Lang Craigs

Named after the rocky outcrop which dominate the skyline above Dumbarton, Lang Craigs is home to 600 acres of sheltered glen, rolling hills and rugged moorland. 200,000 native trees, including oak, birch and Scots pine, will be planted over the next few years in an effort to create new thriving woodland for the benefit of both wildlife and people. Grassy paths through the glen offer spectacular views of the Craigs themselves, the Clyde, Dumbarton Rock, Ben Lomond and nearby Overtoun Estate.

Access to Lang Craigs

From the Overtoun site entrance, the main path gradually leads you 2km to the top of the glen, with great views of the Clyde, Dumbarton Rock and Ben Lomond. The grassy path has a few boggy spots and can be muddy after wet weather.

For a closer look at the Craigs and a more rugged airy walk, turn right immediately after entering the site and follow the grassy trail up some short steep slopes onto the small ridge that runs under the Craigs. This joins with the main path near the top of the glen to make the perfect circular route (4.5km from the car park).

From the top of the glen, the path continues through Forestry Commission woodland to reach the Black Linn reservoir (a further 600m) and Doughnot Hill beyond, as well as forming part of the Crags Circular Path, a 12km circuit if done in full from Dumbarton station.

Directions

Lang Craigs lies about 3km (2 miles) east of Dumbarton town centre. The wood is best accessed from the car park at Overtoun House. An estate track opposite the car park entrance leads through a metal fence to reach Lang Craigs after 450m.

By car, heading out of Glasgow towards Dumbarton, continue on the A82 past the Erskine Bridge (A898) Junction. At the next roundabout continue on the A82 and after 1km (0.6 miles) at Milton turn right up a minor road (Milton Brae) just past the Stonefield pub, and opposite the car show room.

Coming from the Balloch direction, continue on the A82 passing the various turns to Dumbarton. 750 metres after passing the A814 junction, turn left into the partly concealed Milton Brae immediately past the bend in the main road and opposite the car showroom. Once on Milton Brae continue for 2km to reach the Overtoun Estate car park.

On foot there are two good routes (each about 3km, 2 miles from the town centre) shown on West Dunbartonshire Council’s Overtoun House Circular Path map. www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/countryside-facilities-and-wildlife/countryside-and-leisure/kilpatrick-hills

This circular route takes you past the Overtoun Estate car park from where Lang Craigs is best accessed. Both routes involve a steady climb. Dumbarton East is the closest railway station.

There are regular buses along the A82 on the Glasgow-Balloch route, and the best place to start is next to the West Dunbartonshire Council offices. Coming from Glasgow get off at the stop before White Avenue on Garshake Road.

Coming from Balloch get off opposite Overwood Drive on Stirling Road. Take the old estate road through the stone gateposts next to the Council Office off the A82 main road. Follow this up through the houses, crossing Campbell Avenue, and steadily climbing to reach Overtoun House after 1.75km (1 mile). The main track to Lang Craigs is on the left through a black metal fence 100m past Overtoun House.