North Third Reservoir

Around 3 miles

START – Signpost PUBLIC PATH TO NORTH THIRD, 1 1/4 miles from the reservoir (coming from the Touch Business Centre).

Didn’t follow the path., walked on the road.
Space for 2 cars opposite signpost.
Straight on.
Path to Cambusbarron (for another day).
Left here.
North Third Reservoir.

Great place so close to Stirling. Plenty to explore!
I walked on the road to check for places to park for my next visit. Not clear, most are passing places.
Will follow the path next time and hopefully get close to the dam.

Glen Tarken (long loop – 2nd visit)

Around 10 miles in total (despite what the signpost says…)

START – Same start as the Glen Tarken short loop, see here. Follow St Fillans Glentarken.

Right here.
Right again (left track goes to Glen Beich – to explore soon).
Left here (ignore right track).
Back to St Fillans.

Great loop, lovely views!

Kirkton Glen (other viewpoint)

Around 3 miles

START – Balquhidder Church car park.

Balquhidder Church.
Path next to church.
Straight on (ignore right track).
Left over the bridge.
2nd track on the right after bridge.
Turn left towards wood.
Narrow path on the left.
Follow path down.
Viewpoint.
Towards track.
Turn right on track.
Towards road. Turn left.
Back to the church.

Very pleasant short loop.

The Smiddy-River Teith walk

2.5 miles approx. (one way)

START – The Smiddy Farm Shop. Follow the Garden Path from the Smiddy (see previous post).

Took faint path next to pet’s graveyard.
Blair Drummond Caravan Club.
To Quarry Loch.
Cuthill Brae private road.
Took path left of the Loch.
Went right (left goes to Doune).
Took left again.
Signpost to Doune Castle.
Fisherman’s hut.
River Teith.

Great discovery!
There is a gate that leads to the Blair Drummond Caravan Club from the Garden Path (I noticed it on the way back). I followed a narrow path next to what looks like a pet’s graveyard.
Very difficult to park on the Cuthill Brae minor road. They don’t want you there. I was even told by someone from the Caravan Club that the site was closed and to walk back to the Smiddy another way (although there is a signpost from the Caravan Club to the Smiddy).

Blair Drummond Estate Circular (2nd visit)

1.5 miles approx.

START – The Smiddy Farm Shop on the A84 between Doune and Stirling. Plenty of spaces to park (and plenty of spaces for lunch or coffee). Nice shop.

The Smiddy.
Very short section on A84. Take first path on the right (opposite Blair Drummond Community Hall).
Straight on.
Follow Garden Path.
Signposted back to the Smiddy.

Very pleasant short walk. Difficult to get lost as most paths seem to bring back to the Smiddy.

The Balloch (exploring)

4 miles

START – car park on minor road between Comrie and Crieff. From Comrie, follow Strowan Road and take a right turn after roughly 3 miles (signposted Balloch).

The Loch of Balloch in the distance.

Was looking for a path leading to the Loch of Balloch. May have found one but there were too many fallen trees after a very stormy weekend, so I stayed on this charming minor road. Good road for a bike ride.