Despite its popularity, proximity to Glasgow, and compact size this is a delightful walk. It’s easy to get to, has parking nearby and the walk by the White cart river is both beautiful and full of surprises. Its about 5-6 miles long.

Getting there

Take your usual route onto M77 towards Kilmarnock. Leave the M77 at Exit 3 (A727) and go left at the lights. Continue over the Speirsbridge Roundabout. Note: approach in the left line and as that splits keep right so you end in the middle lane at the entrance to the roundabout. Continue ahead (Rouken Glen Road) and over the Eastwood Toll Roundabout (still the A727). At the Clarkston Toll Roundabout take the first exit (B767) which goes tightly over the railway. Take the first right into a public car park by Clarkston Library.

The Walk

From the car park head towards the Library and the path that rises to meet Stamperland Hill. Turn left. At the junction with Stamperland Gardens (opposite a church) turn right and then take the first left (Orchy Drive). Turn right into The Oval and continuing round, take the first road on the right and then turn left onto Randolph Drive. Continue for 200m and turn right down a short path between properties. At the end, turn right onto Nethervale Avenue. At the end of the road turn right (Netherview Road) for 150m and take a narrow pathway between houses on the left. This goes down to the White Cart River. At the bottom of this descending path turn left and follow a pleasant path with the river on the right. Continue until the White Bridge but keep on the main path – do not cross the bridge. The sound of a waterfall will increasingly be heard from the right. After about 250m take the path downwards to the right to follow the river more closely. There are views of the waterfall here. Continue on this path and when it joins the main path turn right. Continue past Holmwood House (National Trust) and cross Millholm Road. The next section towards Snuff Mill Bridge, is undulating (and can be muddy when wet or after rainfall) and involves a number of short ‘stairways’. There is no rush, take them at your own pace. At Snuff Mill Bridge there are beautiful views of the river. On approaching the bridge turn right and cross the river. After 75m turn right again into Linn Park – it is signed at the entrance railings. The walk now follows a broad tarmacadam path back to the White Bridge although there is a more attractive path (again muddy when wet) which runs closer to the river. At the White Bridge turn left and retrace your steps to the car park.

This is a very respectable walk along the Antonine Wall worthy of its bigger brother further south. It includes some of Dullatur, Bar Hill Fort, Westerwood, Castlecary, Seabegs Wood, Croy Hill, the Antonine Wall and the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Starting Point:
Park at OS Reference NS 720 768 which is the rear car park at the Boathouse Restaurant.

Auchinstarry, Scotland, United Kingdom

Getting there: 16 miles/30 minutes
Take your favourite route to the M80. Exit at Junction 4A, using the left hand lane to exit towards Kirkintilloch/Kilsyth /B8048. Keep left and follow signs for Kirkintilloch/Kilsyth /B8048/B802. At Back O’ Hill roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto B8048. At the next roundabout (Craiglinn) take the 3rd exit (continuing on B8048) and at the next roundabout (Blackwood) take the 3rd exit onto B802 (Howe Road) signed Croy/Kilsyth. Stay on this road for about 1.5 miles. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit for Auchinstarry Marina. The Boathouse is on the left. Park behind the Boathouse; there is plenty of parking.

The Walk: 7.0 miles (Shorter option available)
Take the path up behind the toilets and go through a gate onto the road. Turn right to cross the bridge and take the path down to the canal on the right. At the canal turn right to go under the bridge. Follow the canal path and at Twechar turn left over the canal and follow the road up hill. Just past the war memorial turn left (signed Barhill Fort/Antonine Wall /John Muir Way) where a track goes uphill. Keep right where it forks and turn left at the kissing gate (with John Muir Way sign). Pass through the next gate and head diagonally uphill to reach the remains of Bar Hill Roman Fort.

After exploring the fort continue ENE (from the top of the fort), to pick up a grassy path that soon climbs to the top of Castle Hill. This is the site of an iron-age fort. Continue on the grassy path, which curves slightly right, to join the edge of the ditch of the Antonine Wall which was built by the Romans as a northern replacement of Hadrian’s Wall. Passing an area of forestry on the right, continue until a stone wall (with a sign about the wall) and turn right. Shortly after turn left along a track. At a gate continue ahead and, likewise, at a later junction.

Anyone wanting a shorter walk can descend the footpath marked on the OS map to Auchinstarry.

At the B802, cross the road and go straight ahead. Turn right at a fenced enclosure, following a surfaced track for a short distance, then turn left after a gate signed Croy Hill. The track becomes a grassy path and ascends steadily to the summit of Croy Hill with great views of the surrounding land. The final steep climb can be by-passed on the left. Descend down the ridge, with the ditch still on the left, through a group of four large isolated trees, past a waymark for the John Muir trail and continue to a good path turning left towards to Castlecary. Ignore a good path on the right which goes steeply down to the canal and continue on the path as it curves round to the left and pick up the signs to Auchinstarry. The path arrives at the canal bank and hence to the Marina.

Another saunter in Almondell Country Park

This is another figure-of-eight walk around the glorious country park of Almondell.

Starting Point

Livingston, Scotland, United Kingdom

Getting to the park is very simple and should take about 50 minutes from Glasgow. Leave Glasgow on the M8 heading east towards Edinburgh and stay put for about 30 miles until JUNCTION 3 (not Junction 3A which you come to first) where you leave on the left to take the A899 to Livingston (and West Calder). You swing around the slip road, back over the motorway and come to the roundabout with a whalebone structure in the centre. Take the first exit down the main Livingston dual carriageway but after 800 yards take the road to the left sign-posted Pumpherston and Uphall Stations. (There are a pile of Livingstone estate names – ignore these!). You come down to a main road where you turn left and at the roundabout also take the first exit on to Houston Road and the Houston Industrial Estate. At the traffic lights, go straight on – now sign-posted for the Country Park.

Go past a new housing estate and then travel about a mile along an increasingly countrified road to a cross-roads. There’s a big sign to Broxburn pointing left, a country road straight on but the sign for Almondell Country park is hidden until you’ve actually turned right! Drive down this single-track country estate road till you come to the Estate Entrance. Go past the North car-park, through the two-pillared Estate entrance, and down the drive past the Visitors’Centre. There are toilets here – and for once, we’ll have coffee!

The walk: First Half 3.25 miles

Go down to the river’s edge and turn right along the river to the magnificent Nasmyth Bridge which you cross, taking the main drive up to the South Car Park. Here  turn right for a short distance and then re-enter the park to walk through open farm land to the Camps Viaduct and the wonderful views of the River Almond below. Instead of taking the steps down , continue along what was an old miners’ path for about 0.7 miles, turning left at a junction of paths, through a gate and continuing through open farmland. This takes you along Powies’ Path (a track) to good steps back down to the main path in the Country Park. Turn left here picking up the canal feeder (see Second Half). Go under the viaduct and through a curious structure to protect walkers from anything falling from aloft. Cross a bridge over the River Almond with the canal feeder under the footway. A good path takes you back to Nasmyth Bridge and the Visitors’ Centre where you might have lunch.

The Walk cont: Second Half 3 – 4 miles.

After lunch go back down to the river and turn left to the Mandella Swing Bridge. A short, steep climb takes you up to the canal feeder again. This is a flat walk, in good condition, with lovely views across the River Almond and with the water running along beside you There are several stiles and one short very muddy stretch.

The path brings you to a set of steps which are in the care of Edinburgh Council  and difficult. If you prefer, you can cross the canal feeder at the sluice gate before this and climb up past a caravan site to West Clifton. The track emerges at Clifton Road where you turn left, At the junction turn left again and walk along a country road.  At an obvious sign-post gusset take the left track and it will by-pass the difficult steps and take you to  the Lin Mill Aqueduct,  with magnificent views across the valley.

If you want to go under the canal to the other side, either return to a path sloping down or go down the stone steps (with a rail) immediately beside the stone wall of the canal. Then go under the canal and at some very tall gates, go up the stone steps on the right to bring you to the other side. Come back the same way – whichever way you choose although the difficult steps and more difficult going down!

To get home, go back up the main drive to the entrance, turn left and go back the way you came to the Houston Interchange. Go straight on following blue signs to the M8 to Edinburgh and Glasgow. At the slip road on the left, signposted M8, just on the bend, watch for traffic coming from the right, and again on the dual carriageway. You don’t have right of way. Come back to the roundabout with the whalebone structure and take the second left to the M8 to Glasgow.

The walk starts at Helix Park, just north of Falkirk, and after passing The Kelpies takes to the south side of the River Carron westwards towards the site of the old Carron Iron Works. The walk is about 8 miles and mainly flat.

Near Mungal the route crosses to the north bank of the river and picks up a cycle path along a disused waterway. Near Camelon the route re-crosses the River Carron and traverses a cemetery before joining the Forth & Clyde Canal for the return journey to the start point.

Starting Point:

OS Reference NS 904 814 which is the first car park at Helix Park.

Falkirk, Scotland, United Kingdom

Getting there: 30 miles/41 minutes

Take your favourite route out of Glasgow towards the M80 (Stirling).  Exit M80 onto M876 (Falkirk).  Continue on M876 and join M9 (Edinburgh).  Leave the M9 at Junction 6 (just past the Kelpies on the right) onto A905 (Falkirk).  At the traffic lighted junction approach in the left hand lane and turn right, then get in the middle lane.  At Earl’s Gate Roundabout turn right (A904 Falkirk) going under the M9. On exiting the roundabout move to the right hand lane and continue to the Westfield Roundabout.  Turn right onto the A9.  At the Etna Road Roundabout turn right into Helix Park.  The free car park is on the left.  Toilet facilities are at the Kelpies Information Centre where there is a café. 

The walk, which is essentially flat, starts from the car park and heads towards the Kelpies.  Head for the right side of the Kelpies and follow the path over the canal and skirt the sewage works before enjoying a good path through woodland and wetland – the River Carron is on the right.  After crossing the Bainsford Burn there is a crossroad of paths.  

For a 3 mile walk turn left and follow the path south through woodland eventually exiting onto Abbots Road close to a roundabout.  Cross the A9 using the underpass and continue down an unnamed road.  At the canal turn left and rejoin the main route^ø.

Continue straight on and past some artworks.  The path then resumes it way adjacent to the River Carron before skirting some habitation and heading into Cobblebrae Community Woodland.  Exit the woodland and take the underpass (under the Carron Road), past a place of worship, and at the bridge turn right.  

For a 5 mile walk turn left (Stenhouse Road) then after a short distance merge right onto Carron Road (B902).  Continue down Carron Road and into Main Street and at Bainsford turn left onto the canal towpath and rejoin the main route^ø.  

Having crossed the River Carron turn immediately left onto a small road.  This is still used so take care.  Continue past the Carron Phoenix works and take a gently rising path to the right.  For a loop around the Carron Dams bare right and downhill off the tarmac path. This optional extension adds 1 mile to the walk.  The path is generally good but includes sections of netted boardwalk.  Exit the Carron Dams loop by climbing a flight of steps and turning right to rejoin the main path.  Continue on this path as it follows the route of an overgrown lade.  When the path meets a narrow lane turn left.  After about 500 metres cross the bridge onto the south side of the River Carron and follow the tarmac path as it swings to the left – playing fields are on the right.  At the top corner turn left and take the inclined walkway up to the cemetery. Head towards the south-east corner of the cemetery and follow the Exit signs.  At the cemetery entrance turn briefly left, cross Dorrator Road and head up the lane opposite, past the Rugby Football Club and onto the grass (with the playing field on the left) and then go slightly downhill to join another tarmac path.  Turn left on joining the path and follow it to the main road (A9).  Cross the road using the protected crossing area and head for the minor road which is only a short distance away.  Turn right and just before the Clyde & Forth Canal turn left onto the towpath.  Follow this for about 4km, passing Bainsford^ø, until reaching Helix Park.  Cross the canal and head back towards the car park or for a more interesting end to the walk, cross the access road and take the broad boardwalk pass the ponds back to the car park.

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. 

This walk from Prestwick to Barassie takes you along the seashore with views of the Clyde coast and reminds you that in years gone by, such an outing as this would have been a welcome opportunity for families from Glasgow to take the sea air! The walk will start on the seafront and follows the Ayrshire Coastal Path.  The walk is flat and approximately 9 miles with opportunities along the way for an ice-cream or a cuppa.

Starting Point:
The starting point is at OS Reference NS 345 263 which is the Links Road Car Park, Prestwick opposite the 2nd flight of steps to the dune path. This is adjacent to the old swimming pool (now a play area).

Getting there: 35 miles/50 minutes
Take your favourite route out of Glasgow to join the M8 and then the M77 (Kilmarnock/Prestwick Airport). Continue onto A77 at Fenwick. At the Dutch House Roundabout, take 3rd exit onto A78 (Irvine/Prestwick) and at the next roundabout (Monktonhead) take 2nd exit onto A79 (Prestwick Airport). Continue on the A79 (passing two more roundabouts) and at the Shawfarm Roundabout take the 3rd exit continuing on A79 (Ayr/Prestwick). At the traffic lights in Prestwick turn right towards the seafront (Station Road). Pass Prestwick Town Station (on the right), go under the bridge and at the bottom of the road (observing the toilets on the right) go right towards the parking area. Parking & toilets are free.

The Walk: Prestwick to Barassie – 8.3 miles (other routes [2.7 miles to 10.5 miles] also available)
This walk mainly follows the Ayrshire Coastal Path (ACP) along or near the dunes/shoreline.

Starting from the car park, climb the second set of steps and turn left to join the path that leads to the dunes. The sea will be on the left and the golf course on the right. At a junction of paths with directional arrows to left and right (both for the ACP) continue onwards through the dunes on the path that bears and climbs slightly right. The practice area of the golf course will now be on the right. The sandy path takes a loop around the headland returning with the Pow Burn on the left. Depending on the state of the tides there is the option to paddle across the Pow Burn close to where it joins the sea. To do this descend through the dunes to the seashore and turn right. NOTE: Walkers choosing to do this do so entirely at their own risk!

If you want to keep your feet dry continue on the loop emerging onto the golf practice area and bearing left onto an obvious grass path. At the gravel path turn left [1] (now the ACP) and cross the Pow Burn. Close to the entrance to the Holiday Park go through a kissing gate and turn left. The tarmac drive leads into a grass path. Go through a gate and onto another sandy path with another golf course on the right. This path emerges onto the seashore where those undertaking a paddle should be waiting. Continue along the seashore until the southern outskirts of Troon. Join the promenade for the walk into Troon – part of it is sheltered from a westerly breeze. Toilets 20p. (End the route at Troon Station for a 4.8 mile walk). Continue round South Bay and at Port Ronnald climb the grass bank for excellent views over the Firth of Clyde and Glennon Brothers Group (timber processing). Follow Port Ranald Drive and North Shore Road round North Bay. After entering an extensive grass area return to the seashore and turn right. At the Barassie Burn turn right and at the cycle path turn left and follow it to its end opposite Hillhouse Road. Continue up the road, under the bridge [2] and turn right into Barassie Station. Return to Prestwick Town by train from Platform 2.

Options:

[1] For a 2.7 mile walk, turn right at this point (also the ACP) and follow this back into and across the dunes (passing the directional signs previously encountered) and at the seashore turn left. Join the promenade and return to the car park.

[2] For a 10.5 mile walk, ignore the station and continue under the second bridge and into Adam’s Gate. Cross B746 (Kilmarnock Road) at the lights and turn right. As the street path rises take the downward path on the left. It soon turns left to parallel the railway. Continue past Marr College to the junction with A759 (Dundonald Road) and turn right. Take the first left into Harling Drive and continue to Troon Station. Return to Prestwick Town by train.