West Highland Way 1: Milngavie to Drymen

Summary

The first section of the West Highland Way is something of a prelude through the landscapes of the Lowlands. The urban landscape is left behind at Milngavie as the route passes lochs and woodland before dropping into Strathblane in the shadow of the Campsie Fells. Many walkers extend this stage by continuing as far as Balmaha.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mostly tracks and country lanes, with section on disused railway line. Can be very muddy in places.

Public Transport

Milngavie is served by buses and trains from Glasgow; Drymen is served by bus.

Start

Milngavie town centre. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km / 11.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 210m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS553744

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Walk Description

User reports (14)

Stage 1

The West Highland Way begins in the heart of Milngavie, marked by a stone obelisk on pedestrianised Douglas Street. From the rail station this can be reached by turning left out of the station, heading through the underpass, and then keeping left along Station Rd onto Douglas Street (it is signed). From the obelisk, head under the 'West Highland Way' arch down steps to the left of the benches. Cross the parking area and the road beyond, taking the walkway that runs to the left of the road ahead, marked with a WHW sign. At a path junction keep straight on, passing under a bridge, and further on keep straight ahead once more when a path for the library goes off left.

Stage 2

The signposts here are not labelled for the 'West Highland Way' but do have the thistle logo on the correct route. Take the next left turn ('Riverside to Allander Park'), and bear right at the pond, to pick up a path which upstream with the Allander Water on the left, with a park and some of Milngavie's finer houses on the opposite side. At a footbridge keep straight ahead, but then look out for the marker post which indicates where to turn right away from the burn, for Mugdock Country Park by Martcrag Moor. This path climbs up to a bench giving a last view back over Milngavie; the Great Adventure is under way at last.

Stage 3

At a T-junction of paths turn left ('Mugdock Wood'), and then keep left on a level route at a fork. Keep ahead at a cross-paths and again at two further junctions, following the thistle signs. The route - on an earthy track - now leads very pleasantly through the deciduous Mugdock Wood, before emerging on a minor road nicknamed the Khyber Pass. Turn left along this very briefly and then right to continue on a footpath once more; bear left as this meets a track.

Stage 4

The track soon runs past the west side of Craigallan Loch - a popular spot with fishermen. Look out for the memorial to the Craigallian Fire at the northern end of the loch - a campfire here burned continuously from 1920 to the outbreak of the second world war, and was a beacon of outdoors companionship during a time of mass unemployment and poverty. The West Highland Way route now climbs gently, with views towards the distinctive outline of Dumgoyne in the Campsie Fells - a landmark throughout much of this stage. Follow the main track when it bears right, undulating as it passes various fishing lodges close by Carbeth Loch. Turn left when it meets the B821, and after 400m on the road turn right onto a footpath.

Stage 5

The path leads through a gate with a grand view of Dumgoyne ahead, and then begins a descent. Turn left at a junction to follow a path that aims for the west side of the wooded knoll of Dumgoyach. The path - muddy in places - drops down before swinging right and climbing slighty to reach a gate to the left of some barns. Pass through the gate and follow the path which runs downhill alongside a track. After crossing the Blane Water, turn left through a gate to begin a long stretch of the West Highland Way that follows the route of the old railway line through Strath Blane. The route is also used by an underground pipeline that carries water from Loch Lomond to the cities of the central belt. Keep straight ahead through various gates.

Stage 6

Glengoyne distillery can be seen at the foot of Dumgoyne over to the right. The West Highland Way route continues along the route of the old rail line to emerge on the busy A81 road beside the Beech Tree Inn, which serves refreshments. Head briefly along the pavement to the left before crossing carefully to pick up the Way on the rail line once more on the far side. The route passes close by some houses and through lots of gates where new tracks cross the line; further on the way leads past a sewage works. At one point it emerges on a track which is followed for a short time to the right before the rail line branches off left once more. Pass under the B834, and after another 1km cross the busy A81 once more.

Stage 7

The route leads through woodland before another bridge leads over the old line ahead; at this point the West Highland Way turns left, leaving the railway, climbing up to a minor road. Follow this to the left. The road crosses Gartness Bridge and passes some attractive stone-built cottages. Keep straight ahead at the next junction, and then stay on the minor road as it curves right. The route leads past Easter Drumquhassie Farm, where there is a campsite (there are none in Drymen). Eventually the road curves left at Gateside, and just before it crosses a stone bridge the West Highland Way leaves it by turning right amongst the trees and crossing a small burn. The way now leads through a grassy field, climbing along the top of a hummocky ridge at first.

Stage 8

Continue through the field - which can be muddy - aiming for the top left (northwest) corner, where a gate leads to a path alongside the A811. When this emerges at the tarmac, cross with care - the road is very busy - and head up on the far side to reach the Old School House on a smaller side road. The attractive green at the centre of Drymen - with its shops and accommodation - is now along this road (with pavement) to the left. If continuing the West Highland Way, the route turns instead to the right onto a path between beech hedgerows.

Next stage West Highland Way: Drymen to Rowardennan

Next stage Scottish National Trail: Drymen to Aberfoyle.

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