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A taste of wilderness on foot or by bike amongst wooded slopes and broken crags

Kilpatrick Braes

Climb the Kilpatrick Braes

Head into the hills above Old Kilpatrick to reach tranquil Loch Humphrey. The route up to the loch and the historic hill tracks that criss-cross the Kilpatrick Hills are ideal for walking or mountain biking. Watch out for waterfalls along the way, and spot waterbirds on the loch. Alternatively, just sit back and enjoy the panoramic views across Glasgow and the central belt to the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh.

There are no formal trails here, but the forest road that climbs up to the loch is easy to follow. Be prepared for some long steep slopes on rough grassy tracks on the hills beyond the loch – it can also be very wet and muddy in places. Although it’s so close to Glasgow, you should expect upland conditions as you explore the Kilpatricks: make sure you are prepared.

Parking Walking Viewpoint Mountain access

Essentials

Find places to eat, drink and shop at nearby Old Kilpatrick and Bowling.

Walking trails


Cycling trails


Mountain biking trails


Discover the Kilpatrick Hills

Kilpatrick Braes are in the heart of the Kilpatrick Hills, which lie to the north of the River Clyde overlooking the historic towns of Dumbarton and Clydebank. They’re only 9 miles (14.5km) west of the centre of Glasgow, and easy to reach by rail, road, bus and bike, but you can find a real sense of wilderness and spectacular views here.

Commonwealth Woods

The Kilpatrick Hills were one of fourteen Commonwealth Woods, designated as part of the legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, that provide outdoor spaces for you to enjoy free events and activities, get active or just go for a walk in the fresh air. The network of green spaces around the city includes a mix of well-established and newly-planted woods, and a new riverside park created out of derelict land opposite the Commonwealth Games athletes’ village.

A new native woodland

Woodland Trust Scotland has been working with the local community to establish a new native woodland on the moorland beneath Lang Craigs. Some 20,000 trees are being planted to create new habitats on the hill and attract lots of native wildlife. Visit the site to see how they are getting on.

Woodland creation

Works began in August 2016 to create a new woodland in the Kilpatrick Hills. As part of the work there will be fencing installed, ground cultivation, grass cutting, tree and shrub planting, chemical weeding and pest control.

The main tree planting work will take place over three phases across the next three years, with foundation works completed in spring 2019. Phase one will see trees planted on the Kilpatrick Braes and deer fences installed. This will not affect access to the hills.

We will be working with contractors Highfield Forestry to ensure there is as little disruption to public access as possible.

Contact: Scottish Lowlands Forest District

Address: Five Sisters House, Five Sisters Business Park, West Calder

Postcode: EH55 8PN

Telephone: 0300 067 6700

Email: scottishlowlands@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


How to get here

Kilpatrick Braes are just off the A82 near Old Kilpatrick, at the northern end of the Erskine Bridge over the Clyde.

Car parking

The public car park at Lusset Park will be closed from 16 April – December 2018.  This closure is due to gas pipeline works being undertaken by SGN.  A temporary car park is being provided by SGN at braes Road, as per attached notice and plan – here.

To reach the trail up to the Kilpatrick Braes, turn left out of the station and follow Station Road under the A82. Take the next left and follow this road for about 500 yards (500 metres). Then turn right onto a farm track between two old stone gateposts, following signs to the Kilpatrick Hills and Loch Humphrey. This start of the track is at grid reference NS 467 733.

Using SatNav?

G60 5LX is the nearest postcode for Kilpatrick Station. G60 5HN is the nearest postcode for the junction at the start of the route up to the hills.

Public transport

Regular buses run between Glasgow and Helensburgh, and trains between Glasgow and Balloch stop at Kilpatrick station. Find details at Traveline Scotland.

Nearby places

At Overtoun House you can explore lovely Overtoun Glen, wander through a new native woodland or head higher up towards soaring Lang Craigs for stunning Clyde views. Head for Cochno and peaceful Greenside Reservoir for a fairly steep climb that rewards with panoramic views of the River Clyde, the city of Glasgow and the Trossachs.

Other places you might like to visit nearby include:

The Saltings Local Nature Reserve, also near the Erskine Bridge, has a range of easy trails suitable for everyone through woodlands, meadows and wetlands busy with wildlife.

Visit Dumbarton Rock and Castle to find out more about this ancient stronghold beside the Clyde and about ship building on the river at the Scottish Maritime Museum at Dumbarton.


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