Forth & Clyde Canal: Maryhill to Kilsyth

Summary

The Forth & Clyde Canal was completed in 1790 linking the Firth of Clyde to the Firth of Forth. The 2nd stage leads from Maryhill, Glasgow out into the countryside, through the town of Kirkintilloch and on to Kilsyth.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Surfaced towpath, some road crossings and shared cyclepath.

Public Transport

Rail stations at Maryhill near the start of the stage, and at Croy 2km from the end. There are also good bus links both from near the start, in Kirkintilloch town centre and Kilsyth.

Start

Maryhill locks. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 17m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS571690

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

To reach the canal from Maryhill station, head south (right coming out of the station) along Maryhill Road and once at the top of the flight of locks, cross the footbridge next to the bike shop to reach the towpath on the south side of the canal. Turn left to follow the towpath. After passing flats next to the canal stay on the towpath to reach Stockingfield Junction and bridge.

Stage 2

Opened in 1777 the junction was with the Port Dundas branch from the main Forth and Clyde Canal. Orignally a floating bridge allowed horses to swap towpaths and continue pulling their barges. The canal here closed in 1963 and fell derelict. After restoration, a new bridge was built which opened in 2022. Continue under the bridge and then at a colourful bench double back to climb the bridge ramp. This is an unusual three-way bridge, don't turn right on the bridge (unless you want to detour to the viewpoint) but continue ahead soon following the towpath on the north side of the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Stage 3

The canal now regains a decidedly rural feel, passing woods on your left at Cadder, although it remains within the Glasgow suburbs. After crossing the A879 at Lambhill, the stone building on the left, Lambhill Stables was once a staging post for the canal and now houses a community hub, cafe and bike centre. After this the towpath passes through Possil Marsh Nature Reserve. A shallow loch off to the left is surrounded by a range of habitats providing food and shelter for over 150 bird species including reed bunting, redshank and water rail.

Stage 4

A long section with open views to the Campsie hills has only a few urban reminders - pylons and nearby tower blocks and then passing under a road bridge and views to new houses as it passes Bishopbriggs to your right. Go straight across at a road to follow a pavement for a short distance to Cadder Wharf soon passing the site of part of the Antonine Roman wall and the Stables pub. Kirkintilloch is soon reached, don't cross the impressive pedestrian bridge linking to a primary school and marina for canal boats. The town experienced rapid growth once the canal arrived in 1773 and an inland port was established here. A railway link to Glasgow in the 1820s allowed Kirkintilloch to further develop as an industrial centre for weaving and a major shipbuilding centre for both canal and ocean-going vessels.

Stage 5

To reach the town centre turn right once the towpath climbs up to the road, Kirkintilloch has all services. It is possible to end the stage here and obtain onward or return transport via Lenzie Rail Station, 2km south of the town centre, or catch a bus in the centre. Otherwise, cross the road and rejoin the towpath on the far side. Pass under a further roadbridge and over the Luggie Aquaduct, formerly crossing a railway line as well as Luggie Water. Hillhead Bridge, a swingbridge, marks the former location of Kirkintilloch's inland harbour that brought so much prosperity to the town. Pass this and stride out into farmland once more.

Stage 6

Pass the derelict Shirva Stables at Twechar before reaching the large Auchinstarry Basin and 50 berth marina just outside Kilsyth. The marina also houses Scotland's first eco pub/hotel and picnic facilties. Croy Rail Station can be reached by crossing Auchinstarry Bridge and heading south along the minor road for 2km, and Kilsyth town centre (all services) by following the road north a similar distance.

Next stage: Kilsyth to Falkirk

Route Profile

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