Duncolm and the Slacks, Old Kilpatrick

Summary

The steep grassy dome of Duncolm rises above the moors as the highest point of the Kilpatrick Hills. Although close to Glasgow it feels like a wild place and is a popular objective. This route from Old Kilpatrick is easily reached by public transport; the return given is via the Slacks which has superb views over the city.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tarmac lane and good track to Loch Humphrey. The rest of the walk is on grassy paths with many boggy patches.

Getting there

Start

Kilpatrick Braes car park, Old Kilpatrick.

Public Transport

Train to Kilpatrick Station.

Start Grid Ref

NS469728

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15km / 9.25 miles
Time: 4 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 490m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Duncolm

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Walk Description

User reports (33)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Kilpatrick Braes parking area; to reach it, head up Station Road in Old Kilpatrick; when it forks go left towards the underpass beneath the A82, but turn left again immediately before the underpass (signed Kilpatrick Hills car park), curving round and then back over the road. Begin the walk by retracing the drive in and then following the road as it passes beneath the A82. Fork left on the far side, following a minor road as it leads past the gas works and then curves left. Turn right at the next junction - signed 'Path - Kilpatrick Hills'. The tarred lane now leads gently uphill, passing a stone house and later crossing a cattle grid.

Stage 2

Keep ahead along the tarmac lane. As height is gradually gained, there are great views back towards the Erskine Bridge, and later out along the Clyde. Keep right at the fork above Gavinburn Cottages. Eventually the road becomes a track and curves right, climbing more steeply for a time, with views now taking in Dumbarton Rock.

Stage 3

Eventually the Clyde is left behind as the track leads up, passing through a gate, heading into the moorland heart of the Kilpatrack Hills. Loch Humphrey comes into view, and the track descends steadily as it continues towards it. Follow the main track as it curves right, ignoring branches off to the left. The track crosses the outflow below the low earth dam; ignore a track branching right and keep ahead. Loch Humphrey is popular with fishermen.

Stage 4

The track becomes a grassy one and then finally continues simply as a grassy path. There are a few patches of boggy ground to cross before the path runs along a low grassy ridge which passes to the west of the dome-like Little Duncolm.

Stage 5

Further on is a second dome-summit - this time Middle Duncolm. The path divides in two, with the right branch heading over Middle Duncolm and steeply down the far side, and the left branch bypassing it by skirting the base on the NW side; the two paths then rejoin as the main summit of Duncolm now rises ahead.

Stage 6

A path climbs up across the west flank of Duncolm before continuing to the trig point which marks the highest point of the Kilpatrick Hills. As might be expected, this is an excellent viewpoint, with the mountains of the Highlands backing a view of Loch Lomond and its islands; further east the view takes in Burncrooks Reservoir and the Campsie Fells.

Stage 7

The quickest return is to retrace your steps the whole way. To return via the Slacks, retrace your steps to Loch Humphrey and back uphill along the track until where it passes beneath the pylon lines. Here fork left onto a narrow grassy path that soon climbs up to a low escarpment where it meets a fence. Turn left along the fenceline. The trig point on the Slacks can be seen atop the next escarpment to the right; it is best to follow the line of an old fence along the escarpment then descend slightly before a path leads over a boggy depression and then climbs up to the Slacks escarpment.

Stage 8

Once atop the escarpment, turn left once more to reach the trig point at The Slacks. This is a sensational viewpoint for much of Glasgow. To begin the descent, follow a path south that leads over a stile. It then crosses several heathery ridges divided by boggy hollows before the going improves. When the path forks stay on the main, left-hand, branch, soon crossing a drystone wall.

Stage 9

Soon the path gives a stunning view of the Erskine Bridge ahead. It then bends right, and meets another path running across the hill - either follow this left and then round a sharp zig-zag right, or keep ahead to shortcut. Another short-cut is possible on a steep path straight down the hillside, but a more relaxing route is to follow the gently graded path as it heads west, eventually meeting the main track used during the ascent. Turn left to head down this, retracing your steps back to Old Kilpatrick.

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