Pass the Spirit of Scotland sculpture commemorating historic victories that both Bruce and Wallace fought here, before tackling the short but steep ascent of Loudoun Hill, an iconic landmark and spectacular viewpoint.
Bog Factor
Clear paths, very steep final climb to summit with a couple of rough, rocky sections.
Loudoun Hill car park, east of Darvel.
None to start.
NS612378
The car park is just off the A71 east of Darvel signed "Spirit of Scotland/Loudoun Hill". From the car park take the small metal gate through the gap in the hedge for an immediate view of Loudoun Hill. A volcanic plug, this local landmark has sheer cliffs on one side. Two important battles were fought and won here during the Scottish wars of independence against the English, first by William Wallace in 1297 and then by Robert the Bruce in 1307. Follow the path to the right and head downhill as the route turns to the left.
Soon the Spirit of Scotland sculpture can be viewed, just off to the left of the path. Designed by Richard Price and erected in 2004, it is a huge cast of Wallace's silhouette with words from Blind Harry's epic poem "Wallace". Continue on the main path downhill bearing right near a seat to climb a stile and then cross the footbridge.
On the far side go through the gate and continue on the constructed path uphill with the rocky cliffs of Loudoun Hill looming ahead. At a T-junction turn left heading slightly downhill for a short while before curving round the south side of the hill. Opposite a ruin, bear right onto a faint path heading diagonally uphill. This climbs up towards a fence and then bears right to climb up next to the fence and into a few mature trees.
Stay near the fence when it turns left at first, until a clear fork in the earth path is reached. Take the obvious path on the right which climbs steeply through scattered trees. Once out of the trees the way heads directly uphill, crossing a rocky section and then reaching the summit area with the trig point located at the far end.
The steep climb up to the rocky 316m summit is rewarded by panoramic views over Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, the Firth of Clyde and Arran.
The south face of Loudoun Hill provides several routes for rock climbers, take care near the sheer edge. The best route is to retrace the outward paths back to the car park.
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