Tomtain is the most prominent of the Kilsyth Hills - the easterly extension of the Campsies. The summit offers superb views out of all proportion to the effort involved in climbing it.
Clear, boggy path.
None.
Viewpoint car park on the Tak-Ma-Doon road between Kilsyth and the Carron Vallley.
The Tak-Ma-Doon road climbs steeply over the hills from Kilysth - offering a high start point for this short ascent. The best parking is at the viewpoint car park on the eastern side of the road, not far from the highest point. From here there is already a stunning view, particularly looking eastwards across Scotland's central belt. Begin the walk by leaving the car park and turning right along the road for around 350m to the edge of the forestry.
Here a footpath sign indicates the start of the path on the left, passing a vehicle barrier. Turn left and follow this path; it climbs a little, levels off briefly with a view of Tomtain ahead. One or two parts of the path are usually very boggy underfoot.
After a brief respite the path climbs again more steeply, before a final gentle rise to the summit, marked by a small cairn on this side of the fence, and a trig point on the other. The superb views more than repay the effort involved in obtaining them. Southwards is an aerial view over Kilsyth, and west the view is dominated by nearby Meikle Bin. To the north the Carron Valley and its reservoir are backed by the mountains of the Highlands, whilst the Ochils are well seen to the northeast.
A path continues along the ridge of the Kilsyth Hills, but Tomtain is the finest point on the ridge. The simplest return is simply to retrace your steps back the way you came.
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