens

8.24 miles 4h 46min ascent 68m Girvan Mains – Maidens Much of the 8.24-mile journey from Girvan Mains to Maidens is actual beach walking and offers ample time to soak in the beauty of the Ayrshire coast, with its dramatic cliffs, secluded … Continue reading

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Ayrshire Coastal Path: 3 – a very British picnic

7.58 miles 3h 55m ascent 153m Lendalfoot-Girvan Mains Many years ago, a small island was discovered off the south west coast of Scotland by a group of fairies who were on their way to the mainland. The fairies were blown … Continue reading

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