Fancy a stunning view? Just look to the horizon from Scotland’s buzzing second city on a clear day. You’ll spot the mountains near Glasgow just begging to be explored! Venture only an hour north and voila – the rolling Southern Highlands unfold before you, with hills and towering munros (peaks over 3,000 feet) as far as the eye can see.
You may not know it, but all 10 highest peaks in the UK sit within Scotland’s borders. And the great news? Glasgow makes the ultimate base-camp for hiking thanks to the numerous mountain ranges right on its doorstep.
This chirpy guide will spotlight seven ace mountains near Glasgow suitable for ramblers of every skill level. Whether you’re yearning for an awesome yet achievable hike or seeking a full-on, scenic challenge, there’s something special waiting nearby. So gear up, lace your boots, and let’s hit those hills!
7 Best Mountains Near Glasgow
1. Ben Lui (1130m)
Meet Ben Lui! The hulking Southern Highlands colossus supplies a magnificently rugged Alpine feel. It’s among the highest peaks in the region at 1130m, ensuring terrific views will greet your camera lens.
You can get to his base in a county hour and a half drive from Glasgow, with Aberfeldy or Pitlochry offering a handy pit-stop for those who wish to break up their journey. Or why not join the folk bus from the city and drink in the wonderful Oban road scenery at your leisure?
The most direct path begins at Glen Lochy Forestry Car Park. Reaching the epic summit takes 2-3 hours based on fitness. Now lacing boots and tally ho! This route starts steep and only gets more rugged. Expect some streams to cross – bring your water wings! No bridge over the river here folks…the only way is through!
Further up, the rocky trail gains elevation and determination. Tread carefully in sturdy hiking shoes with solid grips. Pass through gorgeous Beinn a’ Chleibh along the way to catch your breath before one final push to Ben Lui’s grand finale views!
This is no place for half measures. Onwards and upwards to the highest heights! Those 360° views will have you cheering…huzzah! Just mind the weather doesn’t call time on your triumph!
2. Ben Lomond (974m)
If you’re looking for mountains near Glasgow to satisfy your hiking fix I’ve got just the place, without travelling too far from the city. You ready for this? Ben Lomond: an awesome nearly 1,000 meter-high peak that lords over the ever-stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
We’re talking major mountain eye candy only an hour up the road!
This fan fave Munro entices droves eager for sweet, sweet scenic satisfaction. I’m talking brows wiped, breaths bated, eyes gazing out across misty lochs to rolling highlands beyond. If that doesn’t flip your wig, not sure what will!
So here’s the game plan: Either motor or bus your way toward Loch Lomond, ending up at Rowardennan Car Park (minor parking perfidy: small fee to pay here. Ah well, c’est la vie!). Give yourself 2-3 hours upward depending on speed and skill, but it’s a fairly forgiving hike.
Though you’ll likely still feel that burn in the morning! One foot in front of the other and you’ll knock this fun, though moderate, summit ascent out of the park. Then, BOOM – drink in those drool-worthy views!
How about it? Let’s come together and get away. We’ll chase the falling leaves, and hike up and down the mountains near Glasgow together.
3. Duncolm (401m)
Tallest Peak in the Kilpatrick Mountains Near Glasgow
Need an accessible mini-adventure near Glasgow? Set sights on Duncolm summit! Nestled in the Kilpatrick Hills and just 50 mins west of the city centre, this lone peak demands to be conquered.
Spy Duncolm’s distinctive boulder-esque shape while driving the A089 towards Loch Lomond, or by following the charming Clyde coast through pine forests and farmland. Trust me, you can’t miss it!
Park up at Kilpatrick Braes then onto the base we go, following a clear path skywards. Going up and coming down, this there-and-back-again route rewards the effort with wow-worthy panoramas.
The return leg tracks across The Slacks ridge, linking old Kilpatrick village with Duncolm’s lofty heights. Look north and glimpse Loch Lomond’s foothills on the horizon. Look south for Glasgow spreading out before you.
With train connections into Kilpatrick station, Duncolm also makes for an easy car-free adventure. Though tiny in stature compared to proper Munros, this wee hill still packs a mighty scenic punch.
Fancy an accessible, mood-boosting hike close to the city? Duncolm delivers! Short yet summit-ly sweet.
4. Beinn Ime (1011m)
The Highest of the Arrochar Alps, Mountains Near Glasgow
Behold the breathtaking Beinn Ime! This daring peak rules the stunning Arrochar Alps range within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. And at the tallest of them all, it demands attention!
You’ll clock this snow-dusted beauty from afar as you meander up from Glasgow, navigating the glittering shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Goil. Count on about an hour of blissful driving through rich forests and rolling greens before reaching its formidable base.
Three ace route options then await. Why not combine conquering mighty Beinn Ime with bagging its next-door neighbour – the iconic Cobbler peak! Consider instead the popular route off the A83 Loch-side pass.
Take your pick, but be ready to reach the summit, where true Scottish splendour unfolds. Westward views sweep wide across the wilds of Argyll, where great Glens meet the Atlantic Ocean. Loch Lomond’s heritage and hills stand tall around this lofty peak.
So gear up to max out Beinn Ime—the highest, proudest member of the Arrochar Alps clan! Just mind not to get distracted by all that lush scenery on your way up.
5. Ben More (1174m)
Calling all peak baggers! Allow me to introduce Ben More – a 1,174m giant marking the start of bona-fide Highland terrain. Yep, this is the highest point south of here across all of the UK, my friend. Big Ben’s also the Crianlarich Hills champ and the top dog in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs too. A true blue Scottish monarch!
Getting here from Glasgow takes around 90 mins driving, winding through enchanting Stirlingshire hills and dales. Breathe that crisp Highland air, because you’ll soon be huffing and puffing up Ben More’s infamously steep slopes. This is no casual ramble!
Therefore the main route means gaining over 1,000m elevation in under 5km. I suggest bringing your A-game! If that sounds a bit too extreme, the north ridge offers a kinder, forested path. Finally more scenic chill, less quad burn.
Either way – once you conquer this unrivalled peak, those views will have your heart singing. With Lowlands behind and vast mountain majesty ahead, you’re on the very border between two Scottish worlds up here. So strap on those boots, marshal your motivation, and let’s hit the trails, my friend! Ben More awaits.
6. The Cobbler (884m)
The Distinctive Arrochar Alps Summit in the Mountains Near Glasgow
Have you heard of The Cobbler peak? It’s got a funky name from looking kinda like a shoemaker’s workbench from certain angles. I glimpse more of a woolly mammoth’s back with all those rocky ridges though! This quirky Arrochar Alp beauty is calling our names.
Get this – three granite peaks join forces to form the massif. We can thank ancient glaciers for carving up the terrain. Therefore most hikers make way for the tallest middle summit. Consequently allow around 4-6 hours round trip for that sweet scenic satisfaction!
Even the drive from Glasgow is magical, winding through glorious Loch Lomond national park with sights of the glistening water. I’d give it an hour before pulling up geared-up for the climb.
While not a technical Munro height, views from the top still amaze on clear days across sweeping Scottish hills for miles. And ya can’t beat glimpsing The Cobbler’s namesake crags up close!
Whaddya say we lace up and hit the trails? Epic mountains near Glasgow and Highland hikes await! I’m ready when you are – let’s trek!
7. Campsie Fells (578m)
Rolling Hills and Ancient Volcanic Rocks in the Mountains Near Glasgow
Fancy a fabulous foray into Stirlingshire’s countryside, just beyond Glasgow’s edge? Then set sights on the splendid Campsie Fells! Rather than a lone peak, this scenic range rolls out along the region, its grassy summits topping out around 570 metres.
The highest point goes to Earl’s Seat – a breezy mound emerging abruptly from the plateau’s midst. Conquer it via a track from Glengoyne distillery (drinks after? Don’t mind if I do!).
However Earl is just one of many adventures awaiting across these parts. There’s ancient Bar Hill with its curious Roman ruins. And charming Cort-ma Law – a wee eastward peak blessing you with sweeping Campsie vistas galore!
If you are planning your country jaunt from Glasgow then accordingly having wheels helps but it’s easily managed without. The A81 shoots you northward to those glorious walking trailheads within 30-40 minutes.
Indeed fancy a mood-lifting rural ramble right on the city’s doorstep? Come, stretch the legs and fill the lungs with Highland air amid the verdant, rolling Campsie Fells! From wee peaks to Roman retreats, this scenic stretch has it all.
Conclusion
Looking for mountains near Glasgow. Oh heck yes, they’ve got killer options right close by! We’re chatting cute little hills on the city’s doorstep if you just wanna ramble.
But drive an hour north and BOOM – majestic munros await adventure seekers! Locals love scaling scenic fave Ben Lomond.
Though hardcore hikers chase the challenge of mighty Ben More’s steep slopes. Whether a short jaunt or conquer-the-peaks mission, you’ll score sweet views. Shall we hike on? Boots laced, let’s go!
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