LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

Left Sylvia in car park by Information Centre. She was not happy to be alone. Cars coming and going which helped, nobody walking around. Tried to see if anyone was at Barnluasgan Cottage but on-one around despite washing on the line. Walked past steps at point '2' expecting more steps but none to be found. Passed information posts with text and drawings on. Passed a magnipost could not understand it's purpose at first, then I realised it was a magnified glass on pillars at the top of the post with a specimen area between the pillars for observing the small. Climbed steps, very new with grass and foliage newly cut and cleared. Passed a summit and several ladies walking dogs. Then I began to realise that I had been walking a long time and the loch ahead was not quote the right shape. The road I was expecting did not exist. I could see a third loch from 'the summit'. I was going to turn right along the track, spotted a 'hide' at the end of the Loch Barnluasgan, so I had turned to the left in a circle instead of turning right. I walked down the road to Sylvia and the car park.
It was not obvious the right track after '2'. I followed the green acron leaf posts, I could not find any 'green arrow' signs. I combined VP road ti '5' and beyond looking for exit of path onto the road from '4'. I eventually found an old track, very overgrown through the trees and bushes. I didn't have time to backtrack to point '2' so I continued down forest road at '5'. Care required at '6', no footbridge but a long section of ductboards covered with chicken wire to '7'. Very winding and rough track from '7' to '8'. Path cleared very well, good job, otherwise it would have been difficult to follow. Good track from '11' to '13' road. Official managed tracks have changed over the years '2' to '5' now not an official managed track, but there is probably now an official track from '13' to car park. Follow red marker posts.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Beside the forest office at, Knappdale Forest.

Hazards: None