Milngavie | Walks

Milngavie to Glasgow (10 miles)

The Dunbartonshire town of Milngavie is well-known among walkers for being the starting point of the West Highland Way. Our route is slightly less ambitious, following the course of two rivers over 10 miles into Glasgow. Pick up the Allander Walkway on the A81 and almost immediately we pass by Murray Park - the training headquarters of Rangers FC. After a couple of miles the Allander Water joins the River Kelvin and we now follow the Kelvin Walkway. It has to be said that the path along these early stages isn't always well maintained and wooden staircases and stiles are in varying states of repair. Still, it's straightforward to navigate.

In the pleasant rural surroundings, it's hard to believe we are just a matter of miles from Scotland's largest city. Things get a little tricky after we pass Glasgow Golf Club and a riding school for the disabled. We have to leave the river as it flows through industrial, science, university and sporting complexes. Resist the temptation at this point to follow the rough unmarked path alongside the Kelvin and behind the industrial units as it leads to a dead end after half a mile.

Proceed down Caldercuilt Road and hook back up with the A81 at Maryhill Station. Walk as far as the Maryhill canal locks and two options present themselves. You can reconnect with the Kelvin Walkway at the spectacular aquaduct and head down past the Botanic Gardens. The route is clearly defined and signposted. Upon reaching Great Western Road you can hop on the subway for the city centre or travel a few stops to Partick where trains take you back to Milngavie. You could also follow the walkway as far as the Kelvingrove Museum.

Another route to the city centre is to follow the canal at Maryhill towards Stockingfield Junction and then take the Port Dundas branch of the waterway to its terminus near Cowcaddens. Trains from Queen Street bring you back to Milngavie. Why not break the return journey by alighting at Hillfoot and walking 500 yards along Roman Road to see the remains of the Antonine Wall bath house in Bearsden?

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