Glasgow Cowcaddens to Kelvinbridge Walk:

Time & Travel: We will catch the 10.36 a.m. train from Coatdyke train station alighting at Queen Street train station at 11 a.m. and make our way to Buchanan Subway station.

Purchase a return ticket that enables you to exit at Cowcaddens Subway station and return via Kelvinbrige Subway station. Concessionary tickets are available.

The walk will begin from Cowcaddens Subway station at 11.30 a.m.

Finish time: 4 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 7 Mile linear walk from Cowcaddens Subway station to Kelvinbridge Subway station along the Forth & Clyde canal and via Ruchill, Stockingbridge & Kelvingrove Parks.

Upon leaving the Subway station we will walk the short distance to Speaker Martins Lock and proceed along the Forth & Clyde canal. We can stop at the Gathering Ground café (behind the Scottish Canals office) for a coffee and comfort stop before proceeding to the Claypits Footbridge and by the side of Partick Thistel Football Ground.

Further along the footpath, we cross over a footbridge and upwards via the Murano Student Village to the top of Ruchill Park and the Flagpole. From this vantage point you have splendid views of Glasgow, as well as a clear panorama of the Campsie Hills to Gleniffer, Cathkin Braes, as well as a wonderful view of planes as they descend into Glasgow airport.

Next stopping point is the various artwork and sculptures on display in the Stockingfield Park. We negotiate the Stockingfiled Junction and walk briefly back along the Forth & Clyde walkway exiting onto Maryhill Road and towards an entrance gate to the Kelvin (River) Walkway. This eventually takes us into Kelvingrove Park and to the end point of the walk i.e. Kelvinbridge Sugway station underneath Great Western Road.

Footwear: Walking shoes / trainers recommended.

Pre-walk & Walk Comfort stops: Queen Street station, Gathering Ground café & Tesco Extra (Maryhill Road).

Post-walk & comfort stop: The Counting House, George Square, Glasgow

Castlecary Circular via the Antonine Wall :

Time & Travel: We will catch the #347 ‘Cumbernauld’ bus from Monklands District Hospital at 9.25 a.m. arriving 10.10 a.m. We then catch the X37 ‘Falkirk’ bus at 10.29 a.m. from the same bus stop alighting in Castlecary Hotel (10.39 a.m.). The walk will start at 11.15 from the Castlecary Hotel car park after a comfort stop at the hotel.

Return journey is the X37 ‘Cumbernauld’ bus at 3, 4 or 5 p.m. & #347 to ‘Monklands General Hospital’

Finish time: 3 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 8 Mile circular walk starting from the Castlecary Hotel car park and proceeds along the historic line of the Antonine Wall (Hadrian’s Wall | Roman History, England, UK | Britannica). We enter and exit the walk via the Roman Praetorian Guards. We circumvent Cumbernauld Airport walking through woodland paths culminating in a short road section to the turning point at the Queens of the Canal crossing.

We return on the opposite side of the Forth & Clyde canal on the NCR cycle path. Further along we cross over a canal gate and make our way slightly uphill to re-enter the route we started – eventually reaching the Roman Praetorian Guards who will welcome us home and grant us safe passage to the Castlecary Hotel.

Footwear: Walking boots/shoes recommend. Poles recommended.

Post – walk social stop: Castlecary Hotel

North Calder Heritage Trail – Drumgelloch to Coatdyke:

Time & Travel: We will catch the 10.32 a.m. train from Coatdyke train station arriving at Drumgelloch train station at 10.39 a.m. The walk will start shortly thereafter.

Finish time: 3.5 to 4 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is an 8.5 Mile circular walk starting at Drumgelloch train station and finishes at Coatdyke train station. It follows the course of the North Calder River & Monklands Canal through wooded parkland and along a canal towpath with all the associated flora and fauna (North Calder Heritage Trail – Action to Protect Rural Scotland).

There are numerous sites along the way reflecting the Monkland’s industrial heritage. Much of the walk is quite flat, but there are some steep ascents on the river section of the walk as the path rises to higher ground at bends in the watercourse. The path surfaces are generally good but after rain there may be some short muddy sections.

Comfort stops: There are no comfort stops available on this walk until the end point.

Post-walk social stop: The Horse Shoe Bar, Coatdyke (Horseshoe Bar Airdrie | Airdrie | Facebook)

Fairlie to Largs Linear :

Time & Travel: We start the walk from Fairlie Train Station, . We catch the 9.04 a.m. ‘Dalmuir’ train from Whifflet Train Station to Central Station (Platform 1) arriving 9.33 a.m. and transfer onto the 9.45 a.m. ‘Largs’ train (Platform 12) to Fairlie Train Station arriving 10.43 a.m.

Remember to book a return train ticket from Whifflet to Largs in advance of the date / time of travel. As we only have 12 minutes to walk from Platform 1 to Platform 12 there will not be enough time to stand in a queue at a ticket station at Central Station to purchase a return ticket from Whifflet/Glasgow to Largs.

Without a pre-paid ticket, you will not be allowed through the ticket gate at Platform 12. The walk from Platform 1 to Platform 12 will only take a few minutes. On the return journey, we catch the train from Largs Train Station to Glasgow Central. There are various bus and train routes which can be taken back to Coatbridge.

Finish time: 3.5 to 4 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is 7 Mile walk from Fairlie Train station to Largs walking on a mixture of primarily woodland paths, a short section of hillside road and coastal pavements. The walk steadily climbs from the train station through woodland to the top of Kelburn Estate with various stunning views of Millport & Largs.

We will then steadily make our way down the glen taking care of some steep steps on the way and emerge at The Beech Plateau within Kelburne Estate for lunch. From there we proceed along the woodland path passing Kelburn Castle & the Visitor Centre to The Pencil on the shoreline and along the seafront to Largs.

Footwear: Walking shoes / boots (if wet/muddy) and poles recommended.

Pre-walk & Walk comfort stops: Glasgow Central, on the trains & Kelburn Visitor Centre.

Post-walk social stop: Drouthy Neebors Lounge Bar (adjacent to Largs Train Station). The Drouthy Neebors Pub Restaurant in Largs

Salisbury Crags Circular, Edinburgh Walk:

Time & Travel: Meet at Coatdyke Train Station (Edinburgh line) at 10.15 a.m. We will catch the 10.32 a.m. train to Waverly Station – arriving at 11.25 a.m. We will have a coffee break at the Mews Courtyard, Holyrood Palace café prior to the commencement of the walk. The walk will start from the front of the Scottish Parliament at 12.30 p.m.

Finish time: 3.00 p.m (approx.). Mixture of pavements and hill tracks.

Recce: This is a 5.5 Mile circular walk starting from the front entrance to the Scottish Parliament Building. We will follow a route to the base of Arthurs Seat and steadily climb the Crags at a pace which is comfortable for all concerned.

At the summit (160m; 525 feet) we are rewarded with panoramic views of the city centre below, Edinburgh Castle and surrounding areas to the east and west of the city.

We will stop at the top of the Crags for a snack/lunch. At the base of the Crags we stroll along a path adjacent to the base of Arthur’s Seat – with views in the distance of the Fourth Estuary & Fife Coastline – finally, to emerge at Holyrood Palace.

Footwear: Walking shoes / boots & poles recommended.

Pre-walk Comfort Stop: Mews Courtyard, Holyrood Palace café.

Post-walk Social Stop: The Booking Office, Waverly Station.

Cardross to Balloch via the Stoneymollan Coffin Road :

Time & Travel: We will catch the ‘Helensburgh’ train from Coatdyke train station at 10.05 alighting at Cardross Train station at 11.05.

Return journey is via the ‘Airdrie’ train from Balloch Train Station situated to the left-hand side of the Tullie Inn departing at 8 min & 38 min past the hour.

Finish time: 3.5 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is the pinnacle of the 2025 Wednesday Walk programme. It is a 6 Mile linear walk from Cardross on the banks of the River Clyde to Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond.

The route follows an ancient coffin road used in the 19th Century by those living in Balloch to reach consecrated ground (Eye on Millig: The story of Helensburgh’s ‘coffin roads’) in Cardross to bury their dead at St. Mahew’s chapel (St Mahew, Cardross – Roman Catholic Church).

At the high point of the route there are stunningly breathtaking views back over the River Clyde and to the north – the islands in Loch Lomond and the hills beyond. Keep an eye on the airplanes making their downwards trajectory to Glasgow Airport. The trail then follows a pleasant route downhill to Balloch.

Footwear: Training shoes on a dry day / walking shoes or boots on a wet day. Poles recommended.

After a short comfort stop at the nearby ‘Village Hub’ (FOOD: Excellent menu at Cardross Village Hub this week), the walk will begin at 11.45.

Post – walk social stop: Tullie Inn, Balloch (Tullie Inn Balloch – Pubs in Balloch serving traditional pub food)).

Breich Water on a Braw Bricht Sunlicht Day:

Time & Travel: We catch the 10.05 a.m. ‘Edinburgh’ train from Airdrie Train Station to Livingston North Train Station arriving 10.34 a.m.

Return trains from Livingston North Train Station are every 30 min or so. The walk starts from Livingston North Train Station

Finish time: 4 to 5 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 8 Mile circular woodland and riverside walk from Livingston North Train Station to the Breich Water & Almond River Loop via the Eliburn Reservoir, Livingston Standing Stones and Almond Valley Heritage Centre.

On the journey, we will pass through a small area of plantation trees and naturally regenerating pines and birch and are eventually rewarded with a stunning view of the Five Sisters (The Five Sisters Bing – Scottish Shale). We then meander along the Almond River & Breich Water where Kingfishers, Sandpipers and Dippers can be spotted on a good day.

Alongside the Almond Valley Heritage Centre we pass through a small holding with various farm bird and animals on display. On the return journey, we cross the padlocked bridge and stop to enjoy a beverage at the historic Livingston Inn (built in 1760) in Livingston Village – before making our way back to the train station (20 min).

Footwear: Walking shoes recommended.

Pre-walk & Walk Comfort stops: On the train, discreet woodland areas or the Almond Valley Heritage Centre (but there is an entrance fee of £12!).

Post-walk social stop: Livingston Inn Livingston Inn – a historic Scottish inn with pub food and great value rooms.

Lanark & Cartland Craigs (via New Lanark):

Time & Travel: There are various options to travel to Motherwell, train from Whifflet to Motherwell at 10.03 arrive Motherwell 10.10 or JB Travel Number 42 bus from Airdrie Workingmens club 09.17 arrive Motherwell 09.49.  The 201 bus also goes to Motherwell but is a longer journey.

We will get the train at Motherwell at 10.18 arriving in Lanark at 10.44, the walk will start after a quick visit to Morrisons for a comfort stop.

NB: If using your bus travel pass for the train, these are not allowed for travelling between 4pm and 6.30pm, if anyone has a Senior Rail Card this would work out better.  There is a bus the number 41 from Lanark to Motherwell which runs every 30 minutes which we could get back if train not available during these times.

Finish time:  4 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 7 mile walk starting from Lanark Railway Station.  After a short walk down Lanark main street we head up towards Cartland Craigs in a woodland area that makes up part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.  After the woodland walk we head down to Cartland Bridge and then towards Kirkfieldbank.  The route then takes us up to Castlebank Park where we shall have a short break to enjoy the park and garden area.  We then head down towards the riverbank which takes us to New Lanark. Once leaving New Lanark we head up towards the Beeches tree line which takes us up to the main road, after which we take the quieter path behind the main street which brings the walk to a finish and back to the railway station.

There are some short steep descents and ascents which give great views over Lanark and New Lanark.  One of the paths at the beginning of the walk is slightly uneven so boots are recommended. (Wikipedia – Cartland Craigs)

Comfort stops: There are toilets at Morrisons in Lanark and also at New Lanark Heritage Centre.

Post-walk social stop: tba

Clachan of Campsie to Kirkintilloch via the Thomas Muir Heritage Trail :

Time & Travel: We will catch the 9.46 a.m. train from Coatdyke train station arriving at Queen St. station at 10.11 a.m., walk to Buchanan St. bus station and catch the X85 ‘First Express’ bus at 10.24 a.m. to Clachan of Campsie arriving 11.12 a.m.

The walk will start at 11.30 a.m. from the Clachan of Campsie Library / Health Centre (comfort stop).

Return journey is via the X85 from Freeland Place bus stop next to ‘The Kirky Puffer’ – departing at 3.27, 3.42, 3.57, 4.12 & 4.57 p.m.

Finish time: 2 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 5.5 Mile linear walk along a section of the Thomas Muir Heritage Trail from Clachan of Campsie to Kirkintilloch along the Strathkelvin Railway Path (a former branch line from the Glasgow – Edinburgh railway).

The full trail links the Campsie Fells to North Glasgow through beautiful countryside, villages and towns, visiting sites significant to Thomas Muir (Heritage Trail). A celebratory lunch and drink at the The Kirky Puffer, Kirkintilloch at the end of the walk.

Footwear: Training or walking shoes will suffice.

Post – walk social/lunch stop: The Kirky Puffer, Kirkintilloch.

Blackridge to Bathgate:

Time & Travel: We will catch the 10.36 a.m. ‘Edinburgh’ train from Coatdyke train station arriving at Blackridge train station at 10.49 a.m. Trains between Bathgate & Airdrie run every 30 minutes. We will start the walk from Blackridge Train station

Finish time: 3 hours (max).

Recce: This is 7.5 Mile linear walk from Blackridge Train Station to Bathgate Town Centre and forms part of the Airdrie to Bathgate Path. The route is a meandering and undulating footpath / cycle path and runs parallel to the extended Airdrie to Edinburgh railway line primarily via farmland.

This is an extension to the Blackridge to Caldercruix walk we did last year, albeit in the opposite direction.

Footwear: Walking trainers (if dry) or shoes / boots (if wet) as the route is prone to puddling if it has been raining.

Pre-walk comfort stop: On the train

Post-walk social stop: The Balbairdie Hotel, Bathgate