Craigendoran to Balloch via Ben Bouie

Craigendoran to Balloch via Ben Bouie

Grade: C+/B
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 400m
Time: 4-5 hours
Organiser: Carolyn Sunners

This is a linear walk from Craigendoran to Balloch, starting and ending at train stations. It is a variation of the Helensburgh to Balloch walk on the John Muir Way and the alternative Stoneymollan way. We will meet at Queen Street Station to catch the 0931 train to Helensburgh and get off at Craigendoran train station at 1011. There is parking available but note that we end the walk in a different location.

It is a steep, steady climb up from Craigendoran on a good path through woods and moorland, giving fine views over the Firth of Clyde. At the top, just before the John Muir Way, there is the option of going up Ben Bouie. This is a short ascent but can be very wet underfoot and includes a scrambly descent down a logged hillside. For those not wishing to include Ben Bouie, there is the option of waiting at a view point for 30-45 minutes. We then follow the John Muir Way eastwards on a good quality footpath to Balloch, with lovely views over Loch Lomond. We shall have short breaks for your refreshments and lunch on the way, and there are plenty options for coffee and drinks in Balloch before getting the train back to Queen Street - trains run every 30 minutes.

Note:
All participants must be appropriately fit and must have suitable gear i.e. waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots, warm layer, hat, gloves, food and drink.
Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Attendees at all club walks are reminded that they should abide by club’s code of conduct and safety guidelines.
These and the club's general risk assessment of its walks can be viewed under “membership documents here: https://www.glasgowhfoutdoorclub.co.uk