Top of the World – Fintry
A slightly more taxing route through beautiful valleys and across moorland.
| Type |
Cycling |
|---|---|
| Distance | 30 km / 19 miles |
| Time | 1.75 hour approx. plus breaks |
| Terrain | Minor A roads and side roads. |
| Grade | Medium / challenging |
This website is designed to maximise accessibility for assistive technologies like screen-readers. This applies to the static maps in this section but regrettably this is not a facility on the interactive maps on the linked page.
Path description
- The route starts and finishes at the Buchanan Monument in Killearn
- Directions can be followed in reverse order, if preferred.
- Photos are courtesy of Kay Roxby
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Section 1.
Depart from the Monument (*1) in the Balfron direction, leaving the village along King’s Mile, passing the old Observation post in the field on the right and Heron’s Court on the left. At the Blackhill Crossroads (*2) after 1.5km, turn right onto the B818 towards Fintry. Continue for some way – past the Gas House and Castle Gardens – both legacies of Ballikinrain Castle. At 6.75 km take the left turn, signposted Balfron (*3). At the foot of the slope, cross the river and at The Honeyholm (*4) turn right towards Kippen.
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Section 2.
Continue along this back road – with glorious views of the Fintry Hills – until at 11km it meets the Kippen – Fintry Road (*5). Turn left towards Kippen and climb the long, winding slope to the large layby at the top , next to the Arnprior junction, where the road turns sharply to the right (*6). Stop. Take a break and admire the views of the Trossachs and the Campsies.
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Section 3.
Turn around and travel back down the slope – all the way down to Fintry – past the Campsie Glen Holiday Park, Knockraich Farm / the Courtyard Café, Culcreuch Castle and Fintry Sports Club (refreshments available). At 19 km, at the cross in the centre of the village, turn right towards Killearn (*7). Follow this road– back past the Balfron turn and on past entrances to Old Ballikinrain, Ballikinrain Castle, Mains of Branshogle and Boquhan Old House – all the way back to Blackhill crossroads at 28.5 km Turn left back to Killearn and the Monument at 30 km.
