NS3382 : Summit ridge of Ben Bowie

Ben Bowie

313m Elevation
221m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NS3382 : Summit ridge of Ben Bowie

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Explore routes near Ben Bowie

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Bowie Hill Trail

This is a straightforward ascent starting from the village of Milngavie, weaving through picturesque woodlands before opening up onto the summit.

4.5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 300-399m hill

Elevation

313m

1,027 ft

Prominence

221m

Coordinates

56.0101, -4.6643

NS339828

OS Map

56

Explorer: OL38 347

At the Summit

The summit features a well-maintained cairn and a trig point, both excellent spots for that Instagram-worthy shot. If you're lucky, you might even encounter the resident sheep that seem to claim this summit as their own!

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with rocky outcrops the terrain can get a bit boggy after rainfall so sturdy boots are a must.

Ben Bowie is primarily composed of volcanic rock, with interesting outcrops of basalt and scree slopes that provide a glimpse into the geological history of the region. The erosion patterns tell tales of ancient lava flows that shaped this landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can gaze upon the sprawling landscape of the Campsie Fells and the distant Trossachs hills, with the shimmering lochs dotting the horizon.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Bowie' is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Buaidh', meaning 'victorious', which is a fitting tribute for those who reach its summit.

Historical Significance

The area has historical significance as part of the ancient landscape that has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with signs of early settlements in the vicinity.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's ample parking available at the Milngavie Railway Station, which is just a short walk to the trailhead. Parking is free but fills up quickly on weekends.

Public Transport

Milngavie is well-served by public transport; regular trains run from Glasgow's city centre, making it an easy journey for day-trippers.

Nearby Facilities

The town of Milngavie offers a range of facilities including shops, cafes, and public toilets, ideal for a pre-hike coffee or post-hike snack.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes; it can go from sunny to Scottish drizzle in the blink of an eye. The terrain can be slippery, especially after rain, so watch your step near the rocky sections.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Bowie?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben Bowie through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben Bowie?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben Bowie search or of course create your own walk for Ben Bowie

Can I organise a walk to Ben Bowie?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ben Bowie.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben Bowie?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ben Bowie here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Ben Bowie location map

Grid reference: NS339828

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Ben Lomond

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 The Cobbler [Ben Arthur]

The Cobbler [Ben Arthur]

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Beinn Ime

1,012m
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