Lennoxtown to Kirkintilloch (7 miles)
The branch railway from Kirkintilloch to Aberfoyle finally closed in 1964 and the route now forms part of the John Muir Way as far as the village of Strathblane. The flat tarmac makes for easy walking over its seven miles but a lack of public transport connecting the places en route means it's practical to split the path in two and do the return legs on foot. Start at Station Road in Lennoxtown and skirt the football pitch to gain access to the old railway. The Kirkintilloch direction is signed and we soon have nice views of open countryside and distant hills. No trace of Lennoxtown station remains but it's an entirely different story just down the line. We first meet lengthy mossy platforms before encountering a pleasant scene beyond the road bridge.
The local community have put in a power of work to transform the abandoned Milton of Campsie station into an attractive rest area for walkers, with bench seating and flower beds. Be sure to check out Billy the Train! A coffee shop offers refreshments. Continue on your way and note the truncated viaduct that carried the old Kilsyth to Glasgow line over the route you are following. Cross the River Kelvin into Dunbartonshire and stroll to the end of the formal tarred path, where a McDonald's is situated. You now have the option of walking the half mile into Kirkintilloch town centre or simply turning back towards Lennoxtown.
