Mountain Lookout Trail

Mountain Lookout is a 2.3 km (1.4 mile) loop from Crianlarich through community woodland to a mountain viewpoint and rocky knoll. The outing includes an optional River and Rail out-and-back from the village car park; skip it for the shorter woodland loop. Allow about an hour. This is a short leg-stretcher with a modest climb, steps and uneven ground, rather than a hill summit.

Start at the village car park opposite the school; cross Main Street carefully and follow Station Road past Londis. Keep left at the Mountain Lookout fork to the smaller access area and footbridge. The climbing path passes a bench and gate, then reaches a junction among younger rowan, birch, willow and alder. Continue straight to the built viewpoint’s seating and mountain-name board, then the rocky knoll for views back over Crianlarich. Ben More is visible ahead.

From the knoll, follow the waymarked return over a boardwalk across wet ground and onto a forest track. Pass a gate back to the earlier junction, then retrace the village approach. The optional River and Rail spur follows the former Oban and Callander railway to the River Fillan below Glenbruar Viaduct. The West Highland Line crosses overhead. Turn back at the river; do not go under the viaduct.

Expect steep, uneven and sometimes muddy ground; the boardwalk can be wet. Dogs are allowed. Public toilets and places to eat are in Crianlarich, not on the route.