Three Hills & Three Lochs Loop, Kilpatrick Hills

[Doggytreats]

Quite liked the idea of finding a route from Overtoun House above Milton which would take in the Lang Crags, Doughnot, Fynloch, and Duncolm Hills, but also incorporating the three lochs too. These being Black Linn, Fynloch, and Loch Humphrey. Tara, my 12 year old Collie cross, and constant companion set off in beautiful sunshine, and light winds, up through the grassy path which leads from Overtoun to the Lang Crags. There were plenty of the obligatory sheep about and the path was quite boggy in places, but didn't cause any real problems.

At the top opf this path there is a signpost indicating the Lang Crags,(which takes you up to a viewpoint with great views over the River Clyde), and another route indicationg the Crags Circular, which is the direction to take. Quite confusing this bit if you didn't know it, as you have to make your way through the belly of the conifers before you reach the junction for the Lang Crags. Turning left here took us on a well prepared stony path to the Black Linn. Following the top of the reservoir wall the route up to Doughnot was fairly straight forward.

Descending back down to the Black Linn, we came across a small burn which fed it. Following that up to the top of the hill took us in plain sight of Fynloch Reservoir ahead. The route was very spongy and although there were some sheep trails, there was no obvious path. Tara is really good at finding her way, so I followed her in the general direction to Fynloch. In the distance a stream and small waterfall was visible coming from the reservoir, so that seemed a good place to head and stop for lunch!!

Lunch at Fynloch

Lunch over, and it was time to head off for Duncolm. We headed up the left-hand side of the Loch which turned out to be heavy going going over the spongy moorland.

Lead the Way Girl

On hindsight I would advise following the the stone wall running up the right-hand side of the loch. This leads directly to the foot of Duncolm skirting the base of Fynloch Hill. The ascent up the clear path ( used by walkers and cyclist alike) was well woth the easy effort, with views over Loch Lomond on one side, and views down the River Clyde on the other. "The Whangie" was also visible in the North East.

Duncolm Hill

We headed for Middle Duncolm and Little Duncolm along a grassy but obvious path, and then walked down to Loch Humphrey. Again this path was fairly obvious, but boggy and waterlogged in places. There is a new stone path which has been created down the left hand side of the Loch and leads to a Forestry track.

Loch Humphrey

The track leads passed Geenland Reservoir No1, and from there continues onto Black Linn Reservoir. Greenland Reservoir is completely surrounded by forestry, and is a beautiful and secluded spot which is a welcome respite on the journey back.

Greenland Reservoir

Following your outward route back down to Overtoun House completes the loop


Enjoy!!