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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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

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.

There is no entrance fee to visit Duncarnock Fort.

There are no time restrictions on visiting Duncarnock Fort.