Scotland
Duncolm
401M
1316FT
About Duncolm
Rising as a distinct volcanic plug above the rolling moors of the Kilpatrick Hills, this is the range's highest point. While the approach can be notoriously boggy, the final grassy pull onto the summit provides an exceptional panorama including the Clyde, Ben Lomond, and the Arrochar Alps.
Key Statistics
Rank
100th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Central Scotland
Prominence
?
305.4m
Nearest Town
Clydebank
Geology
Duncolm is built from ancient layers of hardened lava and volcanic ash. These dark, crystalline rocks are the remnants of a powerful, long-extinct volcanic landscape.
Nearby Fells
Middle Duncolm
Fynloch Hill
Craighirst
Cochno Hill
The Slacks
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NS470774
Latitude
55.9660°N
Longitude
4.4515°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Dùn Choluim', which translates to 'Fort of Columba', likely named in honour of the 6th-century saint who founded the monastery at Iona.
- •As a volcanic plug from the Carboniferous period, its steep-sided profile stands out clearly against the flatter, surrounding plateau of the Kilpatrick Hills.
- •The summit offers a stark contrast in views: to the south lies the industrial heritage of the River Clyde and the Erskine Bridge, while to the north, the landscape opens up into the southern Highlands.
- •Most walkers approach from Old Kilpatrick, a route that gains height steadily past the Greenside Reservoir and the popular fishing spot of Loch Humphrey.
- •Despite its modest height, its status as a Marilyn means it has enough prominence to ensure that any wind coming off the Atlantic will find you without much effort.