Scottish Tour Guide's Blog » Duncarnock

Snowscape around Glasgow

catswhiskers — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:47:52 +0000

This morning, with a combination of sub zero temperatures and blue skies I ventured off to Duncarnock, the site of a prehistoric iron-age fort near Barrhead. Elevation is over 200m which affords superb views over Glasgow and the Campsie Fells in the distance. As Glasgow remains badly affected by arctic weather journey there was quite an ordeal. Image no 2 below shows the road conditions which I had to traverse on my bike followed by a trudge through deep snow for about 15 minutes to scale the summit. However, the arduous trip was worth the energy as the views and snow sparkling in the sunlight proved a good reward.

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Glasgow and Paisley Winter Panorama, Scotland

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:13:00 +0000

This morning, I was reminded that there is still some snow an them thar hills so wheeled out my bike and ventured of to one of my favourite local vantage points which is ‘The Craigie’ (aka Duncarnock Fort) near Barrhead. The site has never been excavated but, as a defensive point, may date from the Iron-Age ( 1st century AD).

With local roads now almost clear of snow I was able to travel easily. However, the hills and farmland still retain good coverings of snow. With the air temperature at or below zero, I was able to walk on top of the snow cover (as opposed to sinking into it), an experience which proved quite exhilarating when augmented by the bright sunlight reflecting off the snow crystals.

The 204m high elevation of The Craigie afforded a superb platform for photographing Glasgow and Paisley, reflecting the winter sunlight against backdrop of the snow covered Kilpatrick Hills and Campsie Fells, It was also possible to catch a glimpse of Ben Lomond in the distance.

To supplement the still images, here is a video clip of the vista.

Tours: Elsewhere, I have been busy with tour enquiries and am very close to finalising a short Highlands for later this month. Provided the weather holds we should obtain some great images of the Scottish Highlands in winter.

GlasgowAncestry Blog: This separate blog is now attracting some useful (favourable) comments and feedback, which is nice. Today I photographed Barrhead War Memorial. In this town the loss of life was high: WW1 about 300 casualties and WW2 about 150. There were 27 WW1 names beginning just beginning with letters A and B which I have posted today.

View from Duncarnock Fort, Glasgow, Scotland

admin — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Today, New Year’s Day, with weather very cold but clear, I decided to re-visit a favourite site, namely Duncarnock Fort, near Barrhead, Glasgow. I cycle over and the journey took about one hour. Being a holiday,the roads were eerily quiet, which was nice. However, last lap was via an untreated country lane the surface of which consisted of compacted snow and ice. I got there without mishap but was less lucky on the return trip when I came off and suffered some minor cuts and bruises.

The main purpose in visiting this site is the elevation and views over Glasgow City To the Campsie Fells and even Ben Lomond. Because the sun was very low in the sky, I was able to obtain a 360 degree video clip which I have posted to my You Tube account.

Inquisitive sheep atop Duncarnock Hill

Minor road near to Duncarnock which has not been treated and is essentially comprises compacted snow and ice. About one mile from here my bike fell away from under me on a patch of pure ice.

View of Duncarnock Hill ( 204m) upon which is located Duncarnock Fort. This has never been excavated but probably dates from the Iron-Age, about 2000 years ago, and may have been occupied into the early Christian period up until the 8th century AD. The site benefits from natural defences.

A frozen over Glanderston Dam. In 1842 this dam burst its banks and nine people were drowned.

View of Eaglesham Moor with with wind farm on the horizon. This is the largest wind farm in Europe.

View of Glasgow City with snow covered Campsie Fells in background.

Overall, a worthwhile trip despite the tumble!