Starting in Loans in Ayrshire, this walk provides both inland and coastal sections.
Having parked inland, the walk heads west towards the beach and a pleasant sandy walk in the direction of Prestwick. Following a fingerpost which heads back inland over a golf course, the route picks up the waymarked path of The Smugglers Trail, before returning to the starting point.
The Greenock Cut is a beautifully varied circular walk that follows an historic aqueduct high above the Clyde coast.
The aqueduct was built in the 1820s by engineer Robert Thom to supply water to Greenock’s thriving industries. The route now offers an easy, well maintained path with wide open views almost from the first step.
From the trail, the scenery shifts between rolling moorland, quiet reservoirs, and sweeping panoramas over Greenock, Gourock, and the Firth of Clyde. On clear days the Argyll hills and even the distant peaks of Arran can be seen.
Starting at Kippen, situated between the Gargunnock Hills and the Fintry Hills, overlooking the Carse of Forth, this walk follows the old road from Kippen to Gargunnock, returning via a pleasant tree lined route.
Known as a military road, this route between Stirling and Dumbarton had been in use long before the Jacobite uprisings which prompted the road network. After the Jacobite threat was waning the road was handed over to the local county in 1790.
Starting Point for the Walk:
At The Scottish Wool Centre – OS Reference NN 522 008. The centre is situated at the east end of the large Car Park in Aberfoyle. There are toilets nearby.
Getting there: 26 miles / 52 minutes
Directions from Cresswell Street, Glasgow.
Take your favourite route out of Glasgow to Strathblane on the A81 (or towards Carbeth on the A809 and turn right onto the B834 and then left to join the A81 towards Aberfoyle).
At the roundabout on the outskirts of Aberfoyle (by the Rob Roy Hotel), turn left onto the A821. After about 1 mile, on the Main Street in Aberfoyle, turn left at the sign “Parking/Scottish Wool Centre”. Almost immediately, turn left into the east section of the large Car Park and aim to use the parking bays close to The Scottish Wool Centre.
The Walk: Milton Loop (7 miles/11km)
The route starts by leaving the Car Park by the west exit. Turn left into Manse Road and cross the River Forth which leads onto Aberfoyle Old Church and Burial Ground on the left. Ignore the road on the left and continue onwards. Bare right where the road splits ignoring the track on the left signed Downhill Fairy Trail and enter Loch Ard Forest. Continue on and ignore the path on the right. After a further 100m turn right off the Rob Roy Way.
Continue on this track and at the next junction turn left; then right at the next junction. At the cross-roads continue straight on and at the next junction turn left. The track passes Lochan Spling on the left before a short climb along the west side of Creag nam Fairenean. Then gradually descend, via a series of meanders, to cross the Duchray Water. The track then emerges at the Forest Car Park near the hamlet of Milton.
Turn left from the Forest Car Park and head south west passing Dalzell Wood on the right, and intermittently parallel the Duchray Water. Ignore the track going off to the left and continue on the forest track as it gently climbs to Lochan a’ Ghleannain.
Turn right away from the Lochan a’ Ghleannain and descend to the Forest Car Park. Just before the Forest Car Park turn left and head to the hamlet of Milton. At the hamlet of Milton, turn right onto B829 for the final level footpath that leads back to the starting point.
Starting Point for the Walk:
The walk starts from the War Memorial at the bottom end of Main Street in Kippen close to the junction of Main Street, Station Road and Fore Road [OS Reference NS 651 948].
Getting there: 40 miles / 55 minutes
Take your favourite route out of Glasgow to the M8 (Edinburgh) and then take the M80 (Stirling) and then M9 (Dunblane). Leave the M9 at Junction 10, and at the Craigforth Roundabout take 2nd exit onto A84 (Stirling). Near the castle, turn right at King’s Knot Roundabout onto A811 (Erskin Bridge). Continue on the A811 until a roundabout near Kippen. Take the first exit onto B822 (Fintry/Kippen). Street parking is available near the War Memorial.
The Walk: Kippen to Gargunnock (Old Military Road) – 7 miles (11 km) (surfaces: generally good)
Starting at the War Memorial, cross the road into Burnside and follow this road to the outskirts of the village where it becomes a country lane and then a track at the end of which a gate leads into a grassy pasture. The hill to the right, known as Brokencastle, was once the site of an ancient Iron Age fort. Crossing the pasture, head towards a shallow gully and through a metal gate, then round a corner to swing down over Boquhan Bridge. Briefly join a country road, passing an ornate red sandstone building then keep straight on. The path emerges onto open hillside with views dominated by Ben Ledi (880m).
Passing a farm, go straight past a crossroads, passing a Heritage Path sign (Old Military Road). According to local legend, the bridge near here was the scene of a fatal carriage accident. A ghostly coach and horses are reputed to re-enact their final journey here! Go through a gate to follow a woodland track along the side of a fence – then cross over the stone entrance bridge to the Leckie Estate, formerly home to the Younger family of brewing fame. Watson House on the estate was the Youngers’ home until the Second World War when it became a military hospital. Today it has been converted into luxury apartments. Drop down to join the main drive of the house and after a few hundred metres turn off to the right to follow a narrow road (marked ‘No Through Road’) through the trees. Carry on past farm buildings on the right and descend through a pair of iron gates. This road leads onto a road junction which leads into Gargunnock. After a short distance on this road – take a grass path on the left (running parallel to the
road) before some steps lead back onto and across the road. On the right side of the road there is a grass verge which quickly leads into the village of Gargunnock. Walk along the Main Street for a few hundred yards to the village centre, a bridge and a stone memorial drinking fountain. An ideal stopping point for lunch.
Next, turn right over the old bridge (with separate footbridge) and back up the Main Street past the local community shop and notice board. After approximately 300 yards turn left onto Stevenson Street and take the track (right) between the houses at the top end. Cross a road, keeping straight on through a staggered gatepost and walk into the countryside along a tree-lined track known as The Beeches. At the end of the track, keep straight on along a narrow road, passing a sign for Knock O’Ronald. Beyond an old stone bridge over the Leckie Burn, turn right to follow the burn back to the crossroads and the double Gargunnock signpost and retrace the outward route back to Kippen.
The Walk: Houston and Bridge of Weir Circular (7.4 miles/12km)
From the Carrick Centre, walk along Main Street to the junction with South Street and turn right. Passing the Mercat Cross, go to the end of the street and turn left into Bogstonhill Road. At the junction with North Street, turn left for a short distance before turning right into a passageway, Lyles Land. Follow this uphill to join Cricket Field Lane. Exit Cricket Field Lane and turn left onto Kilmacolm Road. Cross the main road with care and continue onto Kilallen Road. Continue along this quiet road until the T-junction with Warlock Road. Turn left and follow the road all the way to Bridge of Weir. Turn right into Houston Road and at the traffic lights turn left heading towards the village centre. Cross Main Road and take the first right, into Torr Road, and then turn left to join a cycle track. The track runs parallel to the main road. Continue onward until a bridge over Crosslee Road and then exit the cycle track to turn right into Crosslee Road. At the junction with Barochan Road turn left (this road becomes Houston Road in Crosslee). At the pedestrian lights take a small lane on the left. Cross to the right-hand pavement and take the path which circles the school and passes the cemetery. Proceed under the Bridge of Weir Road (B790), using the underpass, and turn left. Follow the pavement to the roundabout and continue straight on towards the Carrick Centre and the starting point.
A few miles southwest of Eaglesham, there is the largest onshore windfarm in Britain and the second largest in Europe. The Whitelees Windfarm originally consisted of 140 turbines which were commissioned in 2008. Since then, there have been two further installation phases. This has added another 75 turbines. Together, the windfarm can generate 539MW and power 350,000 homes. There are also 130km of gravel paths and tracks making this a great place for an easy walk of about 11km.
The Walk: Whitelee Windfarm (c7.0 miles/12km)
Leave the car park and return to the access road, then turn right to go round a barrier and down a track that drops then rises again to a junction. Turn left and continue for 300m before turning right onto a path signposted for “Lochgoin”. Ignoring the path to the left (a bike trail), continue until another junction and turn left. Continue following the signposts for the Lochgoin Reservoir. The path runs between Dunwan Dam and Lochgoin Reservoir. The viewpoint on Blackwood Hill affords good views of Ben More and the Campsie Fells. The viewpoint is a short detour to the left from the main path.
After Blackwood Hill, rejoin the main path and turn left, passing Turbine 43. Following the signposts, continue past Turbine 88 and turn right at the crossroads. Continue past Turbine 73 onward to Turbine 27. Ignoring the track to the right, continue to the junction near Turbine 13 and turn right. Continue on, past Turbine 6, towards Lochgoin Farm (where there is a toilet) and the Lochgoin Monument. The farm, which is now a small museum, was a noted refuge for Covenanters in the 17th century. Illegal assemblies were held on Eaglesham Moor during what became known as “The Killing Times”. The Lochgoin Monument was built in 1896 in memory of John Howie, author of the 1775 book Scots Worthies. The book was about the lives of the covenanters.
After visiting the museum, rejoin the path and take the first signpost on the right. The track passes Turbine 11, Turbine 26, and Turbine 42 before rejoining the outward route to return to the Visitor Centre.
Aberfoyle is an important gateway to the Trossachs. Between the outskirts of Aberfoyle and the foothills of Ben Lomond lies the great forest of Loch Ard. Our route will use a series of mainly, gently graded forest roads and trails in and around Loch Ard Forest. Walking surfaces are generally good and mud free.
Starting Point for the Walk:
The Scottish Wool Centre – OS Reference NN 522 008. The centre is situated at the east end of the large Car Park in Aberfoyle. There are toilets nearby.
Getting there: 26 miles / 52 minutes
Directions from Cresswell Street, Glasgow.
Take your favourite route out of Glasgow to Strathblane on the A81 (or towards Carbeth on the A809 and turn right onto the B834 and then left to join the A81 towards Aberfoyle).
At the roundabout on the outskirts of Aberfoyle (by the Rob Roy Hotel), turn left onto the A821. After about 1 mile, on the Main Street in Aberfoyle, turn left at the sign “Parking/Scottish Wool Centre”. Almost immediately, turn left into the east section of the large Car Park and aim to use the parking bays close to The Scottish Wool Centre.
The Walk: Trekking the Trossachs (7 miles/11km)
From the Scottish Wool Centre, take the footpath along the southern edge of the Car Park. Then cross the B829 and take the footpath along the side of the B829. Head west for 1 mile towards the hamlet of Milton. At Milton, follow the forestry road signposted for ‘Milton Forestry Car Park’. After 0.1 mile, turn right onto another forestry road. Follow this road along the southern shore of Loch Ard. After 2 miles turn sharp left and follow the forestry road that climbs “on and off” for 0.7 mile to reach the west end of Lochan a’ Ghleannain. Continue along the north shore of Lochan a’ Ghleannain for 0.25 mile and then decend 0.8 mile to Milton Forestry Car Park.
From the Car Park take a forest path, that goes in a broadly southerly direction, and follow it for 0.2 mile to the rather splendid footbridge across Duchray Water.
After crossing Duchray Water, follow the forest path for 0.3 mile. This then becomes a forestry road that heads in a broadly Southwesterly direction. Continue on this for 0.7 mile to reach a gate at the west end of Lochan Spling.
Turn left and follow the forestry road along the shore of Lochan Spling for 0.5 mile. Then, continue straight through the “crossroads” for a further 0.7 mile to reach a minor road at Kirkton on the outskirts of Aberfoyle. Turn left, and follow this minor road for 0.25 mile, crossing the River Forth, to reach the large Car Park where the walk started. Then follow the footpath along the southern edge of the Car Park back to The Scottish Wool Centre.
This gem of a walk, with great panoramic views, starts in Strathaven Park and heads south through the town towards Sandford. Leaving the B7086, the route then cuts across country to a footbridge over the Avon Water. There is then a short steady climb up to the falls, following the course of the Kype Water.
After taking in the falls, the path continues its climb to the other side of the valley, before joining a small road leading into Sandford. Following the gently rising road out of Sandford, the route then heads across country to join an access road back to the Avon Water and the footbridge. This walk provides, on a clear day, glorious views over the surrounding countryside.
Getting there from Glasgow: 28 miles / 38 minutes
From Cresswell Street take your favourite route onto the M8 (westward), cross the Kingston Bridge and exit at Junction 20 to join the M74 (southwards). Exit the M74 at Junction 8 and take the A71 (westwards) to Strathaven. Park at the northern carpark of Strathaven Park (off George Allan Place) in Strathaven – OS Reference NS 697 450. There are toilets available in John Hastie Park.
The Walk: Spectacle E’e Falls (6.5 miles/10km)
From the car park, cross Strathaven Park (which, according to maps, comprises Strathaven Park, George Allan Park and John Hastie Park). This area is collectively known as Strathaven park. Pass the boating pond and bowling green and exit left onto Lethame Road. At the traffic lights, cross straight over into Common Green and then left into Bridge Street. Turn right over the old bridge, crossing the Powmillon Burn, and cross Kirk Street into Todshill Street. Continue into Avon View and then turn right into Newton Road. Continue through an area of housing and then onto a country road. At the fork in the road go left on a single-track road and follow this until it meets the B7086. Cross the B7086 and go uphill until a finger post on the right, indicates a route to the Spectacle E’e Falls. Continue past this until a gravel track leads off to the right. Follow this track and at the junction turn right. Continue slightly downhill until a small path leads off to the right. Follow this until it meets a slighter larger path. Turn left and go down hill to the footbridge over the Avon Water.
Cross the footbridge and turn right to follow a narrow, uneven path along the side of the Kype Water. This rising path passes the Falls (a minor diversion from the main path). Take time to enjoy the views of the falls before rejoining the main path. Continue the climb to the top of the gorge looking out for the Kype Water below. At the top of the climb, cross a field and exit it through a gate/style. Turn right into Waterside Street, passing the old mill, and continue into Sandford. At the junction turn left into Sandford Road and follow the road as it gently climbs. At a finger post on the left (Waukmill), go through the gate and follow a broad path by a copse of trees. At the bottom of the copse cross a style and turn left into a narrow lane/path which, after a short distance, exits onto the bend of a small road. Turn right and gently descend to the Avon Water. The road passes around the front of a large bungalow, complete with ducks and duck pond. Continue past the garage and through the gate to join a small path that tracks the course of the river on the east side. At the footbridge, which was crossed on the way out, cross the river again but this time, turn right to follow the course of the river on the west bank. After a short distance this path curves left and ascends a short hill to join the farm track used on the outward journey. At the B7086, turn right and follow this road back into Strathaven. Immediately before Kirk Street turn right to descend wooden steps. Note the remains of Strathaven Castle high above. The walkway exits onto a small road which joins Stonehouse Road. Cross the road, and enter Bridge Street before turning right into Waterside Street. At the green, cut left (noting The Waterside), cross a grassy area, and then turn right onto the A723. Follow this road until Holm Street and turn left to re-enter Strathaven Park. Head north, past the Strathaven Miniature Railway, to end the walk at the car park.
This walk starts in the Maryhill Road in the west end of Glasgow and, after passing Mackintosh’s Ruchill Church Hall, joins the nearby branch canal. Heading north on the towpath, towards Stockingfield Junction, there will be time for a short diversion to the lookout in Stockingfield Park. The route then crosses the canal on the new footbridge to join the Forth & Clyde Canal. From here it is plain sailing along the canal towards Lambshill and the Possil Loch nature reserve. Passing Bishopbriggs and Cadder, the walk ends in Kirkintilloch before a return journey to the city by bus.
Starting Point for the Walk:
At the corner of Maryhill Road/Shakespeare Street by Tesco Extra – OS Reference NS 571 683. Toilets are available in Tesco.
Getting there: 1.5 miles / 6 minutes
Directions from Cresswell Street, Glasgow.
From Cresswell Street turn right into Byres Road and then left onto Great Western Road. Turn right into Kirklee Road, cross the River Kelvin, and turn left into Garrioch Road. There is pre-booked parking available at Tesco (turn right after Contin Place). This costs £6.25 from Park with Horizon Parking . There is also a small car park adjacent to Ruchill Parish Church halls (in Shakespeare Street near the canal). From Garrioch Road turn right into Maryhill Road and then turn left into Shakespeare Street.
The Walk: Maryhill to Kirkintilloch (7.5 miles/12km)
From Tesco Extra on Maryhill Road, cross Maryhill Road at the traffic lights and walk up Shakespeare Street to the Glasgow Branch of the Forth and Clyde Canal, passing the hall to Ruchill Parish Church designed by CR Mackintosh. Turning west under Ruchill Street bridge continue along the towing path to Stockingfield Junction and over the new footbridge. Take a short diversion here to the lookout in Stockingfield Park.
Returning to the towing path head northeast towards Lambhill and pass the former stables for barge towing horses. From here it is a short distance along the towpath to the entrance to Possil Loch Nature Reserve. It is possible to walk around the reserve, but the path is far from the loch and is close to the busy Balmore Road. Continue along the towpath and pass a lookout over the loch. Leaving the lookout, it is another short distance to the nature reserve exit. At this point the canal is straight for quite a long stretch – a time for conversation.
Continue on the towpath until Farm Bridge, passing Bishopbriggs Leisuredrome on the opposite side of the canal. The next place on this walk is Cadder with its Roman history – the site of a Roman Fort and the Antonine Wall with a commanding view to the north and the heathens that lived there. After leaving Cadder walk under the Hungryside Bridge (the road to Torrance) and continue onwards until the Glasgow Bridge where The Stables restaurant is located.
After refreshments, those walkers continuing to Kirkintilloch can walk the final 1.5 miles into the town. The towpath passes the Millenium Bridge and the Southbank Marina to the Townhead Bridge. From there it is a short distance to the bus stop on Catherine Street. The express X85 or X87 buses leave for Buchanan Street Bus Station every quarter hour (journey time about 35 minutes).
Those wanting to return to Glasgow Buchanan Street from The Stables can catch an 89 bus from the stop across the Glasgow Road from The Stables. Buses leave at 19 and 59 minutes past the hour (journey time about 40 minutes).
Note: Times and bus services correct at May 2025.
