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The route up Alt Gleann nam Meann goes through OS Positions 527107, to 525124, 519140 where the trail splits - taking the right single track path goes over Bealach a' Chonnaidh to Glen Buckie, Loch Voil and Balquhidder. This is also a nice ride but you really need to have a car parked at both ends to able to do this ride without getting knackered doing a there and back in one day ( it is only a 20 mile round trip hard work). To stay on our circuit you follow the track round to the left and start another steep climb up Lag a Phuill (1500ft OS NN513148) from here the track levels out somewhat as you transit the pass (Moine nan Each) between Meall Cala and Cnoc Odar. It is best not to stray off the track across here even though it looks inviting to go cross-country.
The ground is very wet underfoot even after a prolonged dry spell and your wheels will just sink into thick peaty mud. The track is challenging enough for most of us! A nice spot to stop for refreshment is in OS Posn 497140 where there are spectacular views both to the NE to the Highlands but also to the S back over the reservoir. You are now at the highest point of the circuit and from here for the next 4 miles is steep down hill with numerous streams to ford and if it has been a very wet in the winter the Finglas Water will have dragged lots of big rocks from it's normal bed across the trail so take it easy and be prepared for rough going and sudden surprises in sections of very loose surface. If you are completing the circuit in the spring be prepared to find the Finglass Water in full spate and you may find that in OS Posn 491117 you have quite a deep torrent to ford! The next mile from here is frequently inundated in the winter and the track surface is more like riding over a scree than a trail. The trail now becomes less exciting as it wanders along the valley and to the head of the reservoir. There are still some pretty steep gradients both up and down hill though and if it has recently been raining the trail can be very sticky with mud.
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The whole area is popular with the walking, cycling, sailing and mountaineering groups. The only service it lacks is an operational railway link! (The old lines where ripped up in the 1930's and now form part of Route 7 of the SUSTRANS network so there are even gentle rides for those not into off trail routes). The whole area is riddled with Forestry Roads (about 150 kms of them). There is even a steamer service on nearby Loch Katrine - which is a reservoir for storing water for the north of Glasgow. This is great for kids as you can cycle almost right round the loch on metalled roads with no traffic on them, as they are privately owned by the local Water company. You can cycle half way round the loch then take the steamer back to your car!
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