42 | Cycling World
Scotland : MTB in Glasgow
With the Tour of Britain starting in Glasgow on Sunday 4 September we feature the Glasgow MTB Waterways Loop , courtesy of a New Cicerone Guide
Start / Finish |
Boer War Memorial , Kelvingrove Park NS 572 665 |
Distance |
54km ( 33ó miles ); variant : 50.5km ( 31ó miles ) |
On road |
8km ( 5 miles ); variant : 6.5km ( 4 miles ) |
Off road |
46km ( 28ó miles ); variant : 44km ( 27ó miles ) |
Ascent |
748m ( 2455ft ); variant : 686m ( 2250ft ) |
Grade |
Medium |
Time |
3ó – 4óhrs |
Maps |
OS Explorer 342 Glasgow , 348 Campsie Fells ; |
OS |
Landranger 64 Glasgow |
Pub |
Blane Valley Inn , Blanefield |
Café |
Cafe Barga , Lennoxtown |
The NCR 756 follows the Kelvin Walkway northwest from Glasgow city centre alongside the eponymous river , winding its way between wooded embankments to cross the A81 by the West of Scotland Science Park . The Kelvin is rejoined on the edge of a housing estate , although it soon gains a more rural feel . The Kelvin is left behind and after a brief road section the Allander Walkway is followed into Milngavie . The route then heads north along the WHW through Mugdock Country Park and past Carbeth before descending into Strath Blane . From here the route turns east beneath the mighty escarpment of the Campsie Fells to Strathblane . ( An alternative , shorter route between Carbeth and Strathblane is also described .) The Strathkelvin Railway Path is followed from Strathblane to Lennoxtown alongside the Pow Burn and the
Glazert Water before the route strikes out across country , climbing over Blairskaith Muir on narrow lanes . A long descent along metalled tracks , rugged paths , winding lanes and surfaced trails delivers you to Cadder on the Forth and Clyde Canal for the ride back into Glasgow to rejoin the Kelvin Walkway by Maryhill Locks , where the outward route is rejoined .
Directions
1
. Follow the Kelvin Walkway as it wiggles its way alongside the River Kelvin , following signs for Milngavie . After 5km the walkway climbs towards the Maryhill Road , but turn sharp left on a tarmacked track through woods . Follow the track for 500m to arrive at a road then turn right to follow it through the West of Scotland Science Park . At a T-junction turn right , exit the Science Park and continue straight over the roundabout on the A81 Maryhill Road . Take the RH fork at a mini-roundabout to continue along Acre Road . Keep straight onto a tarmacked footpath then turn left after 300m onto a small path ( no signpost ), which leads back to the Kelvin .
2
. Follow the riverbank NE on a singletrack path ( sometimes muddy and / or overgrown ), soon emerging from the trees as the river winds its way through open countryside . After 2km the path reaches the A879 . Leave the riverside path as the next section is largely unrideable . Turn left and stick to the pavement along the roadside for 1.25km , turning first left off a roundabout ( stay on the grass verge ) before crossing with care where a road bridge crosses the Allander Water .