Tomtain Kilsyth Hills Walk
This walk climbs to Tomtain in the Kilsyth Hills, just north of the town of Kilsyth in North Lanarkshire.
You can start the walk from the viewpoint car park just to the east of the hill. From here you head north along the road before turning west to climb to the hill summit.
The summit of Tomtain provides expansive views across central Scotland, including the Carron Valley Reservoir, the Campsie Fells, and parts of the Trossachs on a clear day. The landscape around Tomtain is characterised by typical upland vegetation such as heather, grasses, and mosses, with wildflowers like tormentil and heath bedstraw adding seasonal colour.
To continue your walking in the area head north to visit the Carron Valley Reservoir. There are also some fine mountain bike trails in this area.
Tomtain Kilsyth Hills Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Tomtain Kilsyth Hills Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Tomtain Kilsyth Hills OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Tomtain Kilsyth Hills Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Trig Point and Cairn on Tomtain. Birdlife in the area is varied and includes species such as skylarks and meadow pipits, whose songs are often heard in spring and summer. Birds of prey, including kestrels or buzzards, are sometimes observed, adding to the sense of wilderness. Small mammals like voles inhabit the moorland, although sightings are less common.
Plantation below Tomtain. The Kilsyth Hills are a scenic range of hills in central Scotland, located between the Campsie Fells to the south and the Carron Valley Reservoir to the north. They are part of the Central Lowlands and are characterised by rolling terrain, open moorland, and patches of forestry. The area is known for its tranquillity, offering a contrast to the nearby urban centres of Glasgow and Stirling.
The hills have a mix of natural and semi-natural vegetation. The lower slopes often feature grasslands interspersed with small wooded areas, including birch, rowan, and Scots pine. As you ascend, the landscape transitions to moorland dominated by heather, bilberry, and various mosses. In wetter areas, bog cotton and sphagnum moss thrive, providing vital habitats for wildlife.
Waterfall on the Kilsyth Hills
Burn on hillside below Tomtain. The area holds historical significance. Evidence of early human activity, including Bronze Age burial cairns and remnants of ancient farming practices, is scattered across the hills. The Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs close to the southern boundary of the Kilsyth Hills, adding to their historical interest.