With the festive period seeing many of us enjoying the partying a little too much, there are plenty of excuses to get out for a wee wander during the Daft Days to burn off some of those calories.
Getting outdoors for a wee walk with the family and of course, any pet dogs is always fun, and a winter wander is always a good way to clear the head after all the festive fun.
One little-known walk near Glasgow combines a short fun walk near a small dam, with a fun hike that's great for all levels (including the dog and kids), finished off with rewarding views out across Glasgow stretching away into the distance.
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Sitting proudly between the towns of Barrhead and Neilston, the Craigie (also known as Duncarnock Fort) is just over 200 metres tall at its highest point making it an easy ascent.
The Craigie
Originally known as the Craig of Carnock, the Craigie as it's known locally is a volcanic plug which lies close to a small dam, at the top you can find the remains of a prehistoric fort that dates back thousands of years and was last used around 650AD.
If you feel like it's not been enough of a challenge, the start of the Dams walk (Balgray Reservoir) is also not far from here, where you can walk to Darnley Country Park.
How to get there
Easily accessed via Barrhead, you can follow the directions to St. Luke's High School then from there, continue along Springhill Road, until you reach the last of the new build houses.
Then you just carry on along the country road and take your first left.
At the end of this short road where it begins to dip left again, you'll see a gated entrance to Glanderston Dam. Park at the left-hand side of the gate here in the spaces - there is room for a few cars – (though don't block the entrance if you can).
If it's busy, there are more spaces further down the road, but always try to park safely where you can. If you need to, you can park back at the Auchenback area of Barrhead and walk along Springhill Road.
The Walk
Following the path down to the small dam, you'll eventually come across signage for the fort.
From here skirt around the banks of the dam itself, 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 most straightforward 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 a much harder climb and is not recommended for children or inexperienced hikers.
The summit
Once you reach the top you'll find two peaks with the trig point on the largest. From here you'll have spectacular views out across the greater Glasgow area and the Strathclyde valley which stretches all the way to the Campsies in the north and on a clear day you'll even be able to spot Ben Lomond in the distance.
It's quite breath-taking – just remember to wrap up warm before you go as it can get cold at the top where you'll be exposed to the wind.
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