Glen Fruin to Loch Long
Length
21.3 Kms
Elevation gain
664.5 m
Max elevation
290.2 m
Difficulty
***
Rating
**
Type
Out and back
Route id
514
Main road
0 Kms
Country road
8.2 Kms
Dirt road
13.1 Kms
Dirt path
0 Kms
Trail
0 Kms
0
Route summary
The Glen Fruin to Loch Long route is a trail and road run within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The out and back covers a distance of 21.32 Kms ( 13.25 miles )
and has an elevation gain of 664 m ( 2180 feet )
.
Description
One of our failures as we ran into the razor wire fence of Glen Douglas military site. This we should have stayed on the low road but felt ready for some hills. Given we did this route a during a marathon training taper week it probably wasn't the best idea. We will go back and report on how far we can get on the low path soon.
The route we took takes you on small country road for the first, and last,
4 Kms
. We had a sunny day and this part was one of the best short road runs we have done with outstanding views. The main picture for this description will hopefully give you an idea of what to expect.
Once off the tarred road we headed up the hill and enjoyed some hill and undulating paths. The forest for most of this is thick so you are limited on the viewing front. This does open out near the end but of course the route ends as well shortly after that. We didn't realise we were on a path heading into Glen Douglas site, but perhaps we need to improve our map reading skills.
On the way back we headed on the lower path which did offer a lot of nice views along Loch Long. This does join back onto the same tarred road as you came out on.
An unusual feature about this route is that you may run into military personnel policing the area. They were nice and friendly when we were there, so remember a nice smile and wave.
Route directions
Kms
1
The start. Head past the barrier and out on the single track road.
0
2
Cross over the main road. Be careful here as cars can be going really fast and with limited visibility of the crossing.
0.4
3
The single track road stretches out in front of you
0.6
4
Remember to obey the firing range warnings. Red flags or red warning signs.
1.6
5
The tarred road now turns to dirt. It is a well formed single track dirt road.
4.1
6
Turn left and follow the path up the hill.
4.7
7
A lot of up and down on the path through the trees.
5.9
8
And here you arrive at the perimeter fence of the Glen Douglas munitions site. So with razor wire ahead, it is time to turn back.
10.5
9
Back over the small bridge and start another climb up the hill.
12.8
10
Turn right and descend the short steep section
13.4
11
Turn left heading back to Glen Fruin
13.8
12
Turn right and you are back on the road you came in on.
16.5
13
Start of the long straight - ish all the way back to the car park.
16.7
14
Back across the main road - remember to watch for traffic.
20.9
15
And we are back at the start.
21.3
The view from the car park.
It as a beuatiful morning for us.
The view from the car park.
The shadow of the photographer shows again.
Back towards Faslane base and the Gareloch
Back towards Faslane base and the Gareloch
Lovely views of the Scottich hills.
Back towards Faslane base and the Gareloch
For a long straight section this is a really good part of the run.
Danger signs. Pay attention.
The first and last 4Km of the route run alongside the firing range.
Danger signs. Pay attention.
Overlooking Garelochhead. Route signs to follow.
Picture group D
Picture group E
Picture group F
Picture group G
Picture group H
Picture group H
Last high point before turning back.
Picture group H
Last high point, other direction.
Glen Douglas munitions dump.
Picture group J
Picture group J
Looking up Loch Long.
Overlooking Finnart oil terminal
Overlooking Finnart oil terminal
Oil tanker at the terminal.