Bob Law: Walks and Photography – Kilpatrick Hills balcony trails

Balcony Trail above the River Clyde. Kilpatrick Hills

Several walks can be undertaken from the Mount Pleasant/Old Kilpatrick car park situated above Old Kilpatrick not far from the train station which can also be used to arrive at this location as can local bus routes to this area.

Field of Corn. Kilpatrick Hills

Most people make a beeline up the tarmac road to the summits around Duncolm, at 401 metres the highest point, but great beauty can also be found along the Kilpatrick Hills escarpment itself on the network of lower balcony trails. In June and July these slopes are carpeted  with flowering hawthorn, yellow gorse, clover, meadow-sweet and any number of wildflowers.

Track. Clyde Coastal Route. Passing the Kilpatrick Hills

The main alternative walk climbs through fields by a grass path to the obvious low pass in the range then wanders left or right along the skyline ridge. Skirting left above the obvious white house and largest band of wooded crags it then drops down to a level trail network with fine views across the River Clyde estuary just starting to open out from a narrower river at this point.

Cattle. The Kilpatrick Hills in Early June

From the same car park less strenuous flatter walks can also be taken across the Erskine Bridge itself with fine views, or a circular walk along the Clyde Coast Path into Duntocher and the Antonine Wall remains at Goldenhill then back off this small hill through blocks of white five storey high flats to descend to the main A82 footpath until it ends via a wooded detour past Clydebank Cemetery inland to regain the Clyde Coastal path again leading back to the same car park.

Canal Reflections Near Dalmuir

A third walk travels under the Erskine Bridge down the pretty Lusset Glen to gain the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Saltings, a pleasant flat area of meadows, riverfront paths, woods and trails situated directly under the Erskine Bridge support pillars so loads of choice in this one area that’s well worth a visit. Can even be done as an afternoon or evening walk at this time of year of a few hours duration.

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Alan Gillespie - Writer - Jim and Pat's West End Chat

This section: Bob Law: photographer, walker and writer, Pat's Home Page Blog

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Avatar of PatByrne Publisher of Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End; the community guide to the West End of Glasgow. Fiction and non-fiction writer.

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