Place-Name Walk: From Leslie into the Lomond Hills

In the company of place-name export Dr Simon Taylor and local historical geographer Professor David Munro explore the south-facing slopes of the Lomond Hills from Leslie where there is a fascinating array of place-names including intriguing Gaelic names such as Balsillie, Balquhomrie and Balgothrie. Following a marked routeway over the Camby Burn we pass the Pepperyknowe Quarry and head north towards the Lothrie Burn which we follow to its source in Holl Reservoir. Rising to 200 m the route offers superb views into the Lomonds and southwards over Fife and the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh and the Lothians. Returning to Leslie, we descend via Strathenry Avenue and cross the Auchmuirbridge –Leslie road before following the course of the River Leven through the remains of an industrial landscape and the settlement of Prinlaws created for textile workers employed by 19th-century industrialist John Fergus.

Most of walk is on metalled roadway or farm track, with one section following a grassy pathway. From the Camby Burn the routeway rises gently towards Holl Reservoir.

Toilet facilities: Portaloo at Holl Reservoir