Location: Glasgow
Map: OS Landranger 64
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Time: 3~4 hours
Terrain: Riverside path The River Kelvin
rises in the Campsie Fells and
flows south into Glasgow to meet the Clyde. The section from
Kelvingrove to Maryhill has long been established as a path and cycle
route, but some years ago the path
was extended north to follow the Kelvin and then the Allander Water
into Milngavie, where it links with
the
start of the West Highland Way.
From Kelvin Bridge the route heads north with several turnoffs leading
to the Botanic Gardens.
You pass an 18th-century flint mill, a reminder of the industry that
once thrived along the river. This led to the Kelvin becoming little
more than a sewer as effluents of many kinds were poured into it.
In recent decades, the industry has largely gone and a big effort has
been made to clean the Kelvin — successfully, as can be seen by the
birdlife and by the fact the river now has its own angling association.
It also has its own conservation group. Friends of the River Kelvin
(FORK), whose website ( www.fork.org.uk
) contains much information about the river and details what they do to
help conserve and improve it.
After 3km on a path you reach the aqueduct carrying the Forth and Clyde Canal over the
river. It is worth taking the short diversion up to see the aqueduct
and the impressive flight of Maryhill Locks.
After this you reach the only problematic part of the walk.
Glasgow’s enthusiasm for creating cycleways is to be applauded but in
the Maryhill area the profusion of cycleway signs seems to have
overtaken the path route. Following the route I describe is however
easy enough and will lead you back to the river ( which has meanwhile
meandered through the University Science Park ) for the second stage of
the walk.
This is amazingly different and quiet considering how close you are to
the city. You may well see herons fishing on the river and it is a
beautiful stroll up to Balmuildy Bridge. The path can become overgrown,
though it can be
followed easily enough. The path improves again after Boclair and
provides a lovely walk into Milngavie, maintaining its
rural nature right up to the outskirts of the town. Route:
Start at Kevinbridge underground station.
Walk down to river, cross footbridge and TR.
Follow riverside path for 3km to canal aqueduct.
Go up ramp to view Maryhill Locks.
Return to path and TR.
Path climbs away from river and through a park, then curves right by a
wall to meet a road.
Ignore path sign on left and continue to cross Maryhill Road and enter
Maryhill Park.
Follow main path, keep right at junction and cross park past play area
to far corner.
TL on road past John Paul Academy and riding stables.
Go through gate on to track down to river.
TR and follow path for 2.5km to Balmuildy Bridge.
Cross road then cross river by footbridge and TR to follow overgrown
path along riverbank.
Watch for stile on L and continue with path by Allander Water.
Go under road and then up steps to cross second road at Boclair.
Follow good straight path for 1km to Prescott Bridge.
Cross bridge and TL on track leading into Milngavie.
TL at road under railway then TR and follow path through wood and then
as signed to town centre and railway station.
:: Bearsden
Photo
Gallery 
