4.5
(54)
300
hikers
7
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Kilpatrick offer access to a landscape characterized by prominent hills, escarpments, and plateau moorland. The region features rounded, often craggy summits dissected by numerous burns, with extensive forests and open moorland. Hikers can experience a sense of remoteness despite proximity to urban areas, with panoramic views over Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Water features like Loch Humphrey, formed by dammed burns, add to the natural diversity.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
4.8
(9)
52
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
hikers
5.70km
01:30
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
6.28km
01:38
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Very short route (2 km), suitable for everyone, but suggestive: it crosses meadows and then skirts a small marshy area and a coast where you can spot many typical animals and flowers that create a great atmosphere. Several benches to stop, really relaxing.
0
0
Lovers of authentic and picturesque lighthouses will get their money's worth here! The Rathlin East Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse built in 1856.
0
0
The building was built by the Gage family in the mid-1700s, it was used as a warehouse for the seaweed. There was also a person here to keep the accounts and operate the scales. The house was also used to store grain and other agricultural products. Trade was mainly with Scotland and the seaweed was exchanged for coal as fuel was scarce on the island. The building later became a music, dance and theater venue and therefore remains a special place on the island. The building has been rebuilt again and again over the past 200 years, the traces can be seen.
11
0
There is a sea lion colony by the cliffs before and after the ruin. But you are very shy.
14
0
Follow the road straight to get onto the East Lighthouse path. Road quality varies from this point so probably not ideal for road bikes.
0
0
The Kilpatrick Hills offer a good selection of easy hiking trails. Our guide features 3 easy routes, and the komoot community has explored over 200 tours in the area, many of which are suitable for a relaxed walk.
Easy hikes in the Kilpatrick Hills will lead you through a landscape of prominent hills, open moorland, and scenic water features. You can expect to see rounded, often craggy summits, and numerous burns (streams). The area also features extensive forests and blanket bog. Keep an eye out for wildlife like red deer, otters, and ospreys.
Yes, the Kilpatrick Hills offer several easy routes suitable for families. The gentle terrain and relatively short distances make them ideal for all ages. For example, the View of the Lighthouse โ Rathlin East Lighthouse loop is a 3.0-mile (4.9 km) trail with coastal views and a gentle elevation gain, perfect for a family outing.
Many of the easy trails in the Kilpatrick Hills are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion. However, always ensure your dog is under control, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife, and follow local signage regarding leash requirements. Remember to carry waste bags and clean up after your pet.
Yes, the Kilpatrick Hills feature several easy circular routes. These loops are great for experiencing diverse scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include the The Kelp Store โ Mill Bay Beach loop (3.5 miles / 5.7 km) and the Mill Bay Beach โ The Kelp Store loop (3.9 miles / 6.3 km), both offering coastal views.
The Kilpatrick Hills can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for easy hikes, with milder temperatures and beautiful seasonal colours. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter hikes are possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and shorter daylight hours.
While hiking easy trails, you can discover various points of interest. Notable natural features include the Kilpatrick Braes with its waterfalls, and the distinctive rocky outcrop of The Whangie. You might also encounter historical sites like Kelp House or enjoy panoramic views from spots like View of Ballycastle and Kinbane Castle.
Absolutely. The Kilpatrick Hills are known for spectacular viewpoints. Even on easy trails, you can find spots offering panoramic vistas over Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Cochno Hill, for example, provides extensive views stretching to the Pentland Hills and Ben Lomond on clear days. You can also find viewpoints like Fair Head Climbing Area and Rue Point Lighthouse.
Parking is generally available at various access points to the Kilpatrick Hills. Specific parking information for individual trailheads can often be found on the respective komoot tour pages. It's always advisable to check details before you go, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, the Kilpatrick Hills are accessible by public transport, including rail, bus, and bike, making it convenient to reach trailheads even without a car. This proximity to urban centers like Glasgow, combined with good transport links, allows for easy access to the region's natural beauty.
The easy trails in the Kilpatrick Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the sense of remoteness despite the area's proximity to Glasgow, the stunning panoramic views, and the diverse natural features like lochs and moorland that make for a rewarding and peaceful hiking experience.
The Kilpatrick Hills are home to several impressive natural monuments. You can explore the dramatic Cliffs of the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB, which offer breathtaking coastal scenery. Additionally, the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre is a great spot to observe local wildlife and the rugged coastline.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.