In East Dunbartonshire, options range from long-distance walking routes and short circular trails to Roman sites and galleries. When planning, it is worth noting the differences: some routes can be explored in sections, while others have a clearly stated length. There are also attractions where history can be seen in the landscape.
Walking Trails, Woodland and Water
The John Muir Way is a 134-mile coast-to-coast route from Helensburgh in the west to Dunbar in the east. It passes through East Dunbartonshire, including Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie, Kirkintilloch and Twechar. The Thomas Muir Heritage Trail is 18 km long and can be completed in full or in sections on foot or by bicycle. Between Clachan of Campsie and Kirkintilloch, it follows the Strathkelvin Railway Path. One shorter example is the 3 km Craigdhu Way in Bearsden: this circular route goes around Kilmardinny Loch and its nature reserve and is suitable for walkers and cyclists. The 96-mile West Highland Way begins in Milngavie and continues to Fort William.
The landscapes also vary. Mugdock Country Park covers 270 hectares of woodland, moorland and heath, connected by a network of paths. Visitors can walk to Mugdock Castle, which overlooks Mugdock Loch. Lennox Forest has circular routes for walking, cycling and horse riding. Direct access is possible from Lennoxtown. With a little luck, you may spot crossbills and deer there; sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.
The towpaths of the Forth and Clyde Canal in East Dunbartonshire are suitable for walking, cycling, running, wheelchair use and scooters. Conditions for using them depend on the weather. The East Dunbartonshire Walking and Cycling Map highlights 17 routes of varying lengths and attractions throughout the area. Map editions and path conditions may change, so check the latest edition and conditions before setting out. The larger towns in East Dunbartonshire are connected to Glasgow and Edinburgh by rail. It is advisable to check the current timetables for your travel dates.
Roman Traces in East Dunbartonshire
The Antonine Wall ran through what is now East Dunbartonshire and once formed the north-western edge of the Roman Empire. In Bearsden, excavated remains of a Roman bathhouse and latrine block can be seen within the fort’s annexe. The well-preserved bathhouse and latrine offer insights into the daily lives of the soldiers stationed along the Antonine Wall. The site is signposted from Bearsden Cross and lies about 600 metres down Roman Road. Check the signs and access information before travelling.
Bar Hill is the highest fort on the Antonine Wall. Visible features include the fort platform, the east gate, and the remains of the headquarters building and bathhouse. Access is free year-round; the fort is signposted from the main road in Twechar. The route follows a farm track and path for about 0.5 km. Check visitor information before setting off. Peel Park contains both the site of a Roman fort on the Antonine Wall and the earthworks of a medieval castle. The Wall’s foundations are preserved within a fenced enclosure. A path around the foot of the castle mound leads to the best-preserved section of the dry moat that remains there.
Art, Museums and Special Trails
Lillie Art Gallery is directly opposite Milngavie railway station, near the town centre and the start of the West Highland Way. It hosts exhibitions and displays paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and ceramics from its collection; the exhibition programme changes. The Auld Kirk Museum presents objects and works of local, national and international significance. The Auld Kirk itself is a Category A listed building and one of the most notable and oldest sites in Kirkintilloch.
In Mugdock Country Park, the Courtyard includes a visitor centre, gift shop, cafés, a gallery and a garden centre. As facilities may change, check what is currently available before your visit. Near Milton of Campsie, the Fairy Woods features designed motifs including fairies, toadstools, fairy houses, woodland animals and numerous fairy doors; these depend on local upkeep. The Gruffalo Trail at Kilmardinny Loch near Bearsden features seven carved wooden figures. The restored path offers families a free activity. Check whether the trail is available before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Campsie Glen, Lennoxtown, Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Balgrochan, Milngavie, Fife, South Lanarkshire.
For the wider travel overview: Scotland.
