At the top of this mixed ancient woodland there’s a seat where you can relax and enjoy what’s probably the best view in the area. Gaze out over Howwood towards the Kilpatrick Hills and Ben Lomond, then stroll along the circular path around the hill. With its easy access by train and bus, Howwood is a great venue for walking groups or health walks. Altogether, there’s about ¾ mile (1.3 km) of wide, smooth gravel paths through the woodland and grassland. The section from the entrance to the top is a long, steep slope, with seats along the way. There’s a bridle gate at the woodland entrance.

Surveyed by: David Cowan, January 2017 (Winter)
Accessibility Rating: 3
Distance: 1.2 km

Public Transport: From the east end of Main Street in Howwood, take the right fork onto Midton Road. Take the first right onto Bowfield Road (the B776, signposted for Caldwell) and then the first left onto Hill Road. There is on-street parking at grid reference NS 398 600, from where a track leads into the wood. Alternative parking can be found at Howwood Community Hall.
Car Park: No
Steps: There is a stone water-bar (drainage ditch) across the path surface which creates an uneven surface. There is also a gap between the boardwalk surface and the path surface at one end. This creates a step. Photographs illustrate these.
Barriers: Vehicle barrier and pedestrian gate at entrance.
Toilets: No

Full Profile

Entrance gate.

Looking back towards entrance gate.

Path turns to the left and begins to climb steeply.

Looking up path towards steepest section.

First bench on the left hand side just after the steepest section of path.

Looking back downhill from second bench.

Looking uphill from third bench.

Final uphill stretch before path levels off briefly. Fourth bench appears on the left hand side.

After path levels off it begins to climb again towards the start of the top loop.

Slope approaching top loop.

Top loop junction. Either way (left or right) will bring you back to this point.

Final approach to stone dyke bench feature viewpoint. The final uphill section of the loop if done clockwise.

Bench feature at viewpoint.

View looking towards Glasgow, Kilpatrick Hills and Ben Lomond.

Path continues without any major changes in gradient.

Heading towards boardwalk.

Boardwalk.

Looking back after crossing boardwalk. There is a step from the edge of the boardwalk to the path surface.

Some wet patches on path surface.

Fairly flat path gradient as you start to head back to the start of the loop.

Gradually starting to head downhill.

Path surface gets narrow in places due to encroaching grasses. It is still passable.

Heading back to the start of the loop.

A long, fairly straight and flat section of path.

Back at the start of the loop (Point 11). Downhill quite steeply from here back to the start (Point 1).