Head up the Kilpatrick Hills for magnificent views over Glasgow, the Clyde and The Trossachs. This is a challenging trail run with a fair bit of climbing and exposure to the elements. Make sure you are prepared for whatever might be thrown your way as you take on Cochno Hill, The Slacks and the three summits of the Duncolm Hills.

You can park at the Cochno Road car park, then follow the path through the wood back onto the road. As you reach the road, start your first climb almost all the way up to the last farmhouses. Look out for the path on your left between two fields where you’ll pass your first trig point with a taste of the views to come (if you continue to the top of the hill on the road, you’ll come to a private gate).

The fenced off path comes to an end and the signposts that take over aren’t too obvious. Veer up to your right and you’ll shortly get back on to a more recognisable path towards Jaw Reservoir. Continue on your left, with the reservoir on your right, up to Cochno Hill then down to Greenside Reservoir. The path along here and later on can get quite boggy.

After Greenside Reservoir, you come across a steep climb up to The Slacks. Unless you’re some sort of machine don’t expect to be running all, or much, of this. At the top you’re given more fantastic views and take a wee breather at the trig point to soak it in. Follow the paths along the top, following the fenceline (should be on your left), then down towards Loch Humphrey.

Turn right to keep the loch on your left side and continue on to the Duncolm summits as you reach the highest point of the Kilpatricks. At the trig point you are rewarded with views of the mountains over Loch Lomond and Burncrooks Reservoir and the Campsies to the east. Descent the summit and follow the grassy path to Burncrooks the Kilmannan Reservoirs then through the trees back to Cochno Loch and Jaw Reservoir and back the way you started. Alternatively there’s a direct path from the reservoir through the farming fields down to the car park.

• You’ll be fine running in road shoes but if the weather has been pretty bad, trail shoes might give you a better grip.
• My phone died when first attempting this route which left me with no map. Consider printing out a map and telling people where you plan to run.
• The route after the Duncolm Hills is plotted using Strava heatmaps so take care as I’m unsure of the terrain (I’ll update when you or I have reported back running this section).
• Be prepared for the elements and I advise taking a change of footwear for the drive home and something warm to wear afterwards.
• Enjoy.