The first section of the West Highland Way passes through the Lowlands; a pastoral walk along the valleys of the Blane and Endrick, with good views of the Campsie Fells. Many walkers extend this stage by continuing to Balmaha.
Summary
Mostly tracks and lanes, with section on disused railway line
Terrain
Users'
rating
Milngavie is served by buses and trains from Glasgow; Drymen is served by bus
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There is an obelisk to mark the official start of the West Highland Way on Douglas Street, the shopping precinct of Milngavie. Look right for the benches and waymarker and a sign that leads down steps to a path along the stream, the Allander Water. Follow the line of the stream across a road and along a waymarked path with many signposts. It follows, leaves and rejoins the river again. In under 1km the Way turns right uphill, passing through some rough moorland with birch and bracken.
Photo © William Craig; CCSA licence
2. At a carved stone wall, notice two engraved legends underfoot, marking the transition to Mugdock Wood: Drumclog Moor, new leaves unfurling; Mugdock Wood, many years turning. Walk straight on through the woodland but be aware that cyclists also use this path. Leave the wood at its gates, and cross the minor road, heading slightly left. In case the waymarker is not obvious, look out for the large boulders on the right where the path heads north-west again.
Photo © Dannie Calder; CCSA licence
3. The views begin to open out, with the distinctive shape of Dumgoyne, the western outpost of the Campsie Fells. Pass Craigallian Loch on the right, with its young willow trees and wildflowers, then Carbeth Loch on the left. Within two miles of the last junction, the route passes some log cabins to reach the B821. Turn left and follow it for 400 metres, then turn right to continue the Way northward, through a self-closing stile.
Photo © Ronnie Leask; CCSA licence
4. Heading north again, climb a stone wall by its built-in steps and continue along the path with its open views. Ahead is the tree-covered hill of Dumgoyach, a volcanic remnant of pure basalt. Before passing Dumgoyach, after a small patch of forest, look right for the standing stones on a low spur. Binoculars are useful as the stones are on private ground. They date from the late Stone Age (3100 - 2600 BC). The Way follows what was an important route even in prehistoric times. The Way curves to the right around Dumgoyach. Beyond the farm, cross the Blane Water by a wooden footbridge. Turn left (north) on to the disused railway trackbed, easy walking for the next few kilometres. The Blane Valley Railway was built in 1867 to link Killearn with Glasgow, and was later extended to Aberfoyle. Sadly, it closed in 1951. On your left, a well-enclosed aqueduct carries water from Loch Lomond to supply Edinburgh.
Photo © Iain Thompson; CCSA licence
5. Within a mile look to the right for the white buildings and pagoda roof of Glengoyne Distillery (see attractions for details of visits and tours). Shortly after, the Way crosses the A81 at Dumgoyne, a former station, and now a conveniently sited pub, the Beech Tree Inn. The Way runs parallel to the busy A81 for the next 5km, with traffic noise inevitable. Halfway along this section the Way passes under the B834 and half a mile later re-crosses the A81.
Photo © Jacquetta Megarry, Rucksack Readers
6. After a further half-mile slope up to reach the minor road through Gartness, where you turn left. Beneath the bridge the Endrick Water falls over sandstone ledges, sculpting them into strange shapes. After meandering through Drymen the Endrick deposits its waters and silt into Loch Lomond. Continue straight over the crossroads at the top of the hill, following the undulating road up to the quarry. From here you start to see views of the islands and hills of Loch Lomond to the north. The road turns left after the quarry; if bypassing Drymen (to head to Balmaha or beyond), look out for the waymarker pointing right down the steps just before a small bridge. Follow waymarkers across the field, then cross the A811. Turn right up a path that soon channels you eastward between beech hedges, parallel to the B858. After a short stretch of roadside footpath turn left opposite Blarnavaid Farm. If, on the other hand, if you are heading to Drymen (accommodation and shops) then continue past the bridge along the minor road for half a mile.
Route description is quoted by permission from The West Highland Way © Rucksack Readers 2008.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
Route profile
