Paths2

There and back 2 miles

From the junction with Jennywoodston carry on up Fair Loan towards the Fintry Hills. You will soon reach Kippen Muir and the small loch known as Mill Dam which was originally used to supply water to Arnprior Mill. The Mill is still in regular use as a grain store but powered by electricity. Keep an eye on the roadside verges close to Kippen Muir and you will see the heath spotted orchid. In the mid 17th century local cattle markets were held at Balgair Muir at least four times a year. Cattle being brought south to Balgair could be driven around the western end of the mosses in the Forth valley or in dry weather cross over the River Forth at Cardross. As a consequence of this trail the village of Arnprior began to develop and the road became known as Fair Loan.

There and back 3½ miles

The quiet road on the west edge of Arnprior can lead you to Balgair Muir but if you want an easy walk on tarmac you can go as far as Badenkep Farm. If you start at the A811 near Mains of Buchlyvie you will be close to an earthmound at the road’s edge known as Fairy Knowe, the remains of a broch. When you reach the two right-angled bends past the cottages you will be crossing the line of the old military road (built around the 1770s but possibly following a much older route). If you look along it to the west you will see the line the road followed into Buchlyvie. Carry on up the road and a variety of fine views will open up as you gain more height (up to 155m AOD) including Ben Ledi and the Highland Boundary Fault. The woodland in the dip to the east is Arngibbon Glen and as you get close to the moorland the small group of pines with the backdrop of the Fintry Hills marks the top of the Glen.

One way 3.5 miles

Take the Mains Road out of Arnprior past the Mill, climb up the hill to the junction with the top road and turn left. Follow this quiet road and get some fine views over the carse and Flanders Moss and the highland edge. On the way you should glimpse the ruins of Arnmore House, dating from the 17th century, up the hillside on the south side of the road. When you come to Claylands Farm turn right over the bridge across Broich Burn and head left towards Kippen. A short way in to the village you will pass an engraving of the skyline with all the main hills named and outlined. There are plenty of excuses to stop for refreshments in Kippen – pub, restaurant and a coffee shop. There are a variety of path loops in Kippen that allow you to explore the village a bit more before returning to Arnprior by the same route.