Brig O’ Turk To Glen Finglas Reservoir
Glen Finglas is a glen in the Trossachs National Park which is spectacularly beautiful. Just above Brig O’ Turk is the Glen Finglas Resevoir and Dam which is well worth a leisurely stroll for the wonderful views of both the dam and beyond the resevoir to Glen Finglas. Along the walk you will discover some information about some famous historical visitors – John Ruskin and John Millais, a famous painting and a Victorian scandal that has been made into a film – Effie Grey.
The Bicycle Tree
Begin your walk at the famous Brig O’ Turk Tearooms – a welcome stop for morning coffee or lunch before your walk – or a well earned treat on your return! With the Tearooms on your left and your back to the A821, walk up the hill and follow the road around to the left. On the left look carefully for the Bicycle Tree. There is a sycamore tree with bicycle parts that the tree has grown around. The story goes that the bicycle was left hanging in the tree in 1914 when a boy went off to war – and never returned. The bicycle is now part of the tree and the tree has a preservation order
A little further up on the right is the cemetery- which hasn’t been used for over 100 years. The notable tomb has a shepherd’s crook on the top.
Continue further on passing by the school on your right and then some houses on your left. Ignore the road turning to the right up the hill but go straight into the car park and beyond. Look down to your left and you will see a stream running through the rocks.
John Millais and John Ruskin
Just before a cattle grid you will come to a picnic bench and a notice pointing to a viewing area. Here a famous portrait was painted by John Millais of John Ruskin. It is a portrait that is considered important defining John Ruskin’s approach about how we are all connected to nature. The story of the artist and the subject is further intertwined since it involves a love triangle. John Ruskin married Effie but the marriage was unconsummated. Effie and John Millais feel in love and Effie divorced Ruskin and married Millais. This story is told in the film Effie Gray.
Glen Finglas Resevoir
Leaving behind the beautiful setting go through the gate at the side of the cattle grid and over the bridge the scenery quickly changes as you look up to see the amazing sight o fthe Glen Finglas Dam. If the water is flowing over the edge, depending on the wind and weather – it can make spectacular patterns as below:-
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Continue round along the path and walk up. Making the effort to walk across the dam itself is well rewarded with some spectacular views of Glen Finglas. Walk up to the building on the dam itself and steel yourself as you look down – if the water is flowing as it is really quite mesmerizing.
Return the way you came finishing at the Tearooms – or take a diversion down the path on the right just before the school that takes you down to the Byre Inn