Gouk Hill loop

So a run starting and finishing on the Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond with some stunning views along the way. We start the run on the flat along the old road running alongside Loch Lomond from the Duck Bay hotel. This part of the run has few cars and great Loch Lomond views up to Ben Lomond. A nice warm up for what lies ahead. After about the route takes you up beside the busy A82 on the cycle/walking path. A grass verge separates you from the road and it is only for less than .

At where a large closed iron gate sits on your right hand side, cross the road (See pics) carefully and head up the single track road. The road takes a sharp right hand turn then left at the gate. The gate marking the start of dirt road and uphill. At the dirt road heads right and the uphill continues. You will soon get some lovely views over the loch, but a lot of climb still to go. The road branches to the left, be careful not to take the road straight on which leads you down the hill again. The road eventually stops and a small trail continues the uphill for a short distance through the woods.

Once out of the woods you are back on forest road where the climb continues but not so steep. At you reach a junction in the road where you turn left. After there is a small trail on the left which takes a short path onto the top of the Gouk hill and great views if you want a short detour. After the detour the dirt road continues before going back to trail and a steep descent through the spooky woods. The trail continues before heading right and back to forest road.

At you head left following the signs for Balloch. This part has short uphill before a long downhill all the way to the edge of the A82. A footbridge takes you across the road and with a left turn onto the old road beside the famous Cameron house hotel. Although there are very few cars on this section the route does take you up beside the pavement on the A82 for a short period, before returning to the old road and a short run to the car park.

A really nice route on a sunny day, but a bit of a slog in misty rainy weather. The Duck Bay restaurant is great for coffee and cake or something more substantial. BBQ areas available close to the car park as well.