Although lying only 19km/12 miles from Glasgow, the Campsie Fells are a world away from the noise, traffic and busy streets of Scotland’s largest city. Beginning at Glengoyne Distillery (what a place to celebrate the finish of this fine walk), a steep climb leads onto the volcanic plug of Dumgoyne with its compact summit providing breathtaking views south across Glasgow as far afield as Tinto Hill, and north to the great panorama of the Southern Highlands stretching across the horizon. The hard work for the day is now done, although a steep descent from Dumgoyne requires a little care. From here on the route crosses over wild moorland, with good paths lining the majority of the route and exemplary views, to the likes of the Ochil Hills, throughout. Keep an eye out for the elusive mountain hare as you go.
[1] Facing Glengoyne Distillery (NS527826) turn right then bear left onto a grassy bank to reach a stile. Cross the stile into a field and follow a grassy path towards Dumgoyne. The path crosses a farm track and continues to another stile. Cross it, then a burn and another stile to reach Dumgoyne’s lower slopes. A good path ascends east up very steep slopes, although near the top the path bears right and – with the gradient easing – a simple walk leads to Dumgoyne’s summit (NS542828).
The panoramic views are astounding across Glasgow and beyond – the Southern Highlands with Ben Lomond and Ben Ledi are clearly visible.
[2] Very carefully descend north-east from Dumgoyne down a steep path to reach a flatter plateau. The path then rises north-east over open moor-land, passing the remains of a cottage to reach Garloch Hill (NS553837).
The wilder side of The Campsies become more apparent here, whilst the view back towards Dumgoyne’s unique profile is superb.
[3] A grassy path makes its way north-east from Garloch Hill over moorland, from where you might spot the enigmatic mountain hare. The route then passes the wonderfully named Clachertyfarlie Knowes (NS557834), a line of peat hags further emphasising the Campsies wilder aspects, and continues over some short ascents and descents to reach a low fence which is easily crossed. The path climbs to a cairn (NS563841) before swinging right to climb east over boggier ground to a fence. Cross the fence and walk the short distance to the trig point on Earl’s Seat (NS569838).
(A) This is the day’s highest point with the beautiful, barren landscape of the Campsies spreading in all directions.
[4] Turn right from the trig point and descend gently south-west along an indistinct path through heather beside a fence. Keep the fence to your left as this is pretty featureless terrain. Cross a narrow burn, climb a short slope and turn left following the fence to another fence at an intersection. Turn right here and follow the fence south-west over rough moorland, cross a burn and continue until another fence is reached. Cross the fence and turn right, passing the fantastic viewpoint of Graham’s Cairn (NS558829) where a path is picked up. Follow the path to yet another fence, turn left and descend gradually south-west, keeping the fence to your right. Cross over a burn and then the fence as the slopes to the left become very steep. Walk down the grassy slope, picking up a path en route to reach a dry-stone dyke.
[5] At the dyke, turn left and cross a stile and a burn, then bear right down a path to the perimeter of a wood. A boggier path continues down to reach a gate near Cantywheery Cottage (NS546813). Go through this gate and turn right through another gate onto a single track road, which zigzags its way down past Craigbrock (NS542811) to reach the A81 (NS540812). Carefully cross the road onto a pavement, turn right and walk back to Glengoyne Distillery.