Tinto Hill from the north


Forum » Walk Reports » Scotland

By Chris Mac on 14/09/15 at 11:43pm

Date started:15/03/2015
Distance:7.3 km or 4.5 miles
Ascent:534m or 1752ft
Time taken:2:30
Naismith:2:21

Our first proper hill walk of the year (not counting Arthur's Seat which I did again in January) and we decided to bag another local one and go for the popular Tinto Hill in Lanarkshire, near Biggar.

After consulting Walkhighlands we went with the standard route from the car park to the north.

The first phase is a fairly easy stroll with the path gradually ascending, here is a view looking back towards the car park and the north:

Looking south and up the hill you can see the summit cairn for almost the entire walk which is great for giving you a visible incentive and final destination:

Continuing upwards and it was fairly busy for a Sunday stroll as we passed a few other walkers:

Tinto seems to split nicely into thirds with the first phase nearing completion:

Phase 1 complete (Totherin Hill), you're doing grand Y, keep it up!

Phase 2 and 3 await...

The view to the north east towards Biggar as we continue the ascent of phase 2:

We continue up the excellent path with the summit of Tinto teasing us in the distance as it edges ever closer...

The view to the north west:

Scaut Hill to the east of the main Tinto peak:

Continuing up the path...

Phase 2 is almost done and looking south you can see the summit again:

Looking back to the north and along the path we have been ascending:

Now the steep, final ascent up to the summit of Tinto Hill, put the legs into first gear and let's go for it! :D

The summit cairn continues to tease and appear just out of reach...

Looking back down the path towards the first patch of snow we encountered, almost there...

Success! The summit cairn view indicator, there is an awful lot to see for miles around, if only it was a bit clearer...

Looking back down the main path from the summit cairn:

Almost there...!

Time for some panoramic shots and a well earned rest, this view is to the south:

A panoramic view north showing the trig point on the left:

Moi, wrapped up for the cold:

Dungavel Hill to the south:

A final shot looking south including the trig point on the right:

On the way back down and we walked along the short path to the east briefly to take in the view and look back to the cairn where some walkers we passed have reached the summit:

We make it back to the car park and look back towards the summit, that was a fun Sunday walk!

As a reward for our efforts it was off to Biggar for dinner at The Crown which does excellent food in massive portions, just what was required to refuel!

Leaving Biggar you get a great view of Tinto again before the drive home. Mission accomplished:

So another enjoyable hill walk on one of the popular local hills, where to for the next excursion I wonder... time to consult Walkhighlands again to get some ideas! :)



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