Tracks & Trails From Glasgow to Drymen
I thought it would be fun to try and cycle off road from the Adventure Tours Scotland offices in the Distillery using only tracks and trails from Glasgow to Drymen. The Distillery is located in the heart of Glasgow; but rather conveniently, it sits alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal and this was to be the perfect starting point for my journey.
Glasgow to Milngavie
After only a few miles of easy cycling along the canal towpath, I arrived at the impressive Maryhill Locks and the junction with the River Kelvin. I continued along the undulating paths of the Kelvin Walkway until I could join the “Bears Way” cycle-way which connects the suburbs of Bearsden and Milngavie.
The West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is a long-distance footpath running from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The 154 km (96 miles) long trail, which opened in 1980, was Scotland’s first officially designated Long Distance Route and is now designated by Scottish Natural Heritage as one of Scotland’s Great Trails.
West Highland Way
Milngavie to Drymen
I was happy to leave the busy cycle paths and city walkways behind and continue my two-wheeled journey along the West Highland Way. Passing through glorious open countryside with stunning views (and a few steep ascents). My first port of call and one of my favourite tour venues was the Glengoyne Distillery. This fabulous distillery founded in 1833 is featured on our popular Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Tour.
The Glengoyne Distillery
After a short rest and a snack lunch at the Distillery (not a drop of their award winning 12-Year-Old Single Malt was taken!) I decided to take a detour from the West Highland Way, I climbed the steep track to the foot of Dumgoyne Hill and the Campsie fells. Out of breath, I reached the highest point of my journey, an elevated section of the “Killearn pipe track” which offered stunning open views towards Loch Lomond. This section of my two wheeled adventure gave me the perfect opportunity to drop in on my friends at Country Cycles Killearn . Keith and the team have supplied and expertly maintained a range of high-quality Mountain, Hybrid and Ebikes.
Country Cycles Killearn
After a quick caffeine boost with the guys, I enjoyed a speedy descent down to the Blane Wood and re-joined The West Highland Way.
The final push
The final leg of my journey took me through Gartness and the nearby Pots of Gartness. The wonderfully named “Pots” are a series of rocky pools on the Endrick River and a great place to watch salmon on their way up river to spawn during the months of October and November.
The lengthy climb from Gartness initially followed the meanderings of the Endrick Water then on past the ancient remains of the Drumquhassel Roman Fort. On my well earned descent into Drymen my thoughts turned towards old friends (I lived in Drymen for many years) and the great times we shared in the Village. Our “local” The Clachan Inn shouldn’t be missed and I’m proud to feature on our Great Stays & Friends Page
I would highly recommend this fabulous day-trip on two wheels or on foot and is part of our Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Tour.
A big thank you to all my friends at Country Cycles Killearn , Glengoyne Distillery and everyone who frequents The Clachan Inn. Drymen.
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