East Dunbartonshire: Trails, Roman Sites and Art

The John Muir Way runs through East Dunbartonshire, including Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie, Kirkintilloch and Twechar. This 134-mile coast-to-coast route connects Helensburgh in the west with Dunbar in the east. Its route therefore extends well beyond the towns in the area. The Thomas Muir Heritage Trail offers a different scale: this 18 km route can be completed on foot or by bicycle, either in full or in sections. Between Clachan of Campsie and Kirkintilloch, it follows the Strathkelvin Railway Path.

Walking, Cycling and Greenways

For a shorter loop, the Craigdhu Way runs for 3 km around Kilmardinny Loch and its nature reserve; the route is suitable for walking and cycling. Around Milngavie and the Craigmaddie Reservoirs, there are routes for walking, running and cycling. The East Dunbartonshire Walking and Cycling Map highlights 17 routes of varying lengths and places of interest in the area. Check the current edition of the map and trail conditions before setting out.

At Mugdock Country Park, trails connect 270 hectares of woodland, moorland and heathland. You can walk to Mugdock Castle, which overlooks Mugdock Loch. The Courtyard has a visitor centre, gift shop, cafés, a gallery and a garden centre; as facilities may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

Lennox Forest can be accessed directly from Lennoxtown. Circular routes are suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding. You may also spot crossbills and deer there; sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. Access and trail conditions may change. The towpaths along the Forth and Clyde Canal in East Dunbartonshire are suitable for walking, cycling, running, wheelchair use and scootering. Access is weather-dependent.

Roman History on Your Doorstep

The Antonine Wall ran through what is now East Dunbartonshire and once formed the north-western frontier of the Roman Empire. Bar Hill is the highest of the forts along the Wall. Today, you can see the fort platform, the east gate, and the remains of the headquarters building and bathhouse. The fort is open year-round and free to visit; check visitor information before setting off. Bar Hill is signposted from the main road in Twechar. Access is via a farm track and path about 0.5 km long. The Go Roman app offers a digital reconstruction of the fort and 3D models of artefacts excavated along the Antonine Wall.

In Bearsden, the site of the Roman bathhouse is signposted from Bearsden Cross and lies about 600 metres down Roman Road. The excavated remains of the bathhouse and a latrine block are within the fort annexe. The well-preserved bathhouse and latrine offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the soldiers stationed along the Antonine Wall. As details about the route and access should be checked before travelling, allow some time to prepare for your visit.

Peel Park includes the site of a Roman fort on the Antonine Wall and the earthworks of a medieval castle. Preserved foundations of the Wall lie within a fenced enclosure. You can walk around the foot of the castle mound to reach the best-preserved section of the dry moat that remains there. This brings Roman and medieval traces together in one part of the park without confusing the two periods.

Art, Museums and Special Places

In Milngavie, Lillie Art Gallery presents exhibitions and paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and ceramics from its collection. It is directly opposite the railway station, close to the town centre and the start of the West Highland Way. This long-distance trail runs for 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William. The gallery and the start of the trail make Milngavie a good place to visit if art and walking are part of your trip. Exhibitions change over time.

Auld Kirk Museum displays objects and works of local, national and international significance. The Auld Kirk is a Category A-listed building and is among Kirkintilloch's most notable and oldest sites. Those interested in art and history will find a range of subjects here, from collections with a broad scope to a specific historic building.

The area also has smaller, themed trails. Milton of Campsie Fairy Woods features fairies, fly agarics, fairy houses, woodland animals and numerous fairy doors; its appearance depends on local upkeep. The Gruffalo Trail at Kilmardinny Loch near Bearsden has seven carved wooden figures and is listed as a free family activity. The trail has reopened; check that it is available before your visit.

Planning Your Stay

The larger towns in East Dunbartonshire are connected by rail to Glasgow and Edinburgh. As timetables may change, check current services if you plan to travel by train. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: trails and scenery, Roman sites, or art and museums. Make a note of the places that matter to you and base your further plans on your specific destinations and current visitor conditions.

Discover more destinations: Lennoxtown, Bearsden, Campsie Glen, Bishopbriggs, Balgrochan, Milngavie.

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