The Forth and Clyde Canal is at the heart of several routes and historical themes in Bishopbriggs. The Bishopbriggs–Cadder-&-Mavis-Valley-Trail begins at the leisure centre on Balmuildy Road and then follows the canal towpath towards Cadder Church.
Canal Routes and Georgian Engineering
Another route is the 18 km Thomas Muir Heritage Trail between Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs, which also follows the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath. The distance figures use different reference points: the protected canal section from west of Bishopbriggs Sports Centre to Westermains in Kirkintilloch is about 6 km long; 18 km refers to the total length of the Thomas Muir Heritage Trail.
The protected canal section includes the water, the banks and the towpath running along one side. The section between Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch is regarded as a nationally significant example of Georgian engineering. Along the canal towpaths, walking, cycling and running are possible activities in several local communities, as are using mobility aids and scooters.
Cadder Church and Roman Remains
Cadder Church has been a place of worship and prayer for nearly 900 years. The churchyard contains a small watch house and a so-called mort-safe. The heavy mort-safe was placed over a newly buried coffin for several days after a burial, then removed for reuse. The history of the churchyard therefore also includes a specific detail about earlier burial practices.
The remains of the Roman fort at Cadder lie north of Bishopbriggs. They are west of the roundabout at the junction of the A803 and A807, and just south of a sharp bend in the Forth and Clyde Canal. Their location can be identified by the road junction and the course of the canal.
Park and Leisure Activities
Bishopbriggs Park is intended for outdoor activities, including walks and enjoying the natural surroundings. It is considered a species-rich area of importance to wildlife. In addition to the town’s historical attractions, visitors can also enjoy wildlife watching and outdoor exercise.
During the 2023/24 reporting cycle, the Leisuredrome had a 25-metre swimming pool used by competitive swimmers from the surrounding area to prepare for national competitions. In the same reporting cycle, EDLC’s Swimming Development Team offered beginner swimming lessons in the Leisuredrome pools. Check current pool rules and course availability before visiting.
Charlie’s Big Adventure at the Leisuredrome is open to the public and can be hired exclusively. Check in advance whether a session is available for your preferred date. At Bishopbriggs Golf Club, you can hire golf buggies, electric trolleys and pull trolleys; check availability with the club in advance.
Getting Here and Getting Around
The nearby Bishopbriggs railway station offers regular train services to Glasgow and Edinburgh. For specific departures, check the timetable for your travel dates. This makes it easy to include rail travel in your plans, while the canal routes, churchyard, park and leisure facilities each offer different ways to spend your time.
Discover more destinations: Campsie Glen, Milngavie, Balgrochan, Bearsden, Lennoxtown.
Return to the main travel overview: East Dunbartonshire.
