Lambhill to Balquhidder Station

Last year, in a trip to Lennoxtown from Lambhill, most of this scenic route from Lambhill to Strathblane was assessed and found to be more enjoyable than the direct road route.

The NCR 754 to Kirkintilloch along the canal towpath was followed by the leafy NCR 755. If you zoom in on the Google map you can sometimes see NCR numbers and then from near Kirkintilloch the “Strathblane Railway Path” marked. The cycle route shown above suggested by Google Maps uses roads near the path for the last section, perhaps because of the deteriorating path surface. The surface was tarmac but ridges caused by tree roots rising made the last few miles uncomfortable in places. The Campsie Fells were in low cloud. Fine coffee with a delicious vegetarian breakfast at The Coffee House at Blanefield is recommended.

On this wet morning views were restricted so the A81 was followed to the Rob Roy Hotel close to Aberfoyle. Coffee at the hotel was in sight of the A81 continuation to Callander and which was seen to carry little traffic, so this A road was tried in favour of the very hilly Brig O’ Turk route. The traffic became even more scarce after the Stirling-bound vehicles departed on the A873, so the route decision was pleasing.

From Callander, NCR 7 was followed until a mile before this site at Balquhidder Station, called Balquhidder Braes. Clothes washed yesterday are drying over a radiator – a luxury.

Today’s distance of 52 miles with 2200 feet of ascent required more than 1000 active calories and a tolerance of incessant rain. A succinct overheard description of the weather by a local is unlikely to be heard on BBC reports!