A tranquil walk through Sallochy Woods

I took to the woods on Thursday. Drove the car out of the city and headed for Loch Lomond. Social distancing at its best.

Sallochy is part of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park which was created the same year of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. There’s a campsite with parking, toilets and picnic tables on the shores of the loch. Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus outbreak, the campsite and toilets are currently closed. However, the car park is free for anyone visiting the walking trails.

The woods are beautiful! Within the first five minutes I just had to pause to soak it all in. There was sun on my face, the oak trees felt forever and ancient, and birdsong and running water intermixed. I wouldn’t be lying if I said my heart swelled with something… joy maybe? Or contentment. Perhaps just plain and simple happiness.

There are two well-marked trails, honestly, you can’t get lost. Both are marked ‘strenuous,’ but don’t let that deter you too much. I’m not a very fit person, so some of the steep uphill portions were tiring but completely doable!

I did the Woodland Trail which makes a big loop and takes about an hour to walk. Much of it takes you along the Allt a Mhuitinn burn, a very babbly babbling brook. The water was crystal clear and because the stones at the bottom were very light in color, it reminded me of the fairy pools in Skye.

The trail also passes through Wester Sallochy, an abandoned settlement. The mossy remains of stone cottages crop out from the tall grass. It made me think about the people that used to live there, hidden in the woods, walled on all sides by all that nature.

The highest point of the Woodland Trail affords a great view over Loch Lomond, but you can also take the Sallochy trail up to the higher viewpoint on Dun Maoil (which I did not do).

Don’t forget to admire Loch Lomond from ground level too! It’s an excellent spot for skipping stones.

Do you have any favorite woodland trails?