J2396 : Moorland on Big Collin

Big Collin

353m Elevation
152m Prominence
I Country
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J2396 : Moorland on Big Collin

Richard Webb Photo source

Explore routes near Big Collin

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

Lagan Towpath: Shaw's Bridge to Drumbeg Footbridge

9.5 km ~3h 15m Easy

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Drumbeg to Hilden Bridge: Lagan Towpath, Lambeg and Canal Locks

9.7 km ~3h Easy

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Portadown to Knock Bridge: Bann Boulevard and Moneypenny’s Lock

8.1 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Peatlands Park Red Trail: Annagarriff Wood and Derryadd Lough

9.1 km ~3h Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

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.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn

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

Grassy moorland with rocky outcrops

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

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

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: J232966

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