The-whangie

About trip

The Whangie is a bizarre rock-feature in the Kilpatrick Hills, and has wonderful views towards Loch Lomond, the Highlands and the Campsies.

Terrain

Initially good path soon deteriorates, usually very muddy underfoot

2.75miles, 1.5-2hrs, grade 2

Stage 1

From the car park walk up to the small viewpoint, with a fine outlook to the north, before descending to the wall and climbing the stone stile. Follow the boardwalk across the boggy ground and follow the slope uphill. From here there are good views back to the Campsie Fells.

Stage 2

The path climbs steeply on grass that can be muddy at times. Eventually the ground levels off and the remains of a wooden stile is reached. Don't follow the path to the left but carry on straight ahead. This path skirts around the side of Auchineden Hill.

Stage 3

The path is very boggy in places but there are great views across the countryside towards Loch Lomond. Where the path forks take the upper path which soon climbs up a short rockier section before carrying on in the same direction across the hillside. From here there are excellent views of Loch Lomond with the mountains of the Highlands rising behind, whilst straight ahead is Burncrooks Reservoir in the heart of the Kilpartricks.

Stage 4

After a short while the path heads downhill and then bears right traversing the end of the hill. Keep close to the bottom of the steep ground and very soon the entrance to the Whangie is reached. Climb up a worn rocky slope to enter the massive gash in the rock. You can walk all the way through this narrow cleft, divided from the open air by a wall only a few feet thick on the left side. The walls of the Whangie have been used as a training ground for generations of rock climbers. The walls are over 50 feet high and provide a wide range of climbing grades, the climbing enhanced by the fine situation. Another path keeps to the left and stays outside the Whangie and shows the full height of the narrow outer wall. This remarkable feature is completely hidden and unsuspected on the approach across the otherwise unremarkable moors.

Stage 5

After walking through the Whangie keep on the path bearing right to curve around the end of the hill and start the return route. The path keeps to the bottom of the steep ground and crosses some sections of wet ground. Eventually the path rejoins the outward route. Retrace your steps downhill to return to the car park.