Ok, we're back...
After 5 months in Saudi Arabia (one has to journey through hell in order to reach paradise!), and another beautiful bodyswerve from a dreich Scottish winter, I'm back on the path (preferably car-free & thus carefree) with Fatty (the cannondale).
As usual, the Kilpatrick Hills, the Campsie Fells and the Renfrewshire Moors (and the roads, paths and lanes in and around them) all take centre stage, even if they do lie on the circumference. Last Easter weekend was a beauty weather-wise: sunny, dry, with a lovely cool breeze - and so I nipped into the hills (why wouldn't you?).
I had discovered a new road into the Campsies alongside Banknock (a stranger on the road had told me of it) and so that morning I jumped a train at Queens Street which, 12 minutes later, deposited me onto the platform at Croy. From there, I headed down to Auchinstarry where I joined the canal towpath eastwards towards Banknock.
Glenskirlie Castle on the road to Banknock (just after leaving the canal towpath)
Braeface Road into the fells
This is a more gentle entrance into the fells than say the Tak Ma Doon or the Crow Road which I had previously taken. The road sweeps gently upwards past a little hamlet called Braeface towards Drumbowie Reservoir. Here, there are a few options which you can see from the map. I chose the shorter route which just before the wee stone bridge at Glenhead happily coincided with a lovely spot to sit and open my flask of coffee. Another bench of serenity on the road to nowhere in particular....
Further on, the hillfort of Myot Hill, now studded with transmitters, clearly states its case in your field of vision. Soon, the road comes to Broadside farm where due to a slight optical illusion and the way the farm is placed it's easy to take a wrong turn, so check the map to make sure you're going the right way!
This should take us out onto the B818 which will swing round to the crossroads at the Carron Bridge Hotel. Again, as with all crossroads, there is a choice: north to Stirling (8miles) and get the train back, continue west along the B818 to Fintry and head up and over Campsie Glen (and get the train back from Lenzie) or turnleft and head south onto the Tak Ma Doon for the best downhill slalom you'll ever have on a bicycle that doesn't involve drugs! But be careful!!! Some of those bends are rather tight, and if you overshoot, it could well be game over very quickly. Just enjoy the 'soar' and take it easy, make sure your brakes work and enjoy the rush of wind as you plough through the air and space.
I had discovered a new road into the Campsies alongside Banknock (a stranger on the road had told me of it) and so that morning I jumped a train at Queens Street which, 12 minutes later, deposited me onto the platform at Croy. From there, I headed down to Auchinstarry where I joined the canal towpath eastwards towards Banknock.
This is a more gentle entrance into the fells than say the Tak Ma Doon or the Crow Road which I had previously taken. The road sweeps gently upwards past a little hamlet called Braeface towards Drumbowie Reservoir. Here, there are a few options which you can see from the map. I chose the shorter route which just before the wee stone bridge at Glenhead happily coincided with a lovely spot to sit and open my flask of coffee. Another bench of serenity on the road to nowhere in particular....
Further on, the hillfort of Myot Hill, now studded with transmitters, clearly states its case in your field of vision. Soon, the road comes to Broadside farm where due to a slight optical illusion and the way the farm is placed it's easy to take a wrong turn, so check the map to make sure you're going the right way!
This should take us out onto the B818 which will swing round to the crossroads at the Carron Bridge Hotel. Again, as with all crossroads, there is a choice: north to Stirling (8miles) and get the train back, continue west along the B818 to Fintry and head up and over Campsie Glen (and get the train back from Lenzie) or turnleft and head south onto the Tak Ma Doon for the best downhill slalom you'll ever have on a bicycle that doesn't involve drugs! But be careful!!! Some of those bends are rather tight, and if you overshoot, it could well be game over very quickly. Just enjoy the 'soar' and take it easy, make sure your brakes work and enjoy the rush of wind as you plough through the air and space.
At the top of the Tak Ma Doon looking south, with Tinto Hill just visible on the horizon - Check your brakes!!
At the bottom, ejected into Kilsyth, it's easy enough to get back to Croy (via refreshments at Auchinstarry Canal) and a well-deserved twelve minute rest before being papped out onto the parvis at Queen Street.
Enjoy. And above all, let it, this small Croy circular, en-joy you!
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