Duncryne, known locally as the Dumpling, is a tiny hill of only 465 feet above sea level. However the very short ascent gives a reward out of all proportion to the effort, revealing a fantastic view of Loch Lomond, dotted with its many islands and backed by the great mountains of the Southern Highlands.
Summary
Clear path, steep in parts.
Terrain
Users'
rating
Regular buses to Gartocharn from Alexandria and Balloch (309), Balfron (13) to connect to Glasgow
and Stirling.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Take the minor road that leaves Gartocharn by the inn and heads southeast towards Duncryne, which is well seen across the fields to the left. You can either park in the layby alongside the woods where the path begins, or walk here from Gartocharn village if the layby is full - but do not block any farmers gates. The path is signposted and heads through a gate on the left into the trees.
2. A kissing gate leads out of the first section of woods; go through a further gate to cross the fields on a grassy lane between two fences. Another kissing gate leads into the final section of woodland on the hill itself. Pass through it and follow the path which heads round to the right. It then climbs up the bracken slope onto the bald summit of the hill, marked by a triangulation point.
3. It is for the view that Duncryne is renowned. Loch Lomond with its many wooded islands looks supremely beautiful, whilst beyond it is a grand sweep of the Highland mountains, including favourite summits such as The Cobbler, Ben Vorlich and, dominating the view, Ben Lomond. The legendary hill-goer Tom Weir, who presented a TV program on Scotland's landscape for decades, used to live at Gartocharn; he reckoned Dumcryne has the best view of any small hill in the country - and on a fine day here it is hard to disagree. The return is made the same way.
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