This circular walk from Clachan of Campsie makes use of the Strathkelvin Railway path and is mainly flat but can be a little muddy in places. The route taken is through an area steeped in history, and an industrial past, when Lennoxtown was a thriving village with a print works. It then turns away from the flat path and makes gradually for a viewpoint of the beautiful Blane Valley, and then winds through the grounds of the old Lennox estate with the ruined castle before ending up in the grounds of a peaceful retreat. The adventurous can also walk to waterfalls from the Campsie Hills.
Starting Point:
The starting point is at OS Reference NS 610 795 which is the parking area at Clachan of Campsie.
Getting there: 16 miles/32 minutes
Take your favourite route out of Glasgow towards the A81 and head for Milngavie. Continue on the A81 to Strathblane and at the roundabout turn right onto A891 (Lennoxtown). Follow this road until Clachan of Campsie is reached and turn left (signposted Campsie Glen). Continue up this road (which is a dead end) until the small parking area next to the bus terminus. There is also plenty of parking on the road. There is a public toilet (20p) to the right of the small shops.
Clachan of Campsie, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Walk: Clachan of Campsie Circular – 8 miles/13 km
The walk is mainly level, on signed paths with one steeper section in the middle. For those who would prefer a shorter walk, there are various options.
Head back down the road towards the A891 and turn right, crossing the busy road with care to take the signed path (Thomas Muir Way) in the direction of Lennoxtown. Follow this track which becomes both the Strathkelvin Railway path and the John Muir Trail. Continue on this until the sign for Glazert Country House Hotel where there are toilets.
After making use of the facilities, return to the path and take the track opposite. Continue on this as it becomes a little rougher and steeper until a T junction with South Brae is reached and turn left. Continue uphill until the road evens out and keep going straight on (signed Lennox Forest Walks). Pass a car park on the right and follow the rougher track forward until a fork in the path. There is a smaller trail straight ahead and this leads towards Blairskaith Muir. A trig point lies to the right and a distinct path towards it can be seen after crossing a fence. There are great views from here of the Blane Valley towards Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps.
Retrace the path till it returns to the main track and turn left. Continue down this track, keeping to left at any junctions and passing Lennox Castle (a ruin). Continue on this path until it becomes the Thomas Muir Way and head towards the A891 but turn left to follow the path along the burn, around the back of cottages to Haughhead and the main road. Cross the road into Schoenstatt, and take the footpath to the right across the bridge, through woodland, across a second bridge, through a garden and then to the right up to large wrought iron gates. Turn right out of the grounds onto Knowehead Road. Follow the road to the end and turn left to arrive at Clachan of Campsie. To visit Campsie Glen, river and waterfalls, follow path right around the back of the bicycle shop – an extra half mile.