Walking and Cycling

Information for walking and cycling

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 new resurfaced Strathkelvin Railway Path

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.

Getting started

Walking groups

two people walking their dog along the canal footpathWalking 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.
  • If you are looking for something a little more challenging, 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.

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].

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

blue signage posts for walkersWalking

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.

Maps

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

cyclists cycling along the path and a large swan sitting on the grassIn East Dunbartonshire you’re never far from fantastic leisurely places to walk and cycle.

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

seating area outside Milngavie railway stationIf 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

poster about Scotland's outdoors responsibly

Top Tips

On all routes…

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

people walking along a path towards the campsiesOn 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

adults and children with poster of cycle friendly school bannerThere 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]

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