New RSPB Nature Reserve Trail Opens Nearby

RSPB opens new Loch Lomond trail

A new RSPB trail at the south end of Loch Lomond has opened recently (about 10 minutes drive from Appletree Cottage so we went down to have a look.
.The entrance is easy to find on the A811 about a mile west of Gartocharn on the way to Drymen.
A signpost on the right hand side of the roads you are heading west points towards the carpark which is adjacent only 100 metres from the main road.  The reception hut (next he car park)  is only occasionally manned but parking and access is free.

Reception hut with lots of information - manned part time.

Red Squirrel

The site comprises or basically two trails - a short one to the right leading to a hide and a longer one to the left which leads down to the shore of Loch Lomond with a loop off to a pond. 
Recently constructed the path surfaces are well made and smooth.  In the boggier parts immaculate duckboard walks have been created to assure dry passage.
​ We started with a stroll own the short trail and the first thing we saw was a red squirrel shooting up a tree.  Red Squirrels are making a big comeback at the south end of Loch Lomond, the Greys seem to have completely disappeared, mainly to the presence of Pinemartins which are in the area.   Unfortunately there was  not time to get the camera out. and take a picture - although we have managed to get photos of the reds at our farm.

Plan of the newly completed reserve

Clearly signposted paths

Looking north towards Gaels View with Ben Lomond and the Arrochar hills in the distance.

 The first trail, which is suitable for wheelchair users, is 200 meters and on a gentle slope ending at what is Gaels View and a rudimentary hide.  There are great views of Ben Lomond, looking out across what was known  (according to an Ordinance Survey Map of the 1860s) as Gartocharn Bog, Aber Bog and Ring Bog (now wooded).  So presumably never cultivated though there is evidence of a dwelling a small defunct ruined limekiln to the north.

The trail down to Loch Lomond shore

Well made paths lead through the woods

We retraced our steps and headed down the Airey Woodland Trail.  This beautiful well made path took us down the the shores of Loch Lomond.  Winding through magnificent trees for the first part the path is again smooth and well made.  The only sound is bird song and there is not a soul around.

More clear signposting - the loop path to the pond is off to the right

The path through the woods breaks out to open ground with newly completed duckboards across the bog

Soon the woodland trail opens up to open flat land.  Immaculately constructed duckboards have been newly installed to permit dry passage.  Orchids and wild flowers are in abundance either side of the walkway.  Looking to the east the views of unspoilt flora and fauna are magnificent.

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Open land stretches seemingly for miles

After a long run of duckboards we pass through some more mature woodland before joining the path which follows the shore of Loch Lomond - still within the sanctuary.

Glimpses from the path looking up the loch are stunning

The paths are well signposted.  We soon come to a divergence to the route - the Pond off to the right and the Woodland Trail off to the left.  We continue on the Woodland Trail towards the shore of the loch.  On the way we pass a couple of  photographers waist deep in long grass.  We pass quietly to avoid minimise disturbance.

One of the many carvings to be found at the reserve

Here and there on the site there are carved benches, sculptures and unexpected picnic areas.  
We pass by some of these before arriving at the path which runs alongside the shore of the loch.
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On joining this path we turn right. (Left would take us eventually to Gartocharn Village).  Every so often along this path there are enticing views of the loch, the islands and the surrounding distant hills.

Ben Lomond in the distance with its peak touching the clouds

The path ends in a clearing down by the shore.  Looking north we can see the bulk of Ben Lomond with its peak just touching the clouds.  A couple of lads are having a go on a paddle board.  This south eastern corner of the loch is shallow water for quite some distance from the shore.  This is unlike other beaches where there can be unexpected deep drops into very cold water.  

The Arrochar Alps lit up by sun

In the distance the outline of some of "The Arrochar Alps" catch some intermittent sunshine as the boats in the Balmaha moorings glisten white on the water.

Cows down by the water in this pastoral scene

Looking to the right a herd of cows were down by the shore drinking the fresh water from the loch.  Apart form the two lads in the water there was not a soul around.  After a few moments enjoying the vistas we started to make our way back.

More information about this RSPB site can be found here: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/loch-lomond/

Apart from this new site at Gartocharn there are many around Appletree Self-Catering cottage...
Inchcailloch (easily accessible nature reserve island in Loch Lomond with passenger ferry from Balmaha.   A sea eagle has been nesting on the island immediately west of Inchcailloch.
Glen Fruin.- sightings of Hen Harriers are common here
Flanders Moss - nature reserve on the Carse with viewing tower.
Appletree Cottage - where 36 species of bird were sighted by an ornithology party over three days - including Osprey