Over The Hill

My previous walks in the Campsie Fells had been confined to a quick ascent of Dumgoyne hill from the distillery and a stroll along that part of the West Highland Way that follows the old railway line towards Drymen. Therefore, I was looking forward to a walk which would take in one of the main tops in the western Campsie, Earl's Seat.

The hot, dry spell we have been enjoying for most of June continued as we set off from the centre of Strathblane and headed east along the well maintained cycle route, which now forms part of the John Muir Way, towards Ballagan Farm, passing en route the eye-catching Dunglass Hill as it forms a 153 metre high craggy hump rising from the surrounding flat landscape.

Beyond Ballagan Farm we climbed the hillside via a twisting path which eventually petered out as we reached the open, trackless moorland, traversing a series of minor tops, Dumbreck, Owsen Hill and Little Earl, before arriving at the grandly named, and highest top in the Campsie's, Earl's Seat.

The views from this rather uninspiring top belie its meagre height and prominence. To the west we could clearly identify the hills of Arran, rising beyond the Firth of Clyde; to the east, the Pentland Hills dominated the skyline, with Tinto to the south, marking the start of the Southern Uplands. And, to the north a great panorama from The Arrochar Alps, over Loch Lomond and the Crianlarich Hills beyond. A short distance from the summit, perched on the edge of the Ballagan Tops it was just a pleasure to sit and taking in these views as we had a very leisurely lunch break.

Until this point, we had been the sole occupants of the moorlands. However, as we made our way along the crag-top path towards Dumgoyne Hill it's popularity was obvious by the sudden increase in walkers we met along the path. Popular this hill may be, but to one of our group, it was a hill she had never topped, and so Janet, accompanied by Lawrie and Idris, made a short detour to climb its rocky northern slopes before descending the bracken clad southern slopes to met up with us again as we traversed south in the gap between Dumgoyne and it smaller neighbour, Dumfoyn.

A short descent down the lower reaches of Cauldhame Glen brought us to the good track which runs along the base of the Black Craig and so back to Netherton and Strathblane, and the end of a very enjoyable walk, with great company, and, as an added bonus, in glorious weather.

Thanks David, a very enjoyable walk, with fantastic views.