Page Type: | Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon: | 56.01539°N / 4.34162°W |
Activities: | Hiking |
Season: | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
Elevation: | 1401 ft / 427 m |
On the outskirts of the city of Glasgow lies the small, but steep peak of Dumgoyne. It is a peak that can be seen dominating the horizon from the western and northern areas of Glasgow and is commonly known as The Sleeping Giant. Dumgoyne sits at the western side of the Campsie Fells range and can be clearly identified as it is this point that makes up the head of the giant. With the exception of this peak and Meikle Bin, The Campsie Fells are basically a flat and grassy plateau thats real character is displayed by the sharp cliff faces that overlook the small towns of Blanefield, Lennoxtown and Fintry.
At 427m, Dumgoyne is certainly not the highest peak in the land and is by no means the highest in the range, (this accolade belongs to Earl's Seat at 578m) but is definitely the one with most character and the one that is a favourite with many walkers.
The most popular route of ascent for Dumgoyne is from the west at Strathblane. The route begins next to the Glengoyne Distillery and strikes directly east-north-east, over a well defined path, all the way to the summit trig point. From the summit the views are surprisingly extensive, with Ben Lomond, the Arrochar Alps, Crainlarich and Loch Earn hills clearly identifiable. On a really clear day, the tops on the Isle of Arran can also be seen.
Dumgoyne sits directly next to the West Highland Way, which is a long distance walking route linking Milngavie, on the outskirts of Glasgow, to Fort William. As Dumgoyne is only 7 miles into the West Highland Way and only takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete, it proves a popular early detour for some of the walkers. Whether it is a more popular sideline activity compared to the tour/tasting session of the distillery is highly debatable!
Diretions detailed are from Glasgow only as this is a local hill to the city (roughly 30mins travel distance).
CAR
Car directions to Dumgoyne from Glasgow can be seen on the embedded map below. Click on the view larger map link for more detailed directions.
View Larger Map
BUS
From Buchanan Bus station in Glasgow, get the No.10 bus for Balfron which stops right outside the gates of the distillery. Buses run approx every hour. You can also get the Whisky bus straight to the distillery, that will cater for small to large groups, so you could add a nice whisky tasting session into your climb! Details here.
There is no red tape in Scotland due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which incorporated the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code, which commenced on the 9th of February 2005, has established statutory rights of access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation.
The Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The following aspects should be taken into consideration when you are in the Scottish countryside;
There is a huge variety of accommodation available in the city of Glasgow, which is detailed on the map below;
View Larger Map
Below is a list of possible accommodation venues that are located in the direct vacinity of Dumgoyne.
Strathblane Country House Hotel
Strathblane Falconry
Kirkhouse Inn
Bankell Farm
Alba Hostel
Laurel Bank B&B
Tambowie Farm
Wild camping is totally legal in Scotland and can be done in various locations close to Dumgoyne, especially as it runs close to the West Highland Way. This is due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that was mentioned earlier.
Here are some of the basic rules that should be adopted when wild camping;
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland provides an invaluable leaflet providing a full breakdown of the dos and don'ts of wild camping in Scotland. Wild Camping, A guide to good practice.
The following websites will provide invaluable information on the expected conditions for Dumgoyne.
Southeastern Highlands Forecast
Avalanche forecast
The Central Highlands by Donald Bennet
The Corbetts and other Scottish Hills
Scottish Hill and Mountain Names by Peter Drummond
OS sheet 64 Glasgow
OS sheet 57 Stirling & the Trossachs
OS Explorer 348 Campsie Fells
Visit Scotland
Discover Scotland
Undiscovered Scotland
Walk the Highlands
The Scottish Mountaineering Club
Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland
West Highland Way
Glengoyne Distillery
Stratblanefield