Duncryne

Duncryne: the Dumpling above Gartocharn

Duncryne rises to 142 m above the farmland beside Gartocharn, near the southern end of Loch Lomond. The hill's rounded shape explains its local nickname, the Dumpling. It is a small Tump with a 70 m drop, not a Marilyn. A short approach leads through woods and gates to a steeper upper slope.

Summit and outlook

The concrete trig pillar is a useful landmark. DoBIH locates the precise high point on unmarked ground 5 m southeast, at NS 43567 85927. The loch, wooded islands and Highland skyline are the main attraction, including Ben Lomond, the Luss hills and the Arrochar hills. The Campsies lie across the lowlands. Weather and vegetation affect the outlook.

Two complete return walks

The short option starts at the Duncryne Road lay-by, NS432856. Follow the woodland gates and fenced lane, climb the upper path to the trig-point area, and retrace the same path. Walkhighlands publishes 1.25 km, 88 m ascent and 40 minutes for this complete return, without the village approach.

The village option starts on Church Road in Gartocharn, NS428862, then reaches Duncryne Road via the A811 junction. Continue to the established gate, follow the same hill path to the trig-point area, and return all the way to Church Road. Walking Britain publishes 3.3 km, 85 m ascent and 1 hour 10 minutes for this complete return.

Both sets of figures cover the published trig-point returns. The precise high ground is 5 m southeast of the pillar; the two publishers' ascent figures remain with their own routes.

Terrain and care

The route uses a gated woodland path, a grassy lane between fences and a steep upper path through bracken. Mud is common, particularly in winter. Wear footwear with grip. The village start adds road walking and the A811 junction. Follow the established path, keep dogs under close control, leave no litter and light no fires.

Getting there

The Duncryne Road lay-by only accommodates a few cars. When it is full, the local community directs walkers to the Millennium Hall car park on Church Road. Keep farm entrances and the road clear. McColl's service 309 connects Balloch and Alexandria with Gartocharn, continuing towards Drymen and Balmaha; Church Road is the village stop. Check the current operator timetable for both journeys.

Gartocharn has a shop, filling station and post office. Plan toilet stops before the walk. RSPB Loch Lomond's Nature Hub at High Wards Farm is a separate destination with its own facilities and parking arrangements, not the Duncryne trailhead.

A much older volcano

The Geological Society of Glasgow identifies Duncryne as a volcanic vent formed in the Carboniferous, about 350 million years ago. Erupted debris accumulated within the vent and consolidated into resistant rock. Later erosion and glaciation stripped away softer surroundings. The abandoned quarry beside the approach exposes fragmented volcanic material. The volcano did not originate in the Ice Age.

People and name

Tom Weir, who lived in Gartocharn, regularly climbed Duncryne. An interview republished by Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs records his recollection of daily visits. Local accounts also credit John Groome with many years of voluntary path care. The Dumpling nickname reflects the hill's rounded shape.

Other hills

Conic Hill (361 m), Dumgoyne (427 m) and Duncolm (401.1 m) are separate outings in the wider area. Their heights come from the checked DoBIH rows; none is an extension included in the two routes above.