Walking and Cycling

The Strathkelvin Railway Path has been resurfaced between Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown as part of a project funded by the Council’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes allocation from Transport Scotland and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

The route - which also forms part of the National Cycle Network, John Muir Way and Thomas Muir Heritage Trail - was temporarily closed between Kilsyth Road in Kirkintilloch and Campsie Road in Lennoxtown, but is now fully open.

Approximately 4,500m of path was resurfaced as part of the project, which aims to address damage caused by tree roots. Hand railing will also be installed at the start of the section at Kilsyth Road.

The project ties in with the Council's Active Travel and Local Transport Strategies.

Apologies for the delay - thanks all for your patience and feedback.

For more information, visit our News section.

You can take a virtual tour of the Strathkelvin Railway Path by checking out a video created as part of the 2021 Active Travel Discussion.

Walking groups

Walking groups are active throughout East Dunbartonshire and cater for all abilities, whether you are looking to get back on your feet or looking for some company.

• Qualified walk leaders lead EDLC’s health walks. The walks range between 30-60 minutes, are low level and ideal for anyone recovering from an injury or illness or just wanting to become more active.
• Walk, Run, Cycle East Dunbartonshire host a number of regular and special events - all designed to keep you moving. You can visit the group's website and check them out on Facebookand instagram 
• If you are looking for something a little more challenging, Ramblers have local groups who regularly meet up.

Cycle training

Cycle training is available for adults and children.

• Bike for Good provides cycle training in groups or on a one to one basis as well as getting you started with the right bike for you.
• Freewheel North offers a range of services including cycle training and the promotion of accessibility via led rides with various adapted and specially constructed cycles. 
• Belles on Bikes offers rides suitable for women of all abilities, cycle training for those new to cycling, a bike loan service, maintenance training and the opportunity to meet other women cycling. 
• Meet up a good place to look for other people at your level who want to cycle.

For advice on getting started with the family, visit Sustrans.

Your local Bike Shop can help you get going. Find your local bike shop.

• Wheelcraft
• Solid Rock Cycles
• Visual Bike Fit (specialist fitter)   

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular and are a good alter native to a normal bike especially if your route includes hills, is more than 5 miles long or if you need an extra boost. Loans are available for e-bikes, please visit the Energy Saving Trust for more information.  

East Dunbartonshire is rolling out Bikeability training to primary school children throughout the area and has delivered Play on Pedas training to every nursery.

Walking

Plot a Route is a customisable walking planner which maps and accurately measures your walk. Google Maps will also help you on your way.

Cycling

A route planner (for utility trips) or route finder (for leisure) is an invaluable tool.  There are a few available and many provide options to avoid hills and traffic. You can access them online, by phone or download your route to another device.

• Cycle Streets (planner)
• Bike Map (finder)

Maps

• Our local maps of Milngavie, Bearsden, Kirkintilloch, Lenzie, Lennoxtown and Milton of Campsie detail the available routes and journey times for local destinations by foot and by bike.
• The East Dunbartonshire Walking and Cycling Map will help you plan and prepare for a longer route, highlighting 17 routes of varying length across the area. The map also gives lots of handy hints and tips as well as highlighting a host of points of interest across East Dunbartonshire.

Another useful application is Journeyshare which allows you to find someone to cycle with who is making the same journey. This is particularly good if you are new to cycling or just prefer to cycle in company.

In East Dunbartonshire you’re never far from fantastic leisurely places to walk and cycle.

• Forth & Clyde Canal
• Mugdock Country Park
• Campsie Fells
• National Cycle Network Route 754 (Canal Path)
• National Cycle Network Route 755 (Strathkelvin Railway Path)

The John Muir Way, which runs through East Dunbartonshire, is the ideal way to discover some of Scotland’s unique historic environment. 

The 134-mile route – which stretches across Central Scotland - takes in castles, historic towns and villages, stunning coastal scenery as well as Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. 

In the East Dunbartonshire area, the trail passes through various local communities and gives people an opportunity to discover the fascinating history of the nearby Antonine Wall.

The Thomas Muir Trail is a heritage trail linking North Glasgow to the Campsie Fells through beautiful countryside, villages and towns, visiting sites significant in the life of Thomas Muir.

West Highland Way - this popular long distance path starts in the centre of Milngavie and stretches to Fort William – from the outskirts of Scotland’s largest city to the foot of Ben Nevis, its highest mountain. Much of it follows ancient and historic routes of communication.

Trails and Tales is an arts and heritage learning programme by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) resulting in the creation of a number of outdoor sculptural arts and heritage trails.

Or if you’re just getting started, take a trip to your local park. You’ll find your way using your local map.

If you are commuting, consider Bike-Bus or Bike-Rail. All major towns in East Dunbartonshire are linked by excellent rail services to Glasgow and Edinburgh, with cycle parking at all stations. ScotRail allows free carriage on trains and Next Bike provide inexpensive hire services at the other end.

For more information on getting to work by bike, visit Sustrans.

Top Tips

On all routes…

• Please be courteous – always be respectful of other users
• Acknowledge those who give way to you

On shared use paths please…

• When cycling, give way to pedestrians, leaving them plenty of room and remember to use your bell
• Don’t expect to cycle at high speeds - slow down and dismount where necessary

There are various grants available for local community groups, businesses and third sector organisations to help and improve active travel in your local area. The full suite of funding from Transport Scotland and includes funds for interventions such as path infrastructure, e-bikes, events and training.

Funding may also be available through the Climate Challenge Fund, National Lottery funding and other small community grants.

The following organisations are active locally and will help you find like-minded individuals and keep up to date with developments in your area.

GoBike

Walk, Run, Cycle East Dunbartonshire

Milngavie and Bearsden Ramblers

Strathkelvin Ramblers

If you spot any defects paths within EDC, please report this via our reporting form.

For further information ,or to request maps for your workplace, organisation or club, please email: cycling@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

• Scottish Outdoor Access Code
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• Traveline Scotland
• Kirkintilloch Canal Festival
• The Campsies
• Scottish Canals
• Visit Scotland
• Clyde Coastal Path