Lennoxtown combines architectural and industrial history with opportunities for cycling and enjoying nature. Two church and castle buildings showcase different designs by the same architect; the history of the local textile industry reaches into the landscape and the townscape of today. If you’re looking for a hotel in Lennoxtown, you can plan your trip around whether you’d like to focus mainly on historical sites or on trails and nature experiences.
Church architecture and history
Campsie High Kirk was built in 1828 to a design by David Hamilton, in the Gothic Revival style. It is the only church building designed entirely by Hamilton to be listed as a Category A Listed Building. The building’s history also includes a major setback: a devastating fire left the church unusable in 1984; in 1990, it was added to the Buildings at Risk Register. Today, it is jointly owned and is gradually being returned to cultural and public use.
Another of Hamilton’s designs is Lennox Castle, built from sandstone between 1837 and 1841 in the style of a Norman castle. The castle was used as a hospital. The stone bridge near East Lodge lies within the estate; its crenellated design is related to the castle. Together with the Gothic Revival church, the castle offers a comparison between two architectural styles associated with the same architect.
Traces of industry
From the late 18th century through the 19th century, Lennoxtown was a centre of industrial development, driven by mining, textile printing and the chemical industry. The facility known as the “Secret Works” was a major employer during most of the 19th century. The calico printing works at Lennox Mill played a central role in textile history: it was established in the late 18th century, operated for more than a hundred years and employed almost a thousand people at its peak.
The Whitefield Lade watercourse is also part of this history. It was artificially created in the early 19th century to supply clean water to the Lennox Mills Printworks. Another link to the textile industry can be found on the windows of Lennoxtown Library: a vinyl installation inspired by the former industry at Lennox Mill is displayed there. In July 2026, East Dunbartonshire Council reported the reopening of Campsie Memorial Hall after a multi-million-pound renovation.
Cycling routes and nature around Lennoxtown
The Strathkelvin Railway Path is part of the National Cycle Network, the John Muir Way and the Thomas Muir Heritage Trail. The route follows the John Muir Way and passes the outskirts of Lennoxtown. A cycling route along the path, described as a day trip, is 16 miles (25.6 km) long and takes an average of two hours. It is described as flat and family-friendly. As trail conditions can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest route information before setting off.
Lennox Forest offers another option for outdoor activities: from Lennoxtown, the forest can be reached directly on foot, by bike or on horseback. Among the trees, there are views towards Glasgow and the Campsie Fells; crossbills and deer can be found in the forest. Near Lennoxtown, Campsie Glen offers a trail along the Kirk Burn and picnic spots beneath the trees. A large public car park is available in the village for visitors to Campsie Glen.
The differences can help you plan: the Strathkelvin Railway Path has a stated distance and average duration; Lennox Forest offers woodland views and wildlife spotting, while Campsie Glen combines a trail with picnic spots. This lets you tailor your trip to the mix of local history, cycling and time in the countryside you’re looking for.
Discover more destinations: Bishopbriggs, Milngavie, Bearsden, Balgrochan, Campsie Glen.
Return to the main travel guide: East Dunbartonshire.
