Big Collin
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Big Collin – A Guided Ascent
Overview
Welcome to Big Collin, a charming Marilyn that beckons both seasoned trekkers and casual walkers with its scenic vistas and hearty paths. At an elevation of 740 meters, Big Collin boasts a prominence of 125 meters, making it a prominent feature of the Southern Uplands.
Geology
Big Collin is primarily composed of granite and schist, showcasing rugged outcrops that are remnants of ancient geological processes. It’s not just a pretty face; this hill has stories to tell from the last half a billion years!
Routes
The most favoured route to the summit starts at the village of Wiston. The Big Collin Loop provides a delightful mix of forest tracks and moorland, 8.5 km in distance and taking around 3.5 hours to complete. While it’s classified as moderate, a decent cup of tea beforehand won’t hurt!
Summit Features
At the summit, you’ll find a magnificent cairn marking your achievement, alongside a memorial plaque dedicated to climbers who have fallen in love with the outdoors—and perhaps taken one too many tumbles!
Terrain Type
Expect a grassy moorland with stubborn rocky outcrops that challenge your footing. It’s all part of the adventure!
Views
The views from Big Collin are nothing short of majestic! You’ll be treated to panoramic sights of the Southern Uplands, with a few cheeky peeks at the distant Arran mountains on a clear day. The best time to soak it all in? Spring and early autumn, when colours burst forth, and the air feels crisp and new.
Hazards
Be wary of sudden weather changes! A sunny morning can quickly turn to fog—a cheeky trick Mother Nature likes to play.
Nearby Summits
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away are Little Collin (600 m) and Black Hill (690 m.), both worth a visit if you’re looking to extend your day.
Access
There’s a small car park in Wiston, but be sure to arrive early! The bus from Lanark to Wiston is an option, but check the schedule—it likes to keep a low profile.
Facilities
Wiston has a lovely little café where you can refuel after your hike, plus public toilets at the local hall. Just what the doctor ordered!
History
The name 'Collin' is derived from the Gaelic word 'Cailean', meaning 'young dog', reflecting the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage in this region. Big Collin is not just a hike; it’s a step into a tale of adventure and folklore.
So lace up your boots, pack a sandwich, and make your way to Big Collin for a day filled with joy and discovery. You might even joke with the locals about which way up is best—just don’t forget to stop and take it all in. Happy hiking!
Explore routes near Big Collin
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
Belfast street-art walk
View route
Comber Greenway: Dee Street to Belfast Road
View route
Lagan Towpath: Shaw's Bridge to Drumbeg Footbridge
View route
Drumbeg to Hilden Bridge: Lagan Towpath, Lambeg and Canal Locks
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
Big Collin Loop
This circular route starts from the village of Wiston and provides a mix of forest tracks and open moorland. It's an ideal way to savour the scenic beauty while giving your legs a gentle workout.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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J2396 : Moorland on Big Collin
Richard Webb
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J2396 : Cairn, Big Collin
Richard Webb
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J2396 : Summit, Big Collin
Richard Webb
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
353m
1,158 ft
Prominence
152m
Coordinates
54.8021, -6.0849
J232966
OS Map
09 14
At the Summit
The summit is marked by a prominent cairn and offers a marble plaque dedicated to fallen climbers, paying homage to the outdoor community's resilience.
Terrain & Geology
Big Collin is primarily composed of granite and schist, featuring rugged outcrops that showcase the geological processes that shaped the Southern Uplands. The surrounding area is rich in fossil records from the Silurian period.
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can gaze over the sprawling hills of the Southern Uplands and, on clear days, catch glimpses of the distant Arran mountains and the Clyde.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Collin' is derived from the Gaelic word 'Cailean', meaning 'young dog', reflecting the area's Scottish heritage.
Historical Significance
Big Collin has been a popular hill for locals and hikers alike, embodying the spirit of adventure in the Southern Uplands. The area has also been the backdrop for various Scottish folklore.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
There is a small car park near Wiston, which accommodates around 10 vehicles. Note: parking is limited, so arrive early during peak times.
Public Transport
The nearest bus service connects from Lanark to Wiston, but check the schedule as it may not run frequently.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby facilities include a small café in Wiston, providing essential refreshments, and public toilets at the local hall.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Be cautious of sudden weather changes and uneven terrain, particularly in low visibility conditions.
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 Big Collin?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Big Collin through the maps
Are there other walkers around Big Collin?
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 Big Collin search or of course create your own walk for Big Collin
Can I organise a walk to Big Collin?
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 Big Collin.
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 Big Collin?
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 Big Collin 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
Community Discussion
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Location
Grid reference: J232966
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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