Walking the Whangie & Auchineden Peak
The Whangie & Auchineden Peak are two of Scotland’s most famed strolling trails, nestled throughout the hanging landscapes of the Campsie Fells. This iconic hike affords a novel mixture of breathtaking surroundings, historic geological formations, and panoramic views that stretch so far as the attention can see. Put together to be captivated as you embark on a journey by means of heather-clad slopes, rugged terrain, and interesting rock pillars. Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker or an informal adventurer, this picturesque path guarantees an unforgettable expertise for all.
One afternoon my husband and I have been trying to get exterior and discover a few of the hills close to Glasgow. Some analysis and planning on AllTrails confirmed me this fascinating path to one thing referred to as ‘The Whangie’ within the Kilpatrick Hills.
It seemed like a brilliant fascinating rock formation that’s sort of uncommon to see within the UK and this uncommon Scottish Panorama tempted us each to move out and discover.
Positioned within the Kilpatrick Hills, the Whangie is a novel rock function that boasts spectacular views of Loch Lomond, the Highlands and the Campsies. The hole, or ravine between two rock partitions, extends for over 91 meters, with rocks towering as much as 12 meters excessive on both aspect.
It’s fairly cool to stroll by means of and is a straightforward stroll with some nice views and I extremely suggest this simple stroll in Scotland for those who’re trying to get outside and stretch your legs.
If you’re in search of walks close to Loch Lomond which can be a bit simpler than Ben Ledi or Ben Lomond, then this can be a should. Not solely is the climb dramatic with its beautiful views there may be an thrilling story behind it which entails the satan!
Beneath, I’ve included every part you might want to learn about strolling The Whangie in Scotland.
The right way to get to the Whangie, Kilpatrick Hills
The Whangie is close to Glasgow and only a 25-minute stroll from the banks of Loch Lomond and round half-hour from Glasgow.
In terms of methods to get to the Whangie from Glasgow, merely comply with the A809 to the Queens View automotive park.
There’s a moderately sized automotive park simply off the A809 referred to as the Queens View automotive park. Parking is free and there are nice views from the automotive park itself, which solely get higher as you discover the hike to The Whangie.
What’s the story behind the Whangie?
The Whangie is a novel rock formation within the Kilpatrick Hills close to Glasgow and never solely does it have an fascinating title, but it surely’s acquired an fascinating story too.
As native legend would have it, the satan was as soon as very offended with a neighborhood witch named Jenny Lum for not inviting him to a celebration she had organised.
In a match of rage, the satan flew over the Kilpatrick hills, thrashing his tail as he went.
The tail sliced by means of the rocks, creating the slender ravine that’s now often called The Whangie!
Regardless of the fantastical origins of The Whangie, geologists have a extra scientific clarification for the way it got here to be.
Geologists say The Whangie shaped as a consequence of glacial exercise in the course of the ice ages. This freeze-thaw motion triggered the rock to interrupt off from the principle cliff and kind the ravine you see right this moment.
No matter the way it was shaped, The Whangie is a cool place to stroll to and also you’ll additionally get nice views of the hills close by together with Conic Hill, the Campsie Fell Hills and Loch Lomond.
What to know earlier than doing the Whangie stroll
Along with checking the climate for the Whangie listed below are a number of different issues you must know earlier than trying the stroll:
- All the time apply go away no hint ethics and pack out something you are taking with you.
- Stick with pre-existing trails to keep away from eroding the panorama
- All the time pack layers and waterproofs – that is Scotland in spite of everything!
- Inform somebody the place you’re going and if you count on to be again.
- Be sure to stroll along with your 10 necessities.
Navigating whereas on the path: You’ll find this hike on AllTrails which is my common go-to for planning my hikes, navigating, checking path circumstances and, if climbing solo, ensuring others know I’m secure. The OS Map app is among the greatest climbing apps for trails within the UK and is rather like having lots of of OS maps in your pocket!
Strolling the Whangie and Auchineden Peak within the Kilpatrick Hills
Mountaineering The Whangie is a good way to get outside and discover the Kilpatrick Hills close to Glasgow whereas discovering a novel rock formation.
The hike begins at Queensview automotive park and also you’ll simply be capable to see the path because it winds up the hill in entrance of you.
Cross over the wood sty and start climbing uphill at a usually average elevation. The trail is often not so muddy, to start with, however does get muddy additional on and is very boggy on the high, so be sure to’ve acquired good boots on!
After the preliminary climb, the path ranges off a bit and you may select to both go in direction of the precise at a fork within the path which takes you to The Whangie, or head left and go as much as Auchineden Hill and return through The Whangie.
We went to the precise first to take a look at The Whangie earlier than heading up Auchineden Hill.
There’s a little bit of climbing right here however nothing an excessive amount of and earlier than lengthy you’ll not far away and be capable to see the Whangie forward of you.
Stroll as much as the Whangie and revel in exploring the nooks and crannies on this distinctive rock formation. You’ll be able to stroll proper by means of the centre of it to come back out the opposite aspect too!
The partitions of The Whangie have been utilized by rock climbers for years so you may even see some bolts and different tell-tell tales of climbing exercise.
After strolling by means of The Whangie you possibly can both head straight again right down to the automotive park or you possibly can stroll by means of the Whangie and comply with the path because it climbs uphill to the highest of Auchineden Hill.
You get some nice views from up right here and it’s a good way to make the hike a bit longer.
The highest of Auchineden Hill is tremendous boggy so for those who didn’t put on good sneakers possibly give this a miss or be ready for moist toes!
Afterwards, comply with the trail again down the hill from the highest of Auchineden Hill which brings you out on the fork within the path the place you went proper to start with.
Stats for the Whangie stroll
The Whangie and Auchineden Hill
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Length: 1-2 hours
- Issue: Straightforward
- Elevation: 191 m
- Whangie Trail map on AllTrails+
What to pack for strolling the Whangie
Although a straightforward stroll in Scotland, it’s essential you’re ready for any unintended accidents and inclement climate. You must also put on good climbing boots or path runners because the terrain could be very boggy, and you’ll want to pack your midge spray for those who’re climbing this in spring/summer season!
What to pack for this hike is dependent upon what season you’re climbing in.
- Try my day hike packing listing right here.
- Should you’re climbing in summer season you must pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to every part within the 10 necessities for climbing listing.
- Right here is what to put on climbing in scorching climate
- Try this publish on the most effective leggings for climbing or what to put on climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- Should you’re climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there may be plenty of snow you’ll in all probability want snowshoes.
- You must also take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally vital in addition to a good backpack to maintain every part in.
- You must also pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for climbing!
- Planning a climbing date? Try what to put on on a climbing date however nonetheless look cool.
Remaining ideas on climbing the Whangie
Mountaineering The Whangie is a straightforward stroll close to Loch Lomond which has superb views of the encompassing hills and takes you to a brilliant cool and weird rock formation.
The Whangie additionally has a novel and fascinating story which is enjoyable to inform your climbing associates about as you do the stroll.
When you attain the Whangie you possibly can discover its nooks and crannies or climb to the highest of the Whangie, or proceed the stroll as much as the highest of Auchineden Hill.
Whether or not you’re an skilled hiker or just in search of a brief, memorable stroll, The Whangie is a superb stroll in Scotland for all skills.
FAQs about The Whangie
Why is the Whangie referred to as the Whangie?
The Whangie’s pronounced “whang-ee” comes from previous Scots, “whang” that means “slice”. Due to this fact The Whangie that means refers back to the slender slice between the rocks that kind this distinctive pure surprise.
What’s the Whangie?
The Whangie is a hanging pure landmark situated within the Kilpatrick Hills of Scotland. It has 50-foot partitions working by means of the in any other case grassy and comparatively featureless panorama.
How lengthy is the Whangie Stroll
Most individuals might do the WHangie stroll in round an hour. Should you’re including on Auchineden Hill too, permit for 1-2 hours.
The place is the Whangie?
The Whangie is within the Kilpatrick Hills about 30-40 minutes exterior of Glasgow.
Is the Whangie a munro?
No, the Whangie isn’t a munro.
How excessive is the whangie?
The Whangie is about 300m excessive above sea degree.
Hannah began That Adventurer after graduating again in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to metropolis breaks in Europe, a 3 month street journey throughout the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years residing in Canada, you’ll discover posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in energetic journey and on That Adventurer you’ll discover climbing, strolling, biking, snowboarding and all types of energetic journey guides to assist you to see a vacation spot in an adventurous means.
Now again in Europe, you’ll discover new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the subsequent yr ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and locations in between.
Strolling the Whangie & Auchineden Peak in Scotland affords beautiful surroundings, difficult terrains, and a rewarding expertise. The article supplies detailed info on the route and highlights the intriguing geological options of the Whangie. The hike to Auchineden Peak showcases panoramic views of Loch Lomond and the encompassing countryside. Total, this journey guarantees a memorable and invigorating journey by means of the Scottish wilderness.
