Perfectly situated just a short drive from Glasgow Airport, Mar Hall is an ideal first stop for those arriving in Scotland and planning to venture north to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Loch Lomond’s Arrochar Alps, the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, or the iconic heights of Ben Nevis near Fort William.
We’ve compiled a guide for those who love to take to nature for an afternoon of exploring the gorgeous vistas Scotland’s countryside has to offer.
Short Walks Near the Estate
Should you wish to enjoy some invigorating walks during your stay with us, there are numerous exquisite trails and scenic spots, all just moments from our doorstep.
The Estate Grounds & Gardens
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort has its own network of tranquil walks to enjoy. For those looking to enjoy a short walk after dinner or a quick morning stroll before the day begins, our estate is the perfect choice.
One such route you can take is a path that leads from the resort house itself out west through our golf course that’ll take you to Erskine Park. Walking to Erskine Park and back is only around 1 km in distance, depending how far you go, and can take you right down to the waterfront of the Clyde if you so wish.
Another popular walk near the estate for those who want something a bit longer is a walk through Mar Hall Woods (to the west of the estate). If you begin from the estate you can either:
The main path that goes around the outside of the woods is circular, so it will bring you back to the estate regardless of the side you start at.
Another great option to consider is walking east from the estate to find Erskine Beach which can harbour a beautiful sunrise and sunset when the weather cooperates.
Walks Near Dumbarton
Just across the River Clyde from the Mar Hall Estate is Dunbartonshire, a place full of spectacular scenery and walking routes of all difficulties. One particular area that will be of interest to you if you are a keen hill walker is the Kilpatrick Hills.
The Kilpatrick Hills are a hill range that stretches from Dumbarton all the way to the east where Strathblane is found. And the range is full of paths to walk and areas to explore; with the highest points being Duncolm (1,314 ft / 401 m) and Fynloch (1,313 ft / 400m). These lower level hills and paths mean there are walks for a range of walking abilities.
Some common walks and paths to consider taking:
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The Whangie and Auchineden Peak (circular). This is one of the most popular walks you can take in the Kilpatricks and the route is 4.5 km long. It only takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete and is considered to be a moderately challenging route, albeit a short one, in the Kilpatricks (with an elevation gain of around 180-190 metres). The walk also offers panoramic views over the Clyde Valley at certain points making it great for those who love a view or want to take some photos.
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Kilpatrick and The Slacks (circular). For those avid ramblers among you, the Kilpatrick and Slacks circular route is a much more challenging route at around 10.6 km long (and an elevation gain of 480-490 metres). The entire route takes around 3-4 hours to complete depending on how experienced a walker you are, but provides ample opportunities to take in a view and explore these magnificent moors.
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Endrick Water (circular). This walk is on the Strathblane side of The Kilpatricks, so a little bit further afield, but is home to a beautiful circular walk around rivers and grasslands. It is 5.6 km in length, takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and has an elevation gain of 160-170 metres. While easier than the other routes listed here, it is still moderately challenging.
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
To the south of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is one of Scotland’s regional parks, home to stunning landscapes and rolling moors waiting to be explored.
The Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park is about a 40-50 minute drive by car, and can also be accessed by train via Lochwinnoch, Largs, Fairlie, and Drumfrochar Train Stations.
Some great walks to consider in this hill range are:
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Castle Semple Loch and Park Hill Route (circular). Accessed from the Lochwinnoch side of the regional park, this 8.4 km route is considered moderately challenging but only has an elevation gain of around 160-170 metres in total. The route takes around 2 hours to complete, and is very popular as it lets you enjoy a wide variety of landmarks and viewpoints the east of the park has to offer.
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Kelly Aqueduct, Nature Trail and Greenock Cut Walk (circular). This is a route for those who want a gentle and relaxing stroll, as it isn’t considered all that challenging. It is around 2.7 km long and only has an elevation gain of 102 metres in total. If you are looking for a scenic route steeped in gorgeous views and interesting architecture, this is for you! It only takes around an hour to complete.
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Knock Hill Trail (circular). From the Largs side of the regional park you can embark upon the Knock Hill climb. This is a challenging route that will take you to viewpoints overlooking Largs, the Largs Bay and the mouth of the River Clyde where it connects to the Firth of Clyde. It takes around 3-4 hours, is 12.7 km in length and has a total elevation gain of around 340-350 metres.
Explore Scotland With Mar Hall Resort
When it comes to exploring the hills and moors Scotland has to offer, Mar Hall Resort and Spa is the perfect base to do it from, just 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport and under an hour from Edinburgh Airport. Better yet, our central location to hill ranges, regional parks and the West coast make our estate and resort the perfect place to plan your outings from.
Our luxury resort is famous for our opulent interiors, indulgent cuisine, and relaxing spa experiences - all of which are available to our guests after a long day of exploring.
Choosing Mar Hall means choosing a 5-star experience like no other.
