Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
CarronValleyTrails
For those with more time, this trail offers a steep but well signposted walk to the summit of Meikle Bin (570m/1886ft).
Meikle Bin is a rewarding walk; delivering the most prominent vantage point in the Campsies. From the summit (marked with a trig point) it is possible to see Scotland from coast to coast: from the Bass Rock and the lowlands of the Forth Valley in the east, to the peaks of Ben Ledi and Ben Lomond in the west.
It is waymarked from the Todholes car park, but once the trail leaves the forest for the open hill it’s no longer waymarked. Initial stretches of gravel forest road lead to a grassy path with steep sections. Can be muddy.
Loch Shore Trail Meikle Bin TrailThe trail begins with a waymarked woodland walk that borders a children’s activity area. Here young visitors can get hands-on with the sights, scents and sensational variety of life in a forest.
Along the shore, there is a beautiful picnic site where you can enjoy spectacular views across the open water and get close to the abundant wildlife from the purpose-built willow screens.
A short section of boardwalk at the start. Combines wide, flat paths and stretches of forest road. There are short sections of trail that are moderately steep.
2¾ miles / 4.4 kmAllow 1½ hours 3¼ miles / 5 km (one way)
Allow 3 hoursTufted Duck
Taking care when out and about
Please remember that the weather can change quickly. Even in summer conditions on the tops of the hills are often much colder and windier than at low levels, despite clear skies
Trail grades
Forestry Commission Scotland trails are graded according to the degree of difficulty, gradients and type of conditions visitors can expect.
Easy Sensiblefootwear
Easy Muscleloosener
ModerateWaterproof footwear
ModerateMusclestretcher
StrenuousHillwalkingboots
StrenuousMusclebuilder
Things to do nearbyExtend your stay and get to know more about Scotland’s historic story here in Carron Valley.
Duncarron Medieval VillageUltimately promising a full-scale replica of a medieval fortified village, Duncarron is currently under constructionby volunteers of Clanranald Trust. The site, close to the main car park, hosts open days several times each year. Look out for news of the next event at www.duncarron.com
Sir John de Graham’s CastleSir John de Graham was a loyal supporter and friend of William Wallace. He died in 1298, fighting alongside Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk. Local legend has it that Wallace may have come to Sir John’s castle following this defeat.
Mountain bikingAll four of our exhilarating purpose-built mountain bike trails are profiled in more detail in our dedicated Mountain Biking leaflet.
You’re not going nuts…Don’t just look for red squirrels in the trees…did you know thatthey can swim? (And they are either left or right pawed!)
Whichever trail you set out to explore, thereis an abundance of wildlife here in Carron Valley: look out for red deer, red squirrel and even the elusive pine marten.
Once almost extinct, pine marten, or ‘mertrick’ in Old Scots, have recovered in numbers in recent years. Carron Valley is now home to this species, as its range continues to grow.
Red squirrels are another species under threat; this time from the encroachment of grey squirrels. Scotland is now home to more than three-quarters of the UK’s remaining red squirrel population, around 120,000. Here at Carron Valley, you might see one at any time of year, as they don’t hibernate!
The peaceful Carron reservoir offersa sanctuary for birdlife and a willowscreen on the loch shore offers a great spot to try your hand at wildlife photography all year round.
In spring, crested grebe hold elaborate courtship displays, in which they rise out of the water and shake their heads. Very young grebes can oftenbe seen hitching a ride on their parents’ back!
In the summer, you may see osprey as they hunt for fish. Seen in flight they have white or slightly mottled underparts and the adult’s wingspancan be up to 180cm.
In autumn look out for goldeneye. Onlythe male sports the tell-tale yellow eye.
All year round Watch out for the tuftedduck, and towards dusk, listen out toofor our nocturnal tawny owlsand barn owls!
Sir John de Graham’s Castle is a fine example of a medieval earthwork with an unusual square motte (moat). To visit the site, turn north onto the singletrack road at the end of the reservoir, just before Todholes car park if approaching from the east. After about a quarter of a mile, the entrance to the site is the first turning on the right.
Trout fishingYou can fly fish for wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout on the reservoir, which runs approximately four miles in length and was completed in 1939. Permits are available from; Carron Valley Fishery Tel:01324 823698
Birdlife
Rich wildlife
Front cover
Forestry Commission ScotlandScottish Lowlands Forest DistrictFive Sisters House, Five Sisters Business ParkWest Calder EH55 8PNTel: 01555 660190Email: [email protected]: www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Contact
Enjoyed
Carron Valley?
Look out for
these other
Forestry
Commission
Scotland
leaflets and
explore
further...
For information on public transport services contact: Traveline Scotland, 0870 6082608 or www.travelinescotland.com
Explore | Discover | Enjoy
Carron Valley
Lowlands & Fife
Lowlands & Fife
Follow us on:
Welcome toCarron Valley
If you need this publication in an alternative format, for example, in large print or in another language, please contact:
The Diversity TeamTel: 0131 6575E-mail: [email protected]
The Forest Walks of
BlairadamExplore
Enjoy
andDiscover
Lowlands and FifeLowlands
& Fife
Lowlands & Fife
For more information about forests in the area look out for: The forests of Central Scotland. For more trails in the area look out for the forest walks of Blairadam.
© Crown Copyright 2013
