Great to be out with the Ramblers and see some old and new faces. 22 of us met at Luss village car park for the Beinn Dubh – Glen Striddle horseshoe.
Heading towards Luss Primary School and over the A82 flyover where you will see a lovely house on the right, as you go past the house you will go a kissing gate that makes a Moo sound, thinking there is cows nearby. Just on the left jump over the style and start your ascent.
The climb isn’t that hard as you go though the Strone wood, to about 500 meters but I was sweating with just a base layer and fleece on. At 500 meters it was getting chilly so jacket on and then on to finish the climb to Beinn Dubh . The views looking back on the Loch were amazing, we could see canoeists going to each of the islands.
When we got to Beinn Dubh it was time for some lunch but walked on a bit to get out of the cold wind. You will see on my gps recording the spicks where we looked for a good spot.
After a good feed we set of to Mid Hill, which was a slight climb over peaty bogs. My hands were sore with the icy wind chill, so had to put hand warmers in my gloves but they didn’t really help, but it was worth a try.
Mid hill had some wee small cairns and the views were awesome, the descent was next and not too steep. Further down towards the road it can be very wet and slippy, so be careful you don’t get injured.
The road all the way down was all tarmac and sore on the legs after a while. on the OS map you will see a Chapel, its worth having a look and seeing the grave stone.
We got back to Luss and went to the The Village Rest they do a great coffee and friendly staff.
Circuit of the hills above Glen Striddle with excellent views of Loch Lomond and Arrochar Hills. Ascend north west to Beinn Dubh then to Coire na h-Eanachan. Return south and south east over Mid Hill and descend to Glen Luss road near Glen Mollochan Farm.
Terrain: Moderate ascents and descents on grassy slopes. Can be wet and peaty underfoot in places. Return on tarmac road down Luss Glen.
Distance: 11 km, duration 5 hrs, total ascent 720m to max. ht. 657m.
Start point: Luss car park. (no parking charge at this time of year). Distance from H’burgh: 9 miles / 20mins.
OS Map 56 / Explorer 364, grid ref: NS 359931.