Information for walking and cycling
Miles and smiles - new app aims to reward healthy habits
Do you walk, wheel, cycle, run or use public transport in East Dunbartonshire? Download the BetterPoints app for free and earn rewards on the go.
Every eligible journey will earn points which can be spent at participating local businesses or donated to charity. You get extra points for actively travelling to local town centres.
If you live locally, download the BetterPoints app to a smartphone or tablet from your app store and register using your postcode.
For more info, visit https://eastdun.betterpoints.uk (external link opens in new window).
Businesses and service providers can sign up at no cost, with reward vouchers paid for by BetterPoints – visit https://eastdun.betterpoints.uk/stories/sign-up-as-a-trader(external link opens in new window).
Your stories
Liz, an outdoor childcare practitioner from Bearsden, uses the BetterPoints app to encourage her to tackle hills, spend more time socialising and use public transport to travel longer distances.
“Whilst I already cycled sometimes to work and with my husband, the app has 100% changed the way I travel and the way I’m motivated to travel.
"Previously I’d have looked at a hill and thought 'I can’t take my bike there because it incorporates that climb'. However, now I get BetterPoints for walking it up, I’m more than happy to cycle somewhere, jump off and push my bike up!
"A few of us are in a running club, and because of BetterPoints we’ll all make a point of meeting up beforehand and walking to the gym together to make sure we get our points!"
Lorna is a newly-appointed Active Travel Officer and attends Glasgow University. She’s used the app to change her shorter journeys and give public transport a go.
“The app was sent out to me through East Dunbartonshire Council, so I thought I’d definitely try it out. I’ve definitely been walking and cycling more. I’ve always been a hiker, but it’s made me think more about shorter journeys closer to home. Now, when I’m making local journeys, I stop to think ‘do I need to take the car?’ and often I’ll just go on foot instead.
"Through walking, I’ve discovered the Strathkelvin Railway Path and around Milton of Campsie which has been lovely. It’s benefited me socially, mentally and physically. A wee 15-minute walk is so beneficial, particularly if you can meet up with people. And there’s the cost of car travel which I can avoid as well.
"The app has been really easy to use, and I’m looking forward to spending my points – I’ve got my eye on an Asda voucher!”
Strathkelvin Railway Path
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 [opens in a new window] 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 (external link opens in new window) and check them out on Facebook (external link opens in new window) and Instagram (external link opens in new window).
- If you are looking for something a little more off the beaten track, Ramblers [opens in a new window] have local groups who regularly meet up.
Cycle training
Cycle training [opens in a new window] is available for adults and children.
- Bike for Good [opens in a new window] 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 [opens in a new window] 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 [opens in a new window] 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 [opens in a new window] 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 [opens in a new window].
Your local Bike Shop can help you get going. Find your local bike shop [opens in a new window].
- Wheelcraft [opens in a new window]
- Solid Rock Cycles [opens in a new window]
- Visual Bike Fit [opens in a new window] (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 [opens in a new window] for more information.
East Dunbartonshire is rolling out Bikeability [opens in a new window] training to primary school children throughout the area and has delivered Play on Pedas [opens in a new window] training to every nursery.
Plan your route
Walking
Plot a Route [opens in a new window] is a customisable walking planner which maps and accurately measures your walk. Google Maps [opens in a new window] 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 [opens in a new window] (planner)
- Bike Map [opens in a new window] (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 [opens in a new window] 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.
Just for leisure
In East Dunbartonshire you’re never far from fantastic leisurely places to walk and cycle.
- Forth & Clyde Canal [opens in a new window]
- Mugdock Country Park [opens in a new window]
- Campsie Fells [opens in a new window]
- National Cycle Network Route 754 [opens in a new window] (Canal Path)
- National Cycle Network Route 755 [opens in a new window] (Strathkelvin Railway Path)
The John Muir Way [opens in a new window], 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 [opens in a new window] 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 [opens in a new window] - 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 [opens in a new window] 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 [opens in a new window].
Commuting by bike
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 [opens in a new window] allows free carriage on trains and Next Bike [opens in a new window] provide inexpensive hire services at the other end.
For more information on getting to work by bike, visit Sustrans [opens in a new window].
Outdoor Access Code
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
Grants and funding
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 [opens in a new window] and includes funds for interventions such as path infrastructure, e-bikes, events and training.
Funding may also be available through the Climate Challenge Fund [opens in a new window], National Lottery [opens in a new window] funding and other small community grants.
Contacts
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 [opens in a new window]
Walk, Run, Cycle East Dunbartonshire (external link opens in new window)
Milngavie and Bearsden Ramblers [opens in a new window]
Strathkelvin Ramblers [opens in a new window]
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
Useful links
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code [opens in a new window][
- Scottish Natural Heritage [opens in a new window]
- Traveline Scotland [opens in a new window]
- Kirkintilloch Canal Festival [opens in a new window]
- The Campsies [opens in a new window]
- Scottish Canals [opens in a new window]
- Visit Scotland [opens in a new window]
- Clyde Coastal Path [opens in a new window]