If you’re looking for a family friendly walk near Glasgow that combines gorgeous views, a touch of legend, and plenty of space for kids to explore, The Whangie is the perfect choice. Located just 15 minutes past Bearsden, this short but rewarding hill walk takes you to a fascinating rock formation.

Whether you’re here for the folklore, the adventure, or just a breath of fresh air, The Whangie delivers a fantastic day out.

The Trail

The walk starts from Queensview Car Park. You’ll find the well worn path by climbing over a little wall via a wooden stile, and heading along a short section of boardwalk over a little boggy area. Dogs will enjoy getting themselves (and everyone else) filthy from the start… From there, the path winds up and along the side of the hill, mostly with a gradual ascent.

The path has parts that are a bit boggy (depending on the weather and the time of year) and some parts that are quite rocky. But it is an easy path to follow.

Not long before you reach the Whangie you will get to a fork in the trail. Keep to the right, following the path along the side of the hill as you have been doing already. This is the more direct route, ensuring you reach The Whangie without missing it. You only have about 5-10 minutes left by this point so unless you are familiar with the route, this is probably the best way to get to the Whangie.

If you do take the slight left at that fork you’ll head a little more steeply uphill for a minute before it levels out. This path loops over the top of the hill, eventually bringing you to the rock formation from the opposite direction. It is easy to miss the Whangie coming from this direction unless you know where it is (I know because we did this the first time we visited!) so I’d recommend taking the first option if you’ve never been before. This route is also a lot more boggy after wet weather. We’ve been right up to our knees in squelchy mud up here before, an it’s easy to welly in a bog!

Either way, you’ll reach the main attraction, and both routes provide stunning views of the rolling hills and beyond to Loch Lomond.

Tip: The path can be muddy, puddly, and boggy in places, so waterproof shoes or boots are highly recommended! Wellies would be fine for kids – mine have done it in their welly boots a few times.

Formations and folklore

When you see a huge rock formation, you’ve reached the Whangie. This narrow cleft in the hillside stretches for about 100 meters, and you can walk right through it from end to end. It’s unlike anything else in the area and has a magical, almost otherworldly feel.

One of the best parts of visiting The Whangie is the spooky Scottish legend behind it.

The story goes that the Devil himself caused the rock formation. According to folklore, he was on his way to visit Jenny the Witch. As he came around the side of the hill he saw the smoke from the fire saw there was a party happening that he hadn’t been invited to. He whipped his tail in rage as he cornered the hill, slicing through the rock and creating the enormous split in the rocks that we see today.

It’s a dramatic tale, and next-level tantrum-throwing by the Devil! But I guess we’ve all been left off a guest list at some point, so it’s somewhat understandable… The kids love hearing these stories though, and it makes the adventure even more exciting.

There’s plenty of exploring to do around The Whangie. If your kids are little adventurers they will love clambering about up here, seeing how high they can get. Kids will also love to play pretend adventures in the magical landscape, especially after hearing the accompanying legend. Mine have had The Whangie as a giants cave, and another time they played for ages pretending they were stuck on the moon.

Note: If it’s been wet the rocks will be much more slippery. I wouldn’t ever say it’s a ‘safe’ place for kids to climb and I have to set strict limits with my gallus young one.

The views from the top stretch across Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills, making it a beautiful place to stop for a rest and take it all in.

At a steady 8-year-old pace, it took us around 60 minutes to reach The Whangie. Coming back down was much quicker; it took us about 2 hours with a quick stop and play at the top. The first time we did the walk was at 3 yr old pace and it took us about 3 hours to do the round trip. However in warmer weather we’ve easily spent 4+ hours in total there, as the kids love playing and exploring.

What to bring

  • Waterproof shoes or boots (the trail can get muddy when it’s been wet).
  • Water bottles.
  • Picnic and snacks for hungry little ones and/or bribery purposes.
  • Layers (the weather can change quickly anywhere in Scotland but the top of any hill can feel much colder than at the bottom).
  • Camera or phone for the views.

The logistics

  • Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
  • Parking is available in Queensview Car Park. It used to be free but charges now apply. It’s £2 for 1 hour, £1 per hour thereafter up to £7 for 12 hours.
  • No toilets available.
  • Dog friendly. We’ve always passed a few dogs on the trail. Some are off lead but you’d need to judge that for yourself. I’ve never seen sheep or other livestock here so I don’t think there are any, but never say never…

Final thoughts

The Whangie is one of Scotland’s best short family hikes. It’s not too difficult, it’s steeped in its own mythical stories, and it offers plenty of opportunities for adventuring and playing. Whether you’re after stunning scenery, local legends, or just a fun family walk, this is a fantastic day out.

Pack a picnic, lace up your boots, and go explore this magical place – you won’t regret it!