Kilpatrick Hills

The Kilpatrick Hills form a ridge stretching between Dumbarton and Strathblane, with several peaks including Duncolm at 401 meters. The range spans several miles with varied terrain featuring rocky outcrops, valleys, and open moorland slopes.

The hills formed about 340 million years ago from volcanic eruptions that created the Clyde Plateau Lavas. Glaciation in later ice ages shaped the landscape, carving valleys and sculpting the peaks we see today.

Bronze Age cup and ring marks cover rock faces throughout the area, showing that people lived here thousands of years ago. Ancient burial cairns scattered across the slopes tell stories of these early communities.

Walking and cycling routes connect the hills to nearby towns like Balloch, Dumbarton, Milton, and Bowling, all reachable by public transport. Most trails range from gentle to moderate difficulty, though some sections climb steeply depending on your chosen route.

The Whangie is a striking natural chasm cutting deep into the hillside, a curious narrow gorge that catches visitors by surprise. This unusual formation was carved by ancient glacial forces that plucked and removed massive chunks of rock from the slope.

Location: West Dunbartonshire

GPS coordinates: 55.96670,-4.43333

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:46