A Local Meander

A local indulgence this week as we climb along the ridge of hills surrounding Erics home town, the Vale of Leven.
There are 5 towns and villages in the Vale - Renton, Alexandria on the west side of the River Leven, Bonhill and Jamestown on the east side, and Balloch which straddles the Leven close to where it leaves Loch Lomond on its short and fast journey to Dumbarton where it empties into the River Clyde.

To access this ridge we join the Balloch to Cardross hill towpath at Stoneymullen Hill which offers breathtaking views of the south end of Loch Lomond and the majority of the Lochs 60 islands. Once the summit is reached we turn left and trudge through acres of boggy ground as we follow the ridge along to the highest point, which offers us an outstanding vista of Loch Lomond to the east and the River Clyde as it transcends from River Clyde to The Firth of Clyde to the west.

With two outstanding photo opportunities in the one location we quickly capture a couple of panoramic shots before setting of downhill towards Carman Hill and then onwards to Balloch via the local cemetery (Boot Hill) and thereafter we follow the fast flowing River Leven to its source at Loch Lomond.

We found this to be an eventful little walk that many locals have never attempted nor contemplated.

A shameful indictment of the apathy emanating from a populace that fails to appreciate the beauty that lies on its doorstep.