The Mell Circuit, Glen Finglas

Park - Glen Finglas Visitor Gateway

Distance - Just over 16.5 miles

Time Taken - 7.5 hours

Bring - (weather dependant) midgie repellent, sun cream, hat, plenty of water and blister plasters.

It began as a quiet Scottish morning.

There we were, trusty boots laced with all the confidence of someone who definitely knows how to walk more than 5 metres without collapsing, standing at the trailhead of the Glen Finglas Visitor Gateway. My heart sang. My backpack was packed. My socks were clean. I was ready. And in less than 20 minutes, after joining the signs pointing to The Mell Circuit — a glorious 16.7–16.9‑mile / ~27 km loop that snakes through reservoir shores, glens, and towards Meall Cala.  I had sold it to the others as a 'gently undulating walk' an it became immediately clear: I had drastically oversold this.

Act I — The Midges Strike First

Ah, midges — Scotland’s unofficial welcome committee.

If you’ve never been introduced to these microscopic, airborne nuisances, imagine 17 miles of tiny winged interrogators shouting: “Aren’t you going to share that lunch?” as they swirl around any un-citronella'ed skin. Windless forest sections near water — i.e., pretty much the entire route alongside the reservoir — are their rainforest buffet cart.

As soon as the path bent around the reservoir and I took my first bite of trail food, a midge assault commenced. Within seconds, I learned three things:

1. Midges can bite through deodorant.

2. Midges laugh at insect repellent.

3. Midges may have formed a union.

I consider retreating. To where, I have no idea.

Act II — Terrain: Beautiful But Relentless

To be fair, the trail is stunning.

You start by winding uphill through pretty woodland, cross a bridge, and follow paths that are waymarked with cheerful purple posts — almost mocking you with their optimism. Eventually you emerge onto a gravel track that skirts the lofty Glen Finglas Reservoir, offering views that even midges respectfully pause to admire.

But don’t be fooled by the early woodland idyll. The trail soon unfurls into the long, open glen of Glen Meann – where the words “gentle gradient” and “long climb” seem to be a practical joke designed by sadistic mapmakers. You’ll zigzag, climb, and thank every cairn like it’s your grandma cheering you on, even though it’s literally just a pile of rocks.

Not all hills are created equal. Some are “manageable inclines.” Others are “why God why” slopes where your heart rate spikes, your camera battery dies, and you genuinely question whether the sheep on the hillside are judging you. (They are.)

Act III — Friends Along the Way

Despite the solitude — many walkers report minimal human contact for most of the day — you do meet interesting companions. Peaceful cows grazing near the farm track, for example. They weigh 800 kg, chew cud like it’s a competitive sport, and every now and then glance at you like, “Odd choice of hobby.”

Then there are the birds — cheeky warblers flitting through glades, chirping at you like: “Should’ve stayed in bed, eh?” It’s all very Shakespearean, minus the tragic ending… unless you count the sore hips.

Act IV — The Feet Revolt

Around mile twelve, my feet staged a mutiny.

Every step felt like a vote in favour of blisters, swelling, and existential dread. The quads sent me passive‑aggressive texts. My toes started negotiating a union contract with gravity. Somewhere between “What was I thinking?” and “Is that bridge still 5 miles away?”.

The final descent back toward the car park is lovely in scenic terms. In foot‑term it’s more like the Earth’s way of laughing while you try to shuffle downhill without resembling a new-born foal. But at the end, as the Glen Finglas car park suddenly appears like a beacon of hope, even your feet stop whining long enough to wave a tiny, triumphant flag of victory. -

The Moral of the Story

Would I do The Mell Circuit again? Yes — but only under these conditions:

• With bug spray that doubles as a midgie exorcism.

• Wearing boots specially designed to defy pain and gravity.

• Maybe with a support crew and stretcher.

This walk is gorgeous, challenging, and remote. It’s the kind of route that makes you feel alive, invigorated, and a bit ridiculous at the same time. The hills humble you. The midges unite against you. But when you finally return to your car, iron‑wieght boots unlaced, feet throbbing, grin plastered firmly across your face… you can’t help but think:"I conquered The Mell… and all I got were these sore feet and an undying vendetta against midges."

If you ever find yourself tempted — midges, quads, and all — just remember: every uphill has a view. And every view has its own tiny army of midges waiting to welcome you.