East and West Lomond Circular

The most common starting point with parking is the Craigmead Car Park, which is conveniently located between West Lomond and East Lomond. This car park provides good access to the trail network.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, as it passes through the Lomond Hills Regional Park and areas with livestock, it's essential to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a leash, to protect wildlife and farm animals. Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, but can be warmer. Winter jogging is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially icy or snowy conditions on higher sections.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Lomond Hills Regional Park or the East and West Lomond Circular trail. Public access is generally free, following the principles of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The terrain is varied and challenging. You'll encounter good hill paths, tracks, and trodden hill paths. Some sections, especially descents, can be steep, rocky, and eroded, requiring careful footing. There are also smoother sections, such as the track from Craigmead car park towards West Lomond Path, which offers a nice running surface. Be prepared for potentially wet or muddy conditions, particularly on unsurfaced paths.

The East and West Lomond Circular is considered difficult due to its distance of nearly 13 km, significant elevation gain (over 328 meters), and varied, often steep terrain. It's best suited for joggers with a good level of fitness and some experience with trail running. Beginners might find specific sections challenging.

For an average jogger, the route typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes (6062 seconds) to complete. This duration can vary significantly based on your fitness level, the weather conditions, and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

The trail offers superb panoramic views from both prominent peaks. Key highlights include the West Lomond Summit and East Lomond. From these points, you can see across Fife, towards Edinburgh, Ben Vorlich, Schiehallion, the Forth Estuary, and Loch Leven.

This trail is notable for encompassing the two highest hills in Fife, West Lomond and East Lomond, which are of volcanic origin. It offers magnificent, far-reaching panoramic views, and you can even find remains of Iron Age hill forts on East Lomond's summit, adding historical significance to the natural beauty.

While there are no facilities directly on the trail, you'll find cafes and pubs in nearby villages and towns within a short driving distance from the Lomond Hills Regional Park. These can be good options for refreshments or a meal before or after your jog.

Public transport options directly to the Craigmead Car Park are limited. It is generally more accessible by car. However, you may find bus services to nearby towns like Falkland or Leslie, from where you might need to arrange a taxi or face a longer walk to the trailhead.