If you're looking for a great EK walk, try this hidden gem.

There's plenty of walking going on right now as many of us look for ways to get our daily exercise during coronavirus restrictions.

So, new routes are always worth highlighting to enable us all to expand our options, and there's one hidden gem that's definitely worth sharing.

You many have heard of Dechmont Hill, a 610 feet high summit just north of Nerston village that offers magnificent views over Glasgow, South Lanarkshire and beyond. Believed to be the site of an ancient hill fort, it also provides an elavated view of Gilbertfield Castle, a ruined 17th-century castle once the home of William Hamilton (1665 –1751) writer, poet and associate of Robert Burns.

The summit has a stone plynth which once held a communications mast, as well as a flag pole used to warn of live firing by the army on the adjacent Dechmont rifle range.

The walk takes in plenty of rural sights as you wind your way from Nerston Village down Crookedshields Road to Flemington Road and then ascend to Dechmont hill via the access road/track at James Boyd farm.

An enjoyable and rewarding walk for all, lasting about 1.5 hours-2 hours there and back.

Well worth taking a back pack with a flask and snack to enjoy as you take in the sights at the top. Don’t forget your camera - and please give us a like and/or comment below if this walk appeals to you.

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