Calderwood Trail

Hello again to my folllowers....

Today I want to extend the Calderglen walk to the North on the Calderwood trail.
This route is not used as much as the main walks within the Glen itself and is a little more demanding and the terrain as little more dense in places, but none the less a pleasant walk. I did this walk recently for the first time with my hoofing buddy at the route was just over 5 miles there and back, but you can walk a little further for another mile or so to the castle falls (one of several waterfalls along the way).

The starting point is from the Vistitor Centre heading down towards the river again and turning left towards the North. One of the first landmarks you pass is Torrance Linn, which is pictured above, the path follows the river all the way so it is almost impossible to get lost. Once passed the Linn the river bends round to the left, there are a few steps to negotiate along this part so just watch your footing in wet weather. It can also be somewhat boggy underfoot so don't be surpised when you get mud splashed up your trousers.
In heavy rainfall there are some fast flowing sections with soft banks so watch your footing too.

The path and river bends around in a U shape until you reach the Kingfisher bridge and the road bridge that takes you over the Newhousemill Road. Cross the road and the bridge but take great care as the path is very narrow and you may come in contact with the traffic if not careful. Once over the road the path continues on the otherside and again follow the river. The way is signposted with a red castle and arrows so just follow along the way, after a short while the woods start to get more enclosed and the path undulating in places, you are now heading towards the next landmark of Trough & Black Linn

There is a fair amount of subsidence along the river bank and the fence is heading towards the river, so take care again if close to the edge. Once you have taken a few snaps of the scenic waterfalls take up the path again and keep heading North towards Fred's Pond and the Castle Falls. When we went last week there were a fair number of trees down after the recent high winds and as the path is not as popular the trees may be blocking the path either partially or completely as was the case at Fred's Pond, but you can easily navigate around them. The woodland canopy provides a greatenvironment for the squirrel's and birds and you can see them leaping from tree to tree with great agility (the squirrels not the birds).
This is Fred's pond which provides a great reflection of the woodland surroundings.

Whether you return from here or carry on to the end past the next falls it is a great short walk, even if somewhat muddy underfoot. Return by the same route back to the Visitor Centre and if you are feeling cold or peckish then pop into the cafe in the square for a quick pick me up. Parking couldn't be easier as it is adjacent to the cafe. Happy Hoofing.....Next time we will take a trip North to Ben 'An and a short but streneous walk in the Trossachs.