FROM GREENSIDE RESERVOIR

Hills and high-rises have a lot in common, not least their capacity to aerate the viewer, both brain and body. The proximity of the Kilpatrick Hills to the high-rises of Knightswood is evident from the window. These are the hills and braes that create Glasgow's north-western rim and run westwards from Milngavie to Dumbarton and northwards to the fringes of Loch Lomond. As remote places go it's difficult to beat the Kilpatricks for their complexity of hills, lochs, reservoirs and moors. The fact that they can be easily reached from the city (it's a forty minute cycle from Kinghtswood) makes them even more appealing.

Greenside Reservoir is just above Duntocher behind Cochno Farm. It's a wonderful entry point into the Kilpatricks which quickly leads into its heartland and its highest point, Duncolm. From Greenside itself, looking down the gorge, cleft out by the rugged persistence of the Loch Humphrey Burn, the view of the western and southern parts of Glasgow are quite wonderful. Every time I come up here, it is completely devoid of any human presence. It is this sense of remoteness coupled with Greenside’s lofty perch above the city, evidenced in the stunning view, that gives this place its magic.

The view itself clearly shows the high-rises of Kirkton (the five white towers just to the left), and a little less clearly those of Kingsway, Lincoln and Yoker. (Click on the photo to enlarge it).



The view north, from the top floor of Kirkton High Flats, to the Kilpatricks (on the left) and the Campsies (on the right). The way to Greenside Reservoir lies just off picture on the left.