The Great Outdoors Festival 2013

Up and around the Campsies, Kilpatricks and Trossachs

31st August

-

8th September

2013

walking l cycling l canoeing l digging l running

Welcome to the third ‘Great Outdoors Festival’, with events across East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire and Stirling.

This is your chance to get out and about in some of Central Scotland’s best settings: the Campsie Fells; the Kilpatrick Hills and the Trossachs and all the bits in between.

Walking, paddling or riding, as part of a group is fun and a great way to explore the countryside. Experienced leaders guide all of the Festival’s events so there is no need to worry about getting lost. Our leaders are knowledgeable in local history and wildlife and will be glad to highlight the many points of interest along the routes.

Whether you want a strenuous climb to the tops of the hills or a scenic wander along level paths, an archaeological dig or a mountain bike ride, the Festival offers something for all abilities.

We look forward to seeing you.

For more information visit any of the websites:

www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/outdoorsfestivalwww.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/outdoorsfestivalwww.stirling.gov.uk/outdoorsfestival

How to Book Most of our events must be booked in advance as there are a limited number of spaces available on each. Please call the number or send an email to the address next to the event to book your place.

Some of the events require the payment of a booking fee.

For cycling events you will need to provide your own bike as well as the necessary safety gear.

Walk Grades Suitable for most abilities please phone to discuss.

Grade 3 - Shorter events on mainly level, surfaced paths.

Grade 2 - Longer events, mainly on paths, with hilly sections.

Grade 1 - Good level of fitness required, longer events usually over some hilly and rough terrain. May involve steep ascents and descents.

Health and Safety On Our EventsBe Prepared - Suitable clothing should be worn and footwear with good grip and ankle support. You may also want to bring a drink and a snack depending on the length of the activity. Even in bad weather the leader will be at the start of the event, although they may decide to cancel.

Dogs - Dogs are not allowed on any of our events.

Safety - Those participating in each event do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own personal safety. It is expected that participants observe the Highway Code and Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Families are welcome, unless otherwise stated, and parents must be responsible for their children at all times.

Parking - Is not always available. If required, drivers should park legally and walk to the meeting point.

Please Note: All participants agree to allow any photos taken to be used in future publicity. For public transport information www.travelinescotland.com

3

1 Middle Kelvin Paddle9.30am - 1pmExplore the secrets of the River Kelvin on a half day guided open canoe journey along the middle stretch of this river. See the East Dunbartonshire countryside from a rather different perspective, learn new skills and spot wildlife.

Leader/Organisation: Wild By NatureGrade: easyDistance: 5.5kmContact for Booking: Wild by Nature 0141 777 6211 or [email protected] Point: The Old Bath House, Eastside, Kirkintilloch G66 1HP

Saturday 31st August

min age 6

Cost

£25.50 adults,

£12.75

16 yrs and

under

4

2 Run’n’Park Balloch9.30 amJoin in the weekly run at Balloch Park. There is no registration, no fee and no official recording of times. The route will take in some iconic views of Loch Lomond as well as the Walled Garden and of course Balloch Castle. Just turn up for a Run in the Park. Full route available on website.

Distance: 5kmContact for Information: [email protected], http://runnpark.leaguerepublic.com No need to book. To check run is going ahead phone 07534365271.Meeting Point: Balloch Park main gate, Drymen Road, G83 8JZTravel Arrangements: Free parking available opposite main entrance to park. Balloch bus station and train stations close by.

3 Across the Kelvin Valley10am – 3pmEnjoy a walk from Milton of Campsie to Kirkintilloch, passing through two country estates, Glorat and Gartshore. The cultural history of these two estates along with the abundant and wonderful natural history of the local area will combine to make this a most fascinating walk. Return to start by minibus.

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceGrade: 2Distance: 12kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Milton of Campsie


under

11’s to be

accompanied

by an adult

Free

Free

min age 12

5


4 Path Repair Day at Mugdock Country Park10am – 12pmHelp the ranger service to maintain Mugdock’s well used paths, no experience necessary all tools and equipment provided.

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceContact for Information: No need to book, East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Mugdock Country Park Visitor Centre G62 8EL

5 Ramble with the Red Kites12pm – 4pmThe day will begin with guided walk around Argaty, exploring the conservation areas and seeing wildlife friendly farming in action. At 2.30pm participants go to the hide to see and learn about the red kite and watch these spectacular birds of prey feeding! There are no set paths and the walk will be over open countryside, so sturdy footwear is recommended

Leader/Organisation: Mike McDonnell/Argaty Red KitesGrade: 2Distance: 4kmContact for Booking: Argaty Red Kites 01786 841 373 or [email protected] Point: Argaty Red Kite Car Park/Visitor Centre, nr Doune

Free

min age 16

£8 adult,

£4 child,

£20 family

6

6 The Fly-by-Nights8pm – 10pmAnother opportunity to enjoy and appreciate what the night has to offer. Come and experience the bats and moths of the Back Walk in the company of local experts. The bat walk involves a leisurely one hour stroll around the lower paths and quiet roads beneath the Castle. Whilst the group are out on the bat walk a moth trap will collect moths to be identified and described at the end of the walk.

Leader/Organisation: Jennifer Davidson, Stirling Council Ranger ServiceGrade: 3Distance: 2kmContact for Booking: Jennifer Davidson, 08452 777 000 or [email protected] Point: Kings Knot, Stirling


Free

7

Sunday 1st September

7 Dumgoyne, Earls Seat and Fin Glen9.30am – 5pmA challenging walk in the beautiful Campsie Fells. Steep climbing takes you to the top of Dumgoyne (427m) then to the highest point of the Campsies, Earl’s Seat (578m). Head down over rough moorland to Clachan of Campsie via the steep sided Fin Glen. Return to start by minibus.

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceGrade: 1Distance: 13kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Mugdock Country Park Visitor Centre G62 8EL

8 Solve the Mystery of the Stones10am – 2pmExplore Carleith Muir in the Kilpatrick Hills and use map and compass to try and find all the big stones and solve the mystery. See beautiful views of the Clyde Valley and find out about the local history on this enjoyable walk.

Leader/Organisation: Sam Gibson Clydebelt. Dave Carson Clydebank Local History SocietyGrade: 2Distance: 8kmContact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Phone for details

Free

Free

min age 18

min age 7

8

10 A Daunder up the Dumpling11am – 1pmEnjoy a wander up Duncryne Hill, by Gartocharn. Take in beautiful ancient oak woodlands, farmland and heather clad hill top on this delightful little walk with spectacular views of Loch Lomond and the highland boundary fault.

Leader/Organisation: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger ServiceGrade: 2Distance: 3kmContact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Balloch Train Station or Kilmoronock Millennium Hall car park, Gartocharn G83 8NFTravel Arrangements: Free minibus pick up from Balloch Train Station at 11am to Millennium Hall, Gartocharn or meet at Millennium Hall car park G83 8NF at 11.15am. Return by minibus to Balloch.


Free

9


11 Herbal Walk then Taste & Try1.30pm – 4pmDiscover the healing power of plants on this gentle walk. Find out about the relevance of traditional healing plants today and discuss the medical use and folklore of the plants you find. Try some teas, oat bath soaks and cordials at the end.

Leader/Organisation: Catriona Stewart PhD MSc.MNIMHGrade: 3Distance: 1kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Mugdock Country Park Visitor Centre G62 8EL

12 Rediscovering the Place of Killearn2pm – 4pmRediscover and explore the lost remains of a 17th century designed landscape, Killearn’s oldest oak tree, ancient coppiced trees and medieval hollow ways.

Leader/Organisation: Murray Cook, Stirling CouncilDistance: 4kmContact for Booking: Murray Cook, [email protected] Point: Killearn Glen next to Heron House Nursery, Beech Drive Killearn G63 9SD

Free

£6

10

Monday 2nd September

13 Finding Your Way - Navigation Skills Day9am – 4pmAn introduction to navigation using map and compass. Indoor and outdoor sessions, group size limited to 6 people.

Leader/Organisation: Chris FitzsimmonsGrade: beginnerContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Mugdock Country Park Visitor Centre G62 8EL

14 Fungi Foray @ Kippen2pm – 4pmJoin the Rangers at Burnside wood to hunt for these fantastic autumnal fruits

Leader/Organisation: Claire Bird, Stirling Council Ranger ServiceGrade: 3Distance: <3kmContact for Booking: Claire Bird, 08452 777 000 or [email protected] Point: Meet at the Football Pitch along Oakwood. There is very little parking by the football pitch, please park responsibly or park in the village and walk up the road.

Free

min age 16

£30

11

12

15 Fungi Foray @ Doune6pm - 8pmJoin the Rangers at Doune Ponds to hunt for these fantastic autumnal fruits.

Leader/Organisation: Claire Bird, Stirling Council Ranger ServiceGrade: 3Distance: <3kmContact for Booking: Claire Bird, 08452 777 000 or [email protected] Point: Doune Ponds Car Park, Doune

Free

12

Monday 2nd September

16 The Asgard Project - Film Night7.30pm – 8.45pmThe film follows Leo Holding’s ambitious project to make a first free ascent on the North Tower of the incredible Mt Asgard on Baffin Island deep in the Arctic. Leo teams up with fellow big wall climbing god, Stanley Leary (USA), the duo hope to make a wingsuit descent from the summit. Arriving late in the season the trip soon begins to go wrong, after a spectacular arrival skydiving over Mt Asgard, conditions turn against the team where just reaching the base of the climb becomes a massive challenge.

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Mugdock Country Park Visitor Centre Cinema G62 8EL.

Free

13

17 Cocksburn Reservoir from Stirling University10.15am – 12.30pmWalk from the university and ascend to Drumbrae, giving excellent views across Stirling, Bridge of Allan and beyond. Continue to Cocksburn Reservoir, then return to the university via Hermitage Wood. For fitter adults who can walk for 2 hours at a good pace and can tolerate rougher ground with inclines

Leader/Organisation: Steve MacKinnon/Active StirlingGrade: 2Distance: 7.5kmContact for Information: Steve MacKinnon 07802 200964, no need to book.Meeting Point: Main entrance, Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling University

18 Fallin Bing Bug Walk11am – 1pmJoin us on a walk around Fallin Bing, a post-industrial ‘brownfield’ site and learn about the amazing insects that can be found there.

Leader/Organisation: Paul Gunn/ BuglifeGrade: 3Distance: 2kmContact for Booking: Paul Gunn 01786 476181 or [email protected] Point: Car park at Fallin Mining Museum off Stirling Road, Fallin.

Tuesday 3rd September

Free

Free

D

©D

ian

e Sm

illey

14

19 Gowan Hill: From Frontier to Royal Park12pm – 2pmExplore the secrets of Gowan Hill including vitrified hillfort, ancient farming, the Jacobites and the mysterious Roman stone!

Leader/Organisation: Murray Cook, Stirling CouncilDistance: 2kmContact for Booking: Murray Cook [email protected] Point: Lower Bridge Street entrance to Gowan hill, Stirling

20 A Scoot Round Balloch1pm – 3pmJoin the ranger and staff and volunteers at Clydeshop mobility as we have a guided walk on wheels around the park and Balloch. We will show you how to work the scooters and let you know all about this wonderful new service as well as taking in some beautiful scenery.

Leader/Organisation: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Ranger ServiceGrade: 3Distance: 6kmContact for Booking: Kate Coleman Clyde Shop Mobility 01389 772220 or 07804895536 or [email protected] Point: Balloch CastleTravel Arrangements: Meet at Balloch Castle. Free accessible car parking available in the park. Follow brown tourist signs from Balloch. Train Station and Bus station around 15 minute walk

Tuesday 3rd September

£5, gives

one year’s

access to the

scooters

Free

15

Wednesday 4th September

21 River walk - River Teith10am – 12pmJoin Claire the Ranger and Jo the biologist from the Forth Fisheries Trust for a wander down the Teith and find out about the plants and animals that live there.

Leader/Organisation: Jo Girvan, River Forth Fisheries TrustGrade: 3Distance: 3kmContact for Booking: Claire Bird, 08452 777 000 or [email protected] Point: Car park at Callander Meadows, Callander

Free

16


22 Whinny Hill Tour10am – 1pmJoin a guided walk of Whinny Hill by the site manager. This lovely meander covers formal park landscape, mature woodlands, young woods and open glades. Learn about the habitat work and help by removing a tree guard or two along the way!

Leader/Organisation: Alan Mitchell Woodland TrustGrade: 2Distance: 6kmContact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Balloch CastleTravel Arrangements: Meet at Balloch Castle. Free car parking available in the park. Follow brown tourist signs from Balloch. Train Station and Bus station around 15 minute walk

23 A Gentle Wander around Dunblane10.30am – 11.15amCome and join in on the regular Wednesday morning health walk in Dunblane, meet new people and discover that walking can be fun in a group.

Leader/Organisation: Tricia Cumming / Active StirlingGrade: 3Distance: 2kmContact for Booking: Patricia Cumming, 0300 028 0101 or [email protected] Point: Front of Dunblane Cathedral, Dunblane

Free

Free

17


24 The Craigs Circular10.30am – 3.30pmJoin the Forestry Commission Scotland and the Woodland Trust rangers on the Craigs Circular Path. Learn more about the wonderful Kilpatrick Hills and Lang Craigs and enjoy the spectacular views of the Clyde and surrounding area.

Leader/Organisation: Eilidh Spence Woodland Trust and Forestry CommissionGrade: 1Distance: 13kmContact for Booking: 01555 660190 or [email protected] Point: Dumbarton Train Station at College StreetTravel Arrangements: Train to Dumbarton Central. Free on road parking at College Street behind Dumbarton Municipal Buildings

25 Barge About Kirky to Craigmarloch11.20am – 3pmEnjoy the fresh air and improve your health as you join this Ranger led walk and barge trip on the Forth & Clyde canal. Walk from Kirkintilloch to Twechar then relax for an hour long trip on the Forth & Clyde Canal Society’s Gypsy Princess to Craigmarloch. Return to walk start by minibus

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceGrade: 3Distance: 5.5kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Minibus transport available from Lennoxtown at 11am or meet at the walk start, Barleybank Car Park next to St Marys Church, Main St, Kirkintilloch at 11.20am.

Free

£5

18

26 Things that Fly in the Night8pm – 10pmAn evening of bat-detecting followed by moth-trapping on the banks of Loch Ardinning

Leader/Organisation: Scottish Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation and East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceGrade: 3Distance: 1kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: The dam at Loch Ardinning on the A81 between Milngavie and Strathblane


Freemin age 8

19

27 The Kilpatrick Hills, Craigton and the Clyde10.30am – 2.30pmTravel to the walk start by minibus then follow ‘the Bankies Trail’ taking in great views of the Clyde Valley from atop the moorland of the KilpatrickHills. Meander back to Mugdock Country Park via hill paths, small roads and ancient woods.

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceGrade: 2Distance: 9.5kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Mugdock Country Park visitor centre G62 8EL

28 Fungal Foray11am – 2pmJoin the rangers on this delightful little stroll through Balloch Park taking in different habitats looking for fungi and learn to identify them.

Leader/Organisation: John ParkerGrade: 2Distance: 4kmContact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Balloch CastleTravel Arrangements: Meet at Balloch Castle. Free car parking available in the park. Follow brown tourist signs from Balloch. Train Station and Bus station around 15 minute walk.

Thursday 5th September

Free

Free

min age12

20

Friday 6th September

29 Take the High Road9.30am – 4.30pmFollow the ancient drovers trail to the cattle market and onto the Carman Hill Fort. Retrace the Coffin Route on this historical walk around the Leven Valley.

Leader/Organisation: Matt Dale Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National ParkGrade: 1Distance: 16kmContact for Booking: Matt Dale 01389 722 133 or [email protected] Point: Balloch Train StationTravel Arrangements: Free Parking opposite Balloch Train Station. Half hourly train service and bus station 5 minute walk away.

30 Abbey Craig Archaeological Dig - Hillforts, Wallace and TourismDig 10am – 4pm and tour 12pm – 1pmTry your hand at digging a vitrified fort or learn about Abbey’s changing role over the millennia from frontier, to the Scottish HQ during The Battle of Stirling Bridge and finally the construction of the Wallace monument!

Leader/Organisation: Murray Cook, Stirling CouncilGrade:Distance: 2kmContact for Booking: Murray Cook, [email protected] Point for dig: Legends Café, the Wallace Monument at 10amMeeting point for tour: Wallace monument on top of Abbey Craig at 12pm

Free

Free

min age 12

21

31 Moon Over Cashel Forest4pm – 7pmEnjoy a short walk on the eastern side of Loch Lomond to the stunning viewpoint above the Royal Scottish Forest Trust’s Visitor Centre at Cashel Forest, for a heavenly natural navigation event. Witness the interaction of the earth, moon and the sun and learn to use the 2 largest objects in the sky as pointers to direction. Explore the (small) mammal kingdom as night approaches and find out the differences in behaviour and adaptation they exhibit between spring and autumn. This walk is primarily geared to natural navigation, but if the sky is overcast, we will switch our emphasis to the natural history element.

Leader/Organisation: Tim Messer & Adam Samson / Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National ParkGrade: 2 (steep and muddy tracks)Distance: 3kmContact for Booking: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Visitor Centre at Balmaha on 01389 722100 or [email protected] Meeting Point: Balmaha Visitor Centre

32 Bat and Moth Night7.15pm – 9.15pmJoin the ranger on an evening stroll in Balloch Park surveying the buildings, woods and waterways for bats and other nightlife. Later, check the moth trap to see some of our other night time fliers.

Leader/Organisation: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Ranger ServiceGrade: 3Distance: up to 5kmContact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Balloch CastleTravel Arrangements: Free car parking available in Balloch Park. Follow brown tourist signs from Balloch. Train Station and Bus station around 15 minute walk

Friday 6th September

Free

Free

22

23

Saturday 7th September

33 Run’n’Park Balloch9.30 amJoin in the weekly run at Balloch Park. There is no registration, no fee and no official recording of times. The route will take in some iconic views of Loch Lomond as well as the Walled Garden and of course Balloch Castle. Just turn up for a Run in the Park. Full route available on website.

Distance: 5kmContact for Information: [email protected], http://runnpark.leaguerepublic.com No need to book, to check run is going ahead phone 07534365271Meeting Point: Balloch Park main gate, Drymen Road, G83 8JZTravel Arrangements: Free parking available opposite main entrance to park. Balloch bus station and train stations close by.

34 Introduction to Orienteering10am – 12pmSuitable for all ages, families, beginners and improvers. Meet Clydeside Orienteers and try out the short, fun maze or longer courses.

Leader/Organisation: Clydeside OrienteersGrade: beginners and improversDistance: variedContact for Information: www.clydesideorienteers.org.ukMeeting Point: Mugdock Country Park Visitor Centre G62 8EL

£2 adults,

£1children

Freeunder

11’s to be

accompanied

by an adult

24

35 Tall Tales of Tall Trees10am – 12pmJoin tree expert Ian Sinclair and the ranger on a stroll around Balloch Park finding out about the varied exotic and native specimens in the park. Learn about their uses and pick up some helpful tips on how to identify them.

Leader/Organisation: Ian SinclairGrade: 3Distance: 5kmContact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Balloch CastleTravel Arrangements: Free car parking available in the park. Follow brown tourist signs from Balloch. Train Station and Bus station around 15 minute walk.


Free

25

36 Over Cameron Muir to Balloch Castle10am – 3pmTake a minibus to the walk start then follow an old drove road with stunning panoramic views of Loch Lomond, the Arrochar Alps and the Campsie Fells. A route steeped in history, from chambered cairns to great estates.

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceGrade: 2Distance: 13kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Balloch Castle Travel Arrangements: Free car parking available in the park. Follow brown tourist signs from Balloch. Train Station and Bus station around 15 minute walk.

37 Abbey Craig Archaeological Dig - Hillforts, Wallace and TourismDig 10am – 4pm and tour 12pm – 1pmTry your hand at digging a vitrified fort or learn about Abbey’s changing role over the millennia from frontier, to the Scottish HQ during The Battle of Stirling Bridge and finally the construction of the Wallace monument!

Leader/Organisation: Murray Cook, Stirling CouncilDistance: 2kmContact for Booking: Murray Cook, [email protected] Point for dig: Legends Café, the Wallace Monument at 10amMeeting point for tour: Wallace monument on top of Abbey Craig at 12pm


Free

Free

min age 12

26

38 Three Bridges Walk10.30am -12.30pmFrom the University we have a quick look round the campus then head for bridge 1, stopping to admire the remains of Cambuskenneth Abbey (seat of the Scottish Parliament at one time), wander down River Forth to bridge 2,Old Stirling bridge, sitting between Stirling castle and the Wallace National Monument. Then it’s a quick hop back to the University through the village of Causewayhead via bridge number 3

Leader/Organisation: Led by qualified Walk leaders from the University walk groupGrade: 3Distance: 6kmContact for Information: Tricia at Active Stirling 0300 028 0101or Ian on 07768984176 or [email protected] Point: Outside the MacRobert Arts Centre, Stirling University

39 Reservoir and River Rove11.30am – 2pmExplore the Victorian reservoirs that supply Glasgow with water before travelling down and across on good paths to the West Highland Way and into Milngavie. Minibus will return participants to the start.

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceGrade: 3Distance: 6.5kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Drumclog Moor car park, Mugdock Country Park


Free

Free

27

40 Campsies Commandos12pm – 4pmA survival training adventure, learn the basics of survival such as shelter building, finding water and natural direction indicators. Find out how to navigate on a moderate level 4 km walk up a hill then, as a group, plan the route back down through the forest using the skills learned to safely reach the end destination.

Leader/Organisation: Wild by NatureGrade: 2Distance: 4kmContact for Booking: Wild by Nature 0141 777 6211 or [email protected] Point: Carron Valley Reservoir Forestry Commission car park, FK6 5JL. Car park charges £1 - £3

41 Helpful Herbs and Useful Plants2pm – 4pmDiscover the healing power of plants on this gentle walk. Find out about the relevance of traditional healing plants today and discuss the medical use and folklore of the plants you find

Leader/Organisation: Catriona Stewart PhD MSc.MNIMHGrade: 3Distance: 2kmContact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Balloch CastleTravel Arrangements: Free car parking available in the park. Follow brown tourist signs from Balloch. Train Station and Bus station around 15 minute walk.


Free

min age 12

£15

28

42 Middle Kelvin Paddle9.30am - 1pmExplore the secrets of the River Kelvin on a half day guided open canoe journey along the middle stretch of this river. See the East Dunbartonshire countryside from a rather different perspective, learn new skills and spot wildlife.

Leader/Organisation: Wild By NatureGrade: easyDistance: 5.5kmContact for Booking: Wild by Nature 0141 777 6211 or [email protected] Point: The Old Bath House, Eastside, Kirkintilloch G66 1HP

43 The Campsie Fells - Dungoil, Dunbrach and the Kailrine Hole10.30am – 5pmYour chance to see great views over Carron Valley Reservoir and visit an unusual landform, the Kailrine Hole. A mixture of terrain from good forestry track to rough wet moorland on this looped walk.

Leader/Organisation: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger ServiceGrade: 1Distance: 15kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Fintry village centre G63 0XA

Sunday 8th September

min age 6

min age 18

Free

£25 adult,

£12.75

16yrs and

under

29

44 Paddle Festival11am – 3pmGrab your chance to try out a canoe or kayak and experience half an hour on the water with the Drumchapel and Clydebank Kayak Club. Learn to enjoy the water safely on this leisurely activity. Equipment provided.

Leader/Organisation: Shona Robertson Drumchapel and Clydebank Kayak ClubGrade:Distance: Contact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Balloch Castle Country Park, by the boathouseTravel Arrangements: Free car parking available in the park. Follow brown tourist signs from Balloch. Train Station and Bus station around 15 minute walk.

45 Antonine Wall Wander1pm – 5pm

Join local historians on this fascinating walk following the trail of the Antonine Wall from Old Kilpatrick Fort to Duntocher and Castlehill Forts. Learn all about the Roman occupation on a lovely meander with beautiful views and scenery.

Leader/Organisation: Dave Carson, Clydebank Local History SocietyGrade: 2Distance: 8kmContact for Booking: Gillian Neil West Dunbartonshire Council Ranger Service 07909595283 or 01389 608413 or [email protected] Point: Gavinburn Primary School, Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick, G60 5NETravel Arrangements: Free on road car parking. Train or bus to Old Kilpatrick.

Free

Freemin age 7

Sunday 8th September Min age 10

under 16’s

accompanied

by an adult

30

46 Spider ID for Absolute Beginners2pm – 3.30pmThere are over 600 different kinds of spider in the UK and they all lead fascinating lives. Some build webs to catch prey, some sit, wait and ambush, others run and hunt. Find out how and where we can catch spiders, more about their lifestyles and get a closer look at their hairy bodies.

Leader/Organisation: Gillian Telfer, East Dunbartonshire Council Neighbourhood ServicesGrade: 3Distance: 1kmContact for Booking: East Dunbartonshire & Mugdock Country Park Ranger Service 0141 956 6586 or [email protected] Point: Merkland Local Nature Reserve car park, off Merkland Drive, Kirkintilloch G66 3SF

47 A Walk on the Wildside2pm – 4pm Join us in Plean Country Park which covers 90 hectares of woodland and wildflower meadows. Discover features of this former working estate and the industry that rose from it then all but disappeared again as nature reclaimed the land.

Leader/Organisation: Frances Barr / Friends of Plean Country ParkGrade: 2Distance: 4-5 kmContact for Booking: Fran Barr 01786 812723Meeting Point: The Miner’s Statue Main Car Park Plean Country Park

48 Running with Wallace 12-2pmA tour of the battle of Stirling Bridge 1297, Led by Murray Cook Stirling Council’s ArchaeologistDistance: 2-4 miles fair to middling groundOn the anniversary of one of Scotland’s most famous victories follow in Wallace and the Scottish army’s footsteps across the battlefield and learn more about Stirling’s fascinating history!Contact for Booking: murray cook on [email protected] Point: the Legends Café, the Wallace Monument.

Free

Free

Sunday 8th September


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www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/outdoorsfestival

www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/outdoorsfestival

www.stirling.gov.uk/outdoorsfestival

Documents

The Great Outdoors Festival 2013