5k Run Strathblane: Scenic Figure of Eight in Carglas Plantation

Route Overview & Local Insights

Escape into the tranquil embrace of the Campsie Fells with this charming 5.3km figure-of-eight loop through Carglas Plantation. This route is a dream for trail runners looking for a low-intensity, flat session, as it features a negligible 11m of ascent. You’ll predominantly traverse wide forest tracks, but be prepared for the character of true Scottish woodland—some sections narrow significantly and can become quite muddy after a Highland drizzle. It is a perfect introductory trail run where the fresh pine-scented air and the soft crunch of needles underfoot provide a refreshing alternative to the local tarmac.

Located just on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Strathblane, Carglas Plantation sits at the foot of the iconic Dumgoyne hill and the volcanic plug of Park Hill. Historically, this area served as a lush backdrop to the Victorian-era development of the Blane Valley Railway, and today it remains a hidden gem for locals seeking quietude away from the busier West Highland Way. After finishing your loops, take a short drive into the village to see the Spout of Ballagan, or refuel at a local café while enjoying the dramatic silhouettes of the surrounding hills that define this gateway to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.