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.

Starting at the Strathclyde Country Park this walk follows the course of the Clyde to the RSPB Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve near Motherwell. After passing the Reserve, with the river on the right, the planned route enters the Dalzell Estate. There are many interesting things to see, and time will allow for views of Dalzell House (privately owned), the Japanese Garden, and Sow Bridge.Passing the RSPB Reserve again, this time on the landward side, the route rejoins the Clyde Walkway for the return trip.

Starting Point for the Walk:

Watersports Centre car park at Strathclyde Country Park – OS Reference NS 731 565.  Café and toilets are available in the Centre.

Getting there: 16 miles / 23 minutes

Take your favourite route out of Glasgow onto the M74 (South).  Exit M74 at Junction 6 onto A723 (Motherwell / Wishaw) and keep to left-hand lane until traffic lights.  Turn left into Strathclyde Country Park and take the first turning on the left towards the Watersports Centre.  Continue just past the Centre and turn right into the Watersports Centre car park.

The Walk:  Clyde Valley and Dalzell Estate (6 miles/10km)

The walk starts from the Watersports Centre car park, passes the Centre and continues through another car park which was passed on the way towards the Centre.  Exit this small car park and at a fork in the path bear right and continue under the road bridge to join the Clyde Walkway going south.  The path deviates briefly into a housing estate before returning towards the river via a signed route through woodland.  A cemetery lies to the left after which the path widens before going under an impressive railway viaduct.

From the railway viaduct, continue onward, and where the path splits, bear right.  Following this path, go through a metal gate before reaching a flood prevention scheme.  Descend the bank, cross a flat area, and ascend the bank on the far side.  The Barons Haugh Nature Reserve lies to the left.  Passing the Centenary Bird Hide, through another metal gate, and then passed another bird hide, the path descends to a bench facing the River Clyde.  At the Information Board turn left heading inland beside the Dalzell Burn until a sign for the Dalzell Estate.  Turn left, cross the burn, and then turn immediately right.  At the next fork, turn left and ascend some steps.  Keep the railings to the right and continue until a broad path.  At this point, turn left and follow the path until two sculpted wooden benches.

Continue on this path until it reaches a road.  Look to the right for views of Dalzell House, but turn left and pass a Japanese garden to the right.  Pause to look around.  Next, cross the Sow Bridge and turn right following the path until the top end of a horse paddock.  Turn left and follow a path through the woods, taking a left fork when the path splits.  On reaching a road, cross it and take the path opposite.  At this point there is a car park to the right.

Follow this path, with fields to the right and paths leading off to bird hides on your left.  Barons Haugh Nature Reserve is again on the left.  On the termination of a fence on the left, take the path leading off to the left.  Continue until a metal gate on the left (this is one of the metal gates passed on the outward part of the walk).  Turn right, and retrace the route back to the starting point of the walk.

This walk traces the Antonine Wall, an old stone and turf rampart, that was once the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. It was built about 142 AD on the orders of Emperor Antoninus Pius. It stretched 60km from Bo’ness in the east to Old Kilpatrick in the west.

The route passes the remains of a fort and bathhouse on Bar Hill, where a large collection of coins was found when the site was excavated, suggesting it was also something of a gambling den.

The route continues through woodland to Croy Hill before a meandering return along one of the most scenic stretches of the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Starting Point for the Walk:

The car park opposite The Boat House at Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth (G65 9SG) – OS Reference NS 721 767.  Parking is free.  Toilets available in the hotel.

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 2^nd exit onto B8048.  At the next roundabout (Craiglinn) take the 3^rd exit (continuing on B8048) and at the next roundabout (Blackwood) take the 3^rd exit onto B802 signed Croy/Kilsyth.  Stay on this road for about 1.5 miles.  At the next roundabout take the 3^rd exit for Auchinstarry Marina.  Park on the right, opposite The Boat House.

The Walk:  Bar Hill and Antonine Wall – 6.6 miles (11 km)  (Shorter options available)

Starting at The Boat House, follow the path in a northerly direction, cross the canal via the road bridge, and turn left through the black and white barrier to pick up the canal towpath.  This gives a pleasant tree lined walk for 2 miles to Twechar.  On reaching the village turn left over the road bridge (over the canal) into Main Street and follow the John Muir Way (JMW).  At an Historic Scotland sign on the left (near the Barrhill Tavern), turn left up a rough farm track which leads to the Bar Hill Fort.  The track rises gently for 1km, giving good views down to the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Kilsyth Hills.

At an old disused reservoir on the right, turn left through a gate on the left and follow the path gently uphill.  The remains of the Roman Fort and Bathhouse are over the brow of the hill.  Looking down the hill at its commanding views, the Antonine Wall lies about 60 metres away.  This was the northern frontier of the Roman Empire for around 20 years before the legion retreated south.  Artefacts from the fort and the wall can be seen in the Glasgow University Hunterian Museum.

From the fort, continue on a steep track that leads to a small Iron Age fort and trig point on Castle Hill.  Again, there are great views over the valley to the Campsie Fells.  Next, continue eastwards on a descending path along the line of the Antonine Wall picking up a track which goes through gates to join the main Auchinstarry to Croy Road*¹.  Cross the road and through a gate (continuing on the JMW), then through a field to a small substation.  Next, turn right through a green metal gate*² and follow the signs, on the left, to Croy.  The path leads eastwards passing houses on the right.  Next, climb Croy Hill and enjoy views over the valley, the Kilsyth Hills and the Campsie Fells.  Further on, take the central track that goes between the two mini peaks and carry on along the path until the Roman Centurian Statue.  Then take the path to the right that leads downhill to the canal.  Cross the canal and leave the JMW by turning left (westward) onto the towpath leading back to Auchinstarry.

Those wanting a shorter walk, can either turn left at the Auchinstarry to Croy road^*1 and descend via the road to Auchinstarry (4 miles) or take the track back to Auchinstarry^*2 on a less direct route (4.6 miles) .

It is essential that the Queen Elizabeth Forest Drive will be open  for this walk (April to October). The Forest Drive allows cars to journey deep into the forest and to explore Loch Drunkie. Although most of the trees are evergreen,  the deciduous trees on this walk are stunning in any season.

Park at the Visitors’  Lodge (FK8 3SX) in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. To get there make your way to Aberfoyle probably on the A809 and A81. At the end of the village, swing sharp right to climb steeply up on the A821. When you see the signs for GO APE turn in right.  Park as close as you can to the Visitors’ Centre and purchase a £5 ticket per car. This covers parking all day and the £3 entrance to the Forest Drive. The Lodge offers coffee, cakes,  snack meals and toilets.

Set off from the front of the Lodge following a wide gentle track (with white, green, red and blue markers). Look out for the memorial (statue and plaque) to the ‘Lumber-jills’ who worked the forest during two world wars producing the supports for trenches. A little further, take the track on your right with green and orange markers. This good path winds around and down through the forest to a typical highland river, the Allt a’ Mhangan, with peaty waters tumbling over rocks and leading to a magnificent waterfall. After oohing and aahing over this  return a few steps to cross a bridge and make your way to a hide to watch red squirrels quarrelling over peanuts. Coming back across the bridge,  turn right to the waterfall and pick up a path on the left which leads miraculously back to the Visitors’ Lodge! And all this in less than two easy miles!

Back at the cars and drive out of the Visitors’ Centre, turning right up and over the Duke’s Pass. Drive for just over 1.5 miles, climbing steadily and passing a cottage at a sharp corner. Turn right into the Forest Drive (signposted) and follow the instructions in the forest. Ignore the payment meter and follow the drive for about 3 miles. When you are driving along the edge of Loch Drunkie you are almost there. Park at the large carpark where there are toilets.

The second walk begins on a good track besides Loch Drunkie. It winds around the Loch edge and just before the Fishermen’s car-park, a path leads down to a glorious promontory. A second path takes you back on to the forest drive for a short stretch before you dive back into the forest once more to emerge at the dam across the northern end of Loch Drunkie. A new path continues down to the shores of Loch Venachar. Here  turn left and follow the Forest Drive back to the Fishermen’s carpark. From here  retrace your steps to the cars. (Distance, about 4.0 miles).

This circular walk of approximately 6 miles starts at the car park next to the new Helensburgh Leisure Centre. The route winds its way up past The Hill House (of Charles Rennie Mackintosh fame) and then along The Upland Way behind Helensburgh coming out at Rhu. After lunch on the shore near the Rosslea Hotel  a return along the promenade from Rhu to the starting point.

Starting Point for the Walk:

The car park at Helensburgh Leisure Centre (9 West Clyde Street G84 8SQ) – OS Reference NS 295 821.  Parking is free.  There are regular train services to Helensburgh Central Station – travel time 65 minutes.  There are also regular bus services to Helensburgh.  The train station is a few minutes walk from the leisure centre.

Getting there: 24 miles/ 50 minutes

Take your favourite route onto the A82 (Great Western Road).  Follow this out towards Loch Lomond and at the Arden Roundabout turn left onto the A818 (Helensburgh).  Continue on this road straight into Helensburgh.  At the seafront the Leisure Centre should be clearly visible ahead.

The Walk:  Helensburgh-Rhu Loop – 7.5 miles (12 km)

The walk starts from the seafront at Helensburgh next to the Leisure Centre and continues up Sinclair Street.  Shortly before the road becomes Luss Road turn left onto Kennedy Drive (signed National Trust for Scotland The Hill House).  Continue along this road and turn right into Upper Colquhoun Street and pass Charles Ronnie Mackintosh’s iconic Hill House.  Continuing past the entrance to the house, heading further up Upper Colquhoun Street and into a wooded area beside Hill House car park.  Cross the car park and follow a sign (Rhu 4km) which takes a route to the left, along a track, into a mix of woodland and open ground.  This track, known as the Upland Way, provides good views across to Glen Fruin to the north and Helensburgh to the south, as well as across the Clyde to Greenock and over to the Rosneath Peninsula on the other side of Gare Loch.

After crossing open ground, the route continues through a gate and back into a large, forested area (Highlandman’s Wood).  The route follows a semi-circle through the wood eventually emerging onto the old Highlandman’s Road (now a track).  Turn right and continue down the track towards Rhu.  The track eventually becomes Station Road.  Continue down Station Road and at the junction with Pier Road turn right.  At the junction with Manse Brae turn left.  Continue down Manse Brae until it reaches the seafront next to the Rhu Inn.

At the seafront turn left onto the Gareloch Road (A814) and continue eastwards.  This route passes the Rhu Marina; HM Naval Base Clyde; the Ardencaple Hotel; Helensburgh Sailing Club; and the Helensburgh Airfield Memorial.  The walk then continues along the promenade and finishes back at the car park at the Leisure Centre.

Starting Point for the Walk:

The car park off Smuggler’s Brig Road, Crossford, South Lanarkshire – OS Reference NS 825 467.

Getting there: 25 miles/35 minutes

Take your favourite route onto the M8 (Edinburgh).  Leave the M8 at Junction 8 onto the M73 and head south for the M74 (Carlisle).  Exit the M74 at Junction 7 and turn left at the T junction onto the A72 (Lanark Road).  At the roundabout take the first exit (A71) towards the Garrion Bridge Roundabout.  At the roundabout take the third exit (second is into a private property!) onto the A72 (Lanark Road) and continue past many garden centres.  On entering Crossford the road crosses the River Nethan.  Turn left just before the Village Hall into Smuggler’s Brig Road and immediately right into a small parking area behind the Village Hall.  Parking is free.

The Walk:  Major-General William Roy – 7.8 miles (13 km)

From the car park return to the main road and turn left keeping to the narrow pavement on the left side of the road.

Turn left over the bridge (a single-track road) over the River Clyde.  There is a narrow pavement on the right side of the bridge.  Once the bridge has been crossed, re-cross the road opposite an information board and take the path down to the river to join the Clyde Walkway.

The Clyde Walkway changes elevation several times via a series of wooden steps.  Continue following the Clyde Walkway until the outskirts of the Milton-Lockhart estate.  The path then turns right through an area of woodland and rises to join the rear access road to the estate.

At Milton-Lockhart Estate the Clyde Walkway deviates inland to avoid the main house. There has been an estate here since the 14th century. In 1828 William Lockhart demolished the existing house. Sir Walter Scott gave him advice as to the best location for the new house. It was built in the Scottish Baronial Style as was the bridge which provides the main visitor entrance to the estate. In 1989 the house was purchased and moved to Japan! A new house has subsequently been built but the old bridge remains. The eagle-eyed will notice this on the way down to Crossford.

At the road turn right and leave the Clyde Walkway, and at the next junction go left.  Pass the monument to William Roy and shortly afterwards turn left onto a farm track (Raes Road).  This continues onto a well-defined track.  At an obvious junction turn right and follow a winding (often narrow) path through the tranquil Jock’s Gill.  The path criss-crosses Jock’s Burn and exits onto Station Road (Carluke) at Glenburn.  Turn right, be attentive to the traffic and keep to the right-hand side of the road.  The road rises gently before descending again.  Cross the road to the left to take a path through a stone wall into some natural wetland and follow the path to the right.  Keep taking the right turn where there is a choice, and the path emerges back onto Station Road close to its junction with Milton Road.

Turn right and then take the first left onto a quiet road which passes several farms as it descends back to Crossford.  After passing a 90° left turn, turn right and continue downwards to pass Waygateshawhead.  The road narrows near Gills as it descends more steeply.  Although the road is quiet particular care should be taken.  There is much to look at on the route, but do not be too distracted!  At Poplarglen take the path off to the right of the road.   This is, initially, a farm track providing access to some fields.  Look out for and take the protected walkway to the left of the farm track.  At this point it passes what appears to be a fortified hill.  The path then continues onto a little used track which leads back to the Clyde Walkway.  Turn left at the river and retrace your outbound steps to the car park.

A  convoluted walk around Colzeum

Getting there: about 21 miles, 40 minutes.

Park considerately in the roads around ‘The Swan Inn’ in the village of Banton where there is a small shop.

There are various ways of getting to Banton but this route gives you a feel of where you will be walking. Take the M8 east from Glasgow, then the M80 towards Stirling etc. At the sign indicating Kirkintilloch/Stepps etc turn left to a very large roundabout with traffic lights. Turn first left off the roundabout and come down to a smaller roundabout where you go straight (second exit) up Initiative Road signposted Kirkintilloch. Follow this straight road crossing all roundabouts and ignoring all exits until you come to the A803 at major traffic lights. Turn right and follow the A803 (past the road to Twechar) through Queenzieburn and Kilsyth and past the signs and gates of Colzeum Country Park. Ignore the first road on the left and take the second left (at Kelvinhead) clearly marked ‘Banton’.

The walk
Take the Mill Road almost opposite ‘The Swan’ turning right along a sign-posted path which leads to Banton Loch. This very picturesque mill-workers’ path takes you into Colzeum (pronounced Coal-zee-um) Country Park. At the junction at the end of the loch, turn right and then left  to follow a convoluted route along a canal feeder to a small bridge across the canal feeder.  The path heads up towards the main House (where the toilets at the restaurant may be open). Continue past the restaurant and up a wooded glen around a magnificent waterfall, returning through a pets’ cemetery. Turn left (vehicular – take the pedestrian path across a bridge) then left again and right to go straight down along a pedestrian path over an ancient bridge and out on to the A803. Crossing carefully, start on a vehicular road but quickly enter a gate and go past boulders, an old bath etc to a gate and footpath on the right. This goes down to the ruined Craigmarlich House and out to a car park on the Forth and Clyde Canal. Turn left here and follow the canal to a sign-posted footpath on the left up to Kelvinhead and, crossing the A803 again, up to Banton. The total distance is about 7.0 miles.