Lomond Hills: West Lomond Summit Walk
Fife
West Lomond is a proper little mountain day in Fife and very dog friendly for a sure footed hound who likes a climb. Starting from the popular Craigmead car park between Falkland and Leslie, a broad track heads west across open moorland before the final steep pull to the flat summit cairn and trig point at 522 metres. On a clear day you can see from the Cairngorms to the Pentlands and right across to the Isle of May.
The route is around 8 kilometres out and back, allow about three hours and expect roughly 300 metres of ascent, mostly saved for the summit cone. The ground is sheep grazed moorland so keep dogs on a lead wherever you see livestock or in spring and early summer when ground nesting birds are active. The path is stony in places so check paws afterwards. Craigmead has toilets and picnic tables, but no water or shop, so bring a bowl and a refill for longer days.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Toilet block and picnic tables at Craigmead car park; no shop or cafe on route.
- Parking
- Free Fife Council car park at Craigmead on the minor road between Falkland and Leslie; busy on sunny weekends.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lomond Hills: West Lomond Summit Walk dog friendly?
West Lomond is a great choice for dogs who enjoy a proper hill walk, earning a dog friendly rating of 7.5 out of 10. The route suits sure-footed dogs who are comfortable with a climb, with the path rising to 522 metres and offering sweeping views over the Tay and the Firth of Forth as a reward.
Can dogs be off lead at Lomond Hills: West Lomond Summit Walk?
There's good off-lead potential on the open moorland sections, but dogs should be kept on a lead wherever livestock are present, as the ground is sheep-grazed throughout. You should also keep them on the lead during spring and early summer when ground-nesting birds are active on the moorland.
What should I know before visiting Lomond Hills: West Lomond Summit Walk with my dog?
The route is around 8 kilometres out and back with roughly 300 metres of ascent, so it's worth making sure your dog is fit enough for the climb before you set off. The path is stony in places, so it's a good idea to check paws afterwards. Craigmead car park has toilets and picnic tables but no shop or water supply, so bring a bowl and plenty of water for your dog, especially on warmer days.
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