Kilsyth to Milngavie

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This stage of the Scottish National Trail continues along the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath as far as Cadder before abandoning the canal at last to head northwest through a pleasant lowland landscape with many golf courses to reach Milngavie.

Terrain

Canal towpath, then minor roads, tracks and golf course paths.

Public Transport

Bus to Kilsyth near the start, or rail station 2km away at Croy. Milngavie is served by both buses and trains from Glasgow.

Start

Auchinstarry Marina, near Kilsyth. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

This stage of the walk begins from Auchinstarry Marina, a short walk south from Kilsyth (buses) or 2km north from Croy Rail Station. From Auchinstarry head along the towpath on the north side of the canal, heading west. Soon the route passes the derelict Shirva Stables at Twechar.

Photo: Phil Turner

Stage 2

After heading through farmland the edge of Kirkintilloch is reached. Hillhead Bridge, a swingbridge, marks the former location of Kirkintilloch's inland harbour that brought so much prosperity to the town. Pass over the Luggie Aquaduct, formerly crossing a railway line as well as Luggie Water. The route then ascends to a road bridge, crosses the road and rejoins the towpath on the far side. It is possible to end the walk here and obtain onward or return transport via Lenzie Rail Station, 2km south of the town centre.

Photo: Phil Turner

Stage 3

After leaving the town the canal eventually reaches a restored stable block adjacent to the Glasgow Road Bridge now housing a restaurant overlooking boat moorings. Continue along the canal, passing under the A807 bridge before reaching the village of Cadder - the end of the canal stretch of the Scottish National Trail. Turn right here onto Cadder Road, passing the church and keeping left at a fork.

Stage 4

Past a stone cottage, take a path leading between two hedges. Soon the hedge on the right becomes a drainage burn; continue ahead to reach a new bridge over the River Kelvin. Bear left to cross the bridge, then follow the path on the far side as it bends left then right to reach the houses at Balmore. Turn left along the road here (the cafe and bookshop shown in the photo has now closed down) to reach the main A807.

Stage 5

Cross carefully and go straight ahead onto Glenorchard Road. When a junction is reached and the main branch of the road goes to the right, continue straight ahead onto Golf Course Road. This bends left and then right to reach the car park and club house. Pass behind the Balmore Club House building and follow the track over a bridge. The track then bends left to some sheds before curving right and heading up beside a fairway. When the track curves again to the right to cross the course, leave it and follow a narrow path on the left, running between a tumbledown wall and the course at first. Cross a bridge over a burn and continue along the left edge of the course.

Stage 6

When crossing the golf course, take care and give way to any golfers playing shots. Eventually the burn forces you to the main golf course path. Turn left along this until the 16th green is approached. At this point turn right up the right edge of a fairway to reach a short flight of steps to the 16th tee. Turn left here to pass in front of the tee on a track. This leads through trees and then across another fairway with a bell. It then bends right and then left to leave behind the course and reach the Baldernock Primary School at Fluchter. Turn left along the minor road beyond.

Stage 7

Country lanes now lead all the way to Milngavie. Take a right at the next fork, with distant views to Glasgow Cathedral and the flats beside it. Turn right at the next junction to Baldernock, then left beside the church.

Stage 8

Pass a whitewashed cottage, then take a right turn when signed for Milngavie. This country lane crosses a ford (footbridge alongside) before reaching the outskirts of Milngavie. At the main road go straight across to head to the centre of this commuter town. The next stage of the trail follows the first part of the West Highland Way, starting from the pedestrian precinct.

Next stage: Milngavie to Drymen

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Kilsyth to Milngavie

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