Drymen and Croftamie from Garadhban Forest
Date: 24 November 2024
Leader: Pat
Grade: C+
Number on walk: 20
Length 18 km. Ascent 300m.
Hills climbed: None.
Click here for GPX track of the walk
Soon after starting we left the West Highland Way and headed towards Buchanan Smithy
A combination of the previous night’s heavy rain and melting snow created swollen burns which took a degree of care to cross
Our morning tea break was taken at the bridge over Doghouse Burn, Duchess Bridge, on the Buchanan Castle Estate
Buchanan Castle is more dilapidated and hidden by vegetation each time we visit
A Scottish baronial style manor house built in 1852 – 1858. It was occupied until 1925 after which it was sold in 1930s and became a hotel. During the Second World War it was requisitioned and used as a hospital. The roof was removed in 1954 to avoid paying tax. Plans were put forward in 2002 and 2004 for conversion of the building into flats but planning permission was refused.
The River Endrick had burst its banks near Drymen Bridge and flooded the surrounding fields
A view looking at the swollen River Endrick from Drymen Bridge
Leaving Gartness Road and crossing School Burn on the West Highland Way near Drymen
A final glimpse of the sun as it sets just before we arrived back at the start of our walk