Craigmore Hill (2 miles)
Park at the Lodge Forest Visitors Centre on the A821 outside Aberfoyle. Straight across from the car-park entrance, a path leads through the trees and quickly starts gaining height. We are on the slopes of Craigmore Hill and views extend across the town and nascent River Forth. The route winds through the ferns and intersects with the course of an old slate tramway. Pause for a breather upon the concrete foundations of an old building and admire the vista. A decaying telegraph pole stands nearby.
The trackbed curves around the hill and leads to an observation bench. A path proceeds upwards and a sign informs you that there are no waymarkers. It's simple enough to follow the established route up to and across the undulating plateau summit. The highlight is a superb view down upon Loch Ard - arguably the source of the Forth. On the return journey, note the sign at the bench indicating an alternative route to the visitors centre. Certainly a longer option, but probably a less severe gradient.
