So youโre in Scotland, Glasgow to be precise. The ache to be outdoors is getting too much, but you donโt want to overdo it. Hereโs our recommendations for easy hill walks near Glasgow.
Take Note
We say these walks are fairly easy. Bare in mind that we make this statement based on the ability of a person in good health and fitness.
We also state that these walks are near Glasgow. This doesnโt mean you can walk from your home to them all, but we donโt expect you to drive for hours either. They are within a reasonable distance and you should expect them to fill around half of your day.
We tell you how far the start of the walks are from Glasgow in the car. Alternative travel may be mentioned where possible.
Dumgoyne Hill Walk (427 metres high)
This hill walk starts around 30 mins away from Glasgow in the car.
Limited parking can be found just north of Glengoyne Distillery (distillery parking is for visitors only).
This one is a favourite with the residents of Glasgow, itโs a popular local landmark.
Extensive views await you at the peak once youโve completed the short (yet steep) walk.
The terrain is made up of track, steep sections and sometimes a little boggy moorland.
If you want to leave the car at home, the number 10 bus from Glasgow will stop (on request) at Glengoyne Distillery on the A875. This happens to be where the walk starts.
Kilpatrick Hills (140 metres high)
This one is just under 3 miles long and the start can be found 30 minutes North West of Glasgow.
There are many car parking spots. The closest when heading here from Glasgow would be Auchnacraig Car Park where youโll find a path leading straight to the hills.
Here youโll find a rock formation nicknamed the Whangie which looks like itโs been cut straight down the middle.
Youโll also get to experience the amazing views over the River Clyde and if you venture to the top, youโll see over the Trossachs and Loch Lomond too!
Be on the look out for otters, ospreys and red deer โ wildlife lovers will particularly like this hill walk.
As well as an excellent walk, youโll be able to ride a bike here too.
If you donโt want to drive, you can take a train from Glasgow to get to the hills. We recommend heading to Alexandria Train Station for easy access to this walk.
Conic Hill (360 metres high)
Conic Hill in Balmaha starts around 50 minutes away from Glasgow and is a 3 mile hill walk.
If youโre driving there, head to Conic Hill Car Park.
Itโs a sharp yet small summit rising above the village of Balmaha. Itโs also located on the Highland Boundary Fault Line!
Youโll get to see the amazing views over Loch Lomond (including its islands).
This walk features a good, well trodden path as youโre climbing as well as some steps.
You might think youโve reached the top, but beware. This might be the false summit!
However, youโll definitely know when youโve reach the actual summit of Conic Hill because the vista is second to none.
Donโt fancy reaching the top to check out the views? Donโt worry, youโll start experiencing them when you reach around a third of the way up.
Public transport can get you here too. Catch a train from Glasgow to Balloch. From there, a bus will take you to Balmaha where the hill is located.
Callander Crags (343 metres high)
Around 50 minutes north of Glasgow lies Callander Crags, a 2 and a half mile walk.
The dedicated Callander Crags Car Park is where youโll want to start.
On this walk, youโll be taken through woodland and high above Callander to visit both the Jubilee Cairn and Callander Crags.
The path is marked and easy to follow. If itโs a little wet out, mind your footing as it can be slippery. Always walk with the appropriate footwear!
On a clear day, youโll get to see the taller hills and mountains from the summit.
If you want to extend your visit, you can combine this walk a trip to Bracklinn Falls too.
Inchcailloch Summit (85 metres high)
This oneโs a little differentโฆ because itโs on itโs very own island! Youโll find it around 45 minutes North West of Glasgow.
Thatโs right โ this walk is access by boat (or waterbus) because it sits on an island situated on Loch Lomond.
Balmaha is where youโll start to access the island by boat. Head to Luss to jump on the waterbus.
Being part of a National Nature Reserve, spotting wildlife on this walk is a given. Not to mention the views over the loch from the summit.
The trail is waymarked making it a pretty easy hill walk.
On a nice clear day, youโll be able to see the oh so familiar outline of Ben Lomond and various other peaks within close range of the Loch.
Gouk Hill (277 metres high)
Just to the east of Helensburgh, around 45 minutes from Glasgow and on the western edge of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park lies Gouk Hill.
Trail information for this walk can be found here.
It forms a section of the Highland Boundary Fault Line and reaches a height of 277 metres.
Following the route to the top, youโll eventually walk through the forests above Loch Lomond which leads to a steep slope.
After this, youโll shortly reach the summit where you can take in the views over Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond. Look the other way and youโll see Campsie Fells and Balloch Country Park.
Now Go An Experience These Easy Hill Walks Near Glasgow!
Thatโs all there is too it. Itโs your turn to head out and make your own adventure on these unmissable hill walks.
If you do take on any of the ones weโve mentioned above, let us know in the comments below!
Equally, if you think thereโs something we need to include just let us know.
