.Glasgow is a lucky city in that it has three very different hill ranges surrounding it. On its northern outskirts the scenic 300 to 400 metre Kilpatrick Hills lie on its western flank. Middle and running eastwards from them the higher Campsie Fells at 400 to 570 metre level on Meikle Bin take over with its cluster of well known and frequently walked summits.

Having grown up on the south side however, in Pollok, the triple escarpment edge of the Lochliboside Hills, The Brownside Braes and the Gleniffer Braes were by far the closest, running into each other and providing inviting grassy summits around the 200 metre mark.

I mention height difference because this far north in latitude it matters visually with the last trio of hills being the only set to have farms, deciduous woodlands, green fields and lush vegetation growing, not only on the gentle slopes but covering the full flat, fertile plateau as well.

As a youngster exploring this fantastic range this lower elevation made all the difference to enjoyment, especially in May and June- as it still does today. The cream season I always look forward to seeing unfold, with suitably lush warm surroundings to demonstrate that.

In bad weather the other two hill groups can be cold, dark, wild and threatening- the southern group are nearly always cuddly and feel friendly- winter or summer.

I set off from Robertson Park, also known as the car park in the sky, as this is large and can hold many cars- essential on a sunny weekend these days. Instead of taking the normal flat walk from the car park across the plateau I managed to find a lower balcony trail, which gave me close up views over Paisley, looking very green and beautiful in the afternoon light. From there I continued on to follow the Tannahill Walkway (named after a local Burns type poet and songwriter from the late 1700s) into Glen Park. Return was straight up to Glenburn Reservoir then over the middle of the Plateau for a faster circular excursion back to the car.

Half a dozen good walks, long and short, can be had it this area via car (or public transport once Covid 19 allows safe travel) with Neilston, Barrhead, Patterton or even Johnstone as potential starting points for a walk into this magnificent area.