Whinny Hill Wood
Boturich
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
102.91 ha (254.29 acres)
Grid reference:
NS397848
Map reference:
Explorer 347
OS Landranger 56
Whinny Hill Wood sits on the slopes of Knockour Hill and Whinny Hill in a verdant mix of conifers and native broadleaved trees, and offers great views over Loch Lomond to the north.
Explore its diverse structure of woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. You'll soon come across a multitude of tree species of varying ages. There are conifers such as western hemlock and Scot's pine from the 1950s and 60s, and a mixture of native broadleaved trees from 2004.
Visit in spring for woodland flowers such as bluebell; while in summer look for meadow flowers like yellow rattle, greater butterfly-orchid and common-orchid in the central grassland. And throughout the year, listen out for the calls and songs of the 36 bird species recorded here, including skylark, linnet, reed bunting, oystercatcher and black-backed gull.
If you're lucky – and quiet – you may see shrews relentlessly foraging, using their long muzzle to probe soil and dig out invertebrates.
Features
- Parking nearby
- Public access
- Autumn colour
How to get to Whinny Hill Wood
Whinny Hill Wood is situated to the south of Loch Lomond, 2km north of Balloch (West Dunbartonshire) and adjacent to Balloch Castle Country Park.
Leaving Balloch on the A811 towards Gartocharn, take the last road on the left at the end of a housing estate. Follow Mollanbowie Road which runs along the east side of the housing estate, turning left at the next T-junction, and heading straight on into Balloch Castle Country Park. Take the first right and continue past the walled garden to get to the car park. Continue on foot.
The closest train station is Balloch Station.
To get to the wood walk east along Balloch Road for 450m to find the southern entrance to Balloch Country Park on your left.
Walk for 1.2km (0.75 miles) along the road through the park to reach the car park beyond the walled garden
Visit National Rail for more information.
Balloch is served by regular buses from the Glasow direction. There are also local services from Balfron and Balmaha via Drymen.
Balloch Bus Terminus is located off Balloch Road and opposite the southern entrance to Balloch Castle Country Park.
Walk for 1.2km (0.75 miles) along the road through the park to reach the car park beyond the walled garden
Visit Traveline for more information.
From the car park, follow either of the paths north, turning right where there are Woodland Trust waymarkers.
Follow the magical Fairy Glen in Balloch Castle Country Park to a gate onto a private road.
The entrance to the wood is through the gate on the opposite side of the road.
Facilities and access
This wood offers a wide and firm surfaced path with some grassy segments that can be muddy after rain. The Fairy Glen narrows in parts then reaches two gates crossing a quiet public road. There are short and fairly steep sections throughout.
The trail requires a moderate fitness.
Ample parking is available at the public entrance to the woodland at Balloch Castle Country Park.
Free public toilets can be found at the Castle in the park and are open 10am–4pm during the summer months.
Other toilets are found in Balloch town at the bus station and there is a 24-hour toilet by the local tourist information centre opposite Balloch train station.
Wildlife and habitats
Whinny Hill Wood is alive with animals and bursts with colour through spring to late autumn. This wonderful wood offers woodland, grassland, wetland and a magnificent view.
Animals
If you hear a high-pitched 'kee-yaaa' call look toward the sky for the delightful sight of a buzzard or two circling in search of prey. Other birds that live here include the skylark, linnet, reed bunting, oystercatcher and black-backed gull.
If you're really lucky you will see shrews relentlessly foraging, using their long muzzle to probe soil and dig out invertebrates. The mole, a species known for its more industrious digging, is fairly elusive, but you will see mole hills dotted here and there.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
Explore the diverse structure of Whinny Hill Wood and you'll soon come across a multitude of species of varying ages. There are conifers such as western hemlock and Scot's pine from the 1950s and 60s, and a mixture of native broadleaved trees from 2004.
Look out for the smaller stands of semi-mature ash, beech, sycamore, birch and willow, along with smaller groups of more mature, veteran ash and sycamore. Discover several areas where there is an abundance of naturally regenerating conifers and broadleaved trees across the site. Look out for a dense swathe of yellow-flowered gorse that makes some of the younger parts of this woodland pop with colour.
Visit in spring and take in the bursts of colour as bluebells pop up from the ground along with other species that indicate this woodland is ancient. If you arrive in summer, stroll to the central grassland area to see the meadow flowers such as yellow rattle, greater-butterfly orchid and other common spotted orchid.
Take care as you adventure – you may get a soggy foot as you walk round the small flushes and areas of marsh and bog that are dominated by sedges and rushes!
Look out for:
Habitats
Whinny Hill Wood contains a mixture of established woodland, new planting and species-rich grassland. There are wetlands including a pond and a burn that runs into the Tullochan Burn and then into Loch Lomond.
Explore:
About Whinny Hill Woods
Most of the trees at this site were planted in the 1960s. The conifers here were planted to provide timber for local industries.
We are working to restore this wood to its former glory by carefully removing and replacing conifer trees with native species including birch, hazel, rowan and oak. Since 2000, we have planted 16 hectares (39.5 acres).
Things to do in Whinny Hill Wood
Take the 'Loch Lomond view loop' through conifers, broadleaved native trees and wildflower glades to be rewarded with a stunning view over Loch Lomond and its islands.
Allow two hours to complete the 5.3-km (3.5-mile) purple waymarked trail that starts and ends back at the tarmac path in Balloch Castle Country Park.
Walks
With routes for varying abilities, venturing out on foot is a great way to explore.
Visiting woods
Walking dogs in our woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Walking
Taking a walk in the woods is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature.
