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Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie) - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

Duncarnock Fort (known locally as The Craigie) is a 204 m high craggy hill on the banks of Glanderston Dam. There was an iron age fort on the summit, and at present, visitors could enjoy panoramic views over greater Glasgow from the summit. Since 1981 Duncarnock Fort has been classified as a Scheduled Monument in the Scottish Monument Lists.
Address : Glasgow G77 6PL, UK

Things to Do at Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

The trail up the summit of Duncarnock Fort is a bit tricky. First, you have to follow the path down to the small Glanderston Dam, eventually coming across signage for the fort. From here skirt around the banks of the dam and then walk up over the small bridge, and across the field, before you come to a dyke, which you'll need to cross and then you'll find yourself at the bottom of the hill.

The easiest ascent is at the back of the hill on the other side of the dam, which winds its way up in a curved fashion. The side facing the water is slightly harder. Once you reach the summit, you will see two peaks with a trig point on the larger peak. From the trig point, visitors could have spectacular views out across the Greater Glasgow area and the Strathclyde valley, which stretches to the Campsies in the north. On a clear day, it will be also possible to spot Ben Lomond, the mountain peak in the highland at a distance. The view is quite breathtaking. But it can also be quite chilly as you will be exposed to the wind.


Top Activities Near Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

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History of Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

Duncarnock Fort comprises the remains of a fort probably occupied in later prehistory between 1200 BC and AD 400 and perhaps reused between AD 400 and AD 700. The fort occupies a broad hilltop with a rocky knoll at the northeast end. A single terraced rampart of earth and stone extends around the crest of the hill and an inner defence may have provided additional protection for the knoll. The sides of the hill are extremely steep, particularly to the northwest where cliffs descend to the reservoir below.

Duncarnock Fort represents a later prehistoric defended settlement with evidence of a single earth and stone rampart. The hilltop setting and ramparts suggest defensive concerns were among the factors in the choice of site.

In addition to the upstanding remains, there is potential for complex archaeological remains of the defences to survive below ground. Remains that help to understand more about the construction, use and abandonment of the defensive structures, and the character of late prehistoric defended settlement in this area.

Since the fort is located on unimproved land, it is believed that levels of preservation will be excellent if an archaeological excavation is conducted. Buried archaeological remains may exist within the interior and have the potential to provide evidence for the design, construction, phasing and use of buildings used to present at the fort.

National Importance

Duncarnock Fort is of national importance for Scotland because it has the potential to make a significant addition to the understanding of the past. In particular the study of forts and defended settlements in later prehistoric southwest Scotland. It survives in good condition above ground and extensive and complex archaeological remains probably exist below the surface as well.

The monument has the potential to tell us about wider prehistoric society, how people lived, where they came from and who they had contacts with. Its importance is increased by its existence in the region of other monuments of potentially contemporary date. The monument therefore can inform us about the nature of relationships between monuments of similar functions.


Best Time to Visit Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

Duncarnock Fort can be visited at any time of the year. The routes might differ a bit depending on the season, best to check with locals once you are there.


Tips for Visiting Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

  1. Summer routes may not be viable in winter. So check with locals when you reach to understand the best route to take.
  2. The parking spot next to the entrance to Glanderston Dam can only accommodate a few cars.
  3. The path up is short and steep. Bring good hiking shoes.
  4. The hike is rather easy and not difficult for children.
  5. Some parts of the hill have steep sides.
  6. Bring a jacket even in summer. The peak is very windy and chilly.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

  1. Even though the name of the place is Duncarnock Fort, there are almost no remains of the fort is present at the summit at present.
  2. Researchers working at Duncarnock Fort in 1958 recovered a sherd of coarse pottery, perhaps of late prehistoric date, together with a fragment of worked shale.
  3. The hilltop is labelled 'Duncarnock' on the 19th century OS 1st edition map. It is also known locally as the 'Craig of Carnock' and 'the Craigie'.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

It would take about 2.5 hours to hike and explore Duncarnock Fort and its views.


How to Reach Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

From Glasgow Pavillion Theatre bus stop, take bus number 3 to Neilston and alight at Divernia Way. From there it is 35 minutes(2.5 km) walk to the foot of the Duncarnock Fort where the hiking trail starts.

By car, it is a 25 minutes drive (17 km) to reach the foot of the Duncarnock Fort.


Entrance Fee of Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

There is no entrance fee to visit Duncarnock Fort.


Opening Hours of Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

There are no time restrictions on visiting Duncarnock Fort.


Attractions Near Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

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Dams to Darnley Country ParkDams to Darnley Country Park is a green oasis in the southside of Glasgow. Stretching from the busy M77 motorway and the suburban town of Barrhead, Dams to Darnley offers a variety of landscapes and trails for a walk in Glasgow. it is one of the newest country parks in Scotland.
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Balgray ReservoirA beautiful location for a holiday with your loved ones. The reservoir is set within the expansive Dams to Darnley Country Park where there's 1350 acres to explore with wetland, burn, woodland, grassland and scrub. This natures treat will rejvinate your mind and body and will give you a chance to get close to the nature.
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Ryat Linn ReservoirThis reservoir was built in 1847-8 under the powers of the 1846 Act. The reservoir covers 8.5 hectares and can hold 12 upto million cubic feet of water. One of the iconic location which offers you a scenic view of the nature.
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Neilston PadNeilston Pad is a mountain summit in the Ayr and Sanquhar to the River Clyde region in the county of East Renfrewshire, Scotland. Its highest point is 261 metres and is characterised by a relatively flat summit plateau surrounded by steep slopes and distinctive forestry on its eastern side. Its odd shape and prominence make it easily identifiable and visible from many areas in Glasgow.The area is managed by Elderslie Estates.
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Cowan ParkA beautiful public park located on Darnley Road a half-mile east of Barrhead in East Renfrewshire. The park includes playing fields, tennis courts and a children's play area. A war memorial was unveiled in 1922. The area now occupied by the playing fields served as Barrhead Aerodrome between 1909-11. The avenue of lime trees near the bandstand was the gift of Provost Andrew Shanks to mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
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White LochWhite Loch is a small body of fresh water located in East Renfrewshire, Scotland. The loch is approximately 0.5 kilometers long and 0.5 kilometers wide, fed by several small streams. The loch is popular with swimmers and paddleboarders. The surrounding area is also popular with cyclists, as the loch is situated in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

Discover More Attractions in East Renfrewshire Council, Home of Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)

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East Renfrewshire Council
East Renfrewshire is one of 32 council areas of Scotland. Until 1975, it formed part of the county of Renfrewshire for local government purposes along with the modern council areas of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. Although no longer a local authority area, Renfrewshire still remains the registration county and lieutenancy area of East Renfrewshire.

Location of Duncarnock Fort (The Craigie)


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