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A sneaky wee Wednesday morning arrived and miraculously I had nothing scheduled…well, plenty of things needing done but nowhere I actually had to be

Further incentives (if any were needed) to get out was the return of my camera (whoopppeee!!

) and a skiing holiday in 10 day’s time that my knee needed to be ready for
The weather also looked favourable so I decided to continue my theme for the week of small hills. The circuit of Sub2000 Duncolm and the Slacks from Kilpatrick looked like a plan. I couldn’t be bothered with driving at that time of day so jumped on the 7.02 train and was in Kilpatrick for just after half past. Say what you will about Scotrail, but growing up with South West Trains in the deep south…believe me, Scotrail is the best thing that ever happened to trains
It was dark and I was sleepy and I stumbled along the road, through the underpass and followed the road past the Gas Works (mmmm

) It was well sign-posted but as it was still dark I had to be a bit careful not to miss anything

But it was easy navigating and I soon found my way onto the track and from here it was simple.
A steep wee section really got the blood pumping early on but it was worth it as I turned round and had this view of the Erskine Bridge, with the plus side that the darkness was hiding Erskine itself


The track continued and I mused on the enjoyment of being out midweek and how thankful I was that my knee was on the mend
Loch Humphreys finally came into view, I noted the fence I was the follow for the return and made my way past the dam and along the shores of the loch.


Here the track became grassy and increasingly soggy. Soon it reached Yoda’s swamp levels of sloppiness and I was bemoaning my lack of gaiters; I’d been drying them out after the weekend and forgot to repack. At least I had waterproof socks which should keep be dry to mid-calf

Fortunately the path became merely boggy after a while and I was able to make progress without a need for waders. I passed Berry Hill and Little Duncolm on my right and was onto a pleasing grassy ridge. Middle Duncolm was ahead. The option to go around it was never even considered – why would I go around when I could go over?! (The answer to that one was on the other side – a very steep descent

)
Duncolm itself

I made it down unscathed

Duncolm was straight ahead and and easy walk to the summit. It was a wee bit chilly, but it wasn’t raining, I had views and it was Wednesday and I wasn’t working

The Campsies

Towards Loch Lomond was a bit misty


But I did have a deadline, so I pressed on, retracing my steps and wading back to Loch Humphreys…

As I started to climb away from the loch, I passed the pylons and spied the path up to the escarpment. It was an easy walk to follow the fence, cross another bog and climb up to the trig point at the Slacks. It was a fine viewpoint in all directions, almost able to forget how close to Glasgow I was, until I heard a siren wailing in the distance

Looking back to Duncolm
The way home

Any excuse…

Here I took a bearing, just for fun

and followed the path South, over a completely redundant stile…

…and downwards. Another great view of the Erskine Bridge (Erskine now visible

)

…and I made it back to the track and the easy stroll back to the station where I caught a train back to Glasgow in time for a shower and lunch before work. A great wee hill and enjoyed a train hike which I hadn’t done in a while. Small hills are great – it’s not all about size
