The Brack from Ardgartan

The Brack from Ardgartan is a roughly 4.5-mile out-and-back hillwalk from the Ardgartan forestry visitor centre: a forest track leads to a steep hill path, then you return the same way. Allow about four to four and a half hours. It is a hard half-day rather than a stroll, with a sharp climb and wet, less obvious stretches above the trees. The reward is a 787-m Corbett summit and open views over Loch Long.

Start on the Cat Craig Loop (North) forest track. The opening climb is gradual, with the Cobbler’s south peak in view. After about 1 km The Brack’s craggy north face appears. Roughly 200 m farther, the track swings left at a junction; take the higher track to the right for around 200 m to the signed hill path. The climb gets steep straight away, almost a scramble at first. It crosses a stile and a burn, then the line is less clear and wet in places as you leave the trees. Keep left of the high crags and climb the broad grassy rake to a small lochan on the southeast shoulder.

Pause at the lochan for the view across Loch Long toward Glen Douglas. From there, a path winds through crags to the OS trig pillar on top. On a clear day you can see the Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and Ben Lomond. Turn around at the summit and retrace your route. The pathless west-ridge descent and Coilessan Glen return belong to a much longer circuit, not this route.

Park at Ardgartan Visitor Centre; a second car park is over the bridge and to the right. No food or water service is confirmed along the route, so bring what you need. Dogs are welcome on Forestry and Land Scotland land under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code; keep them under control and use a lead when wildlife or livestock are nearby. The steep, sometimes indistinct upper path makes this a poor choice if you need a level, surfaced trail.