North Third

Today's walk with Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Ramblers was a shorter-than usual walk for a Wednesday, but slightly more strenuous than our usual midweek efforts.

From North Third Reservoir, near Stirling, we followed a well-worn path up Lewis Hill (main picture) and then along the top of Sauchie Craigs. The descent was a steep, rocky and muddy path. that led into a gully from which we had to walk up another, albeit smaller, rise and then another descent to a forestry path. That descent was less rocky, less  steep and shorter, but was quite muddy and carpeted with wet autumn leaves. Walking poles provided a good defence from falls on the slippy underfoot conditions.

The forestry path (see extra) brought us out on the north-eastern end of North Third Reservoir and the rest of our walk took us along the edges of that towards our cars. A very welcome coffee and social stop followed at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre.

The best of the day's weather broke out when we were sitting in the coffee shop at the end, but it had been mostly dry during our walk, apart from a really heavy downpour midway through and just as were planning to stop for our lunch break.

Slightly more challenging than our usual Wednesday walks, but no less enjoyable for that.