Scottish walks: Earl's Seat, Campsies

Earlier this year the volcanic plug of Dumgoyne was my aim, although the winter rain had made its slopes extremely slippery, with the prospect of going any further quite unappealing.

Dumgoyne Hill . Picture: Getty Images

So it was good to return recently on a slightly better day and explore the vast expanse of moorland beyond Dumgoyne, which makes up the bulk of the Campsie Fells.

The walk was topped by Earl’s Seat; at 1,896ft, the highest point of these lovely hills which look over Glasgow to the south and the Trossachs to the north. Driving rain did come again but not so much that the views of Loch Lomond and distant Munros could not be enjoyed.

The really hardy will want to include Dumgoyne in this walk, but as far as the views go it does not add anything. However, if you do want to “tick it off” it is best left for the return as there is no point in tired legs ruining what is a great moorland tramp.

Distance 7 miles.

Height climbed 2,000ft.

Time 4 to 5 hours.

Map OS Landranger 57.

Park Use a layby about 100 yards north of the Glengoyne distillery by the side of the A81 (about two miles south of Killearn).

In summary Cross the road, taking care, and follow a track which goes up past some white cottages. When the track forks go right and pass a large metal gate before going up through trees. After crossing a burn (which feeds the distillery below) go through a gate on the right and into a field.

Bear left to pass in front of two large arrays of solar panels and walk diagonally over the field, crossing a couple of tracks.

At the far side of the field cross two stiles and then begin a steep climb up the side of Dumgoyne, taking a path on the left. As the gradient eases, keep left to avoid the very steep paths and go round the side of Dumgoyne.

When you reach level ground keep straight on, taking a path which winds its way through hillocks before becoming more of a track and reaching the cairn on Garloch Hill.

Earl’s Seat can now be seen to the east but rather than make a beeline for it, it is more pleasant to follow the edge of the escarpment to the left.

After crossing a fence (there is a gate to the right) a small rise leads to another cairn, the path then swings right, over another hillock and on to the top of Earl’s Seat.

You can make a direct return to Garloch Hill but it can be very boggy. It is better to return the way you came, with the option of an extremely steep detour up Dumgoyne.

Refresh There is nothing at the start but Killearn is just up the road and Strathblane is to the south.

While you are in the area The obvious destination is the Glengoyne distillery, at the start, where you can go on a tour and have tastings. www.glengoyne.com