The best walks and hikes around Bardowie Loch
4.4
(518)
9,011
hikers
424
hikes
Hikes around Bardowie Loch explore a landscape of lochs, woodlands, and rolling hills just north of Glasgow. The area is characterized by accessible paths through Mugdock Country Park and alongside reservoirs, with views toward the Campsie Fells. The terrain offers a mix of gentle waterside walks and more varied routes through forests and past historical sites like Bardowie Castle.
Best hiking trails around Bardowie Loch
- The most popular hiking route is Blairskaith Muir Summit – Lennox Forest Car Park loop…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
9
hikers
7.19km
01:58
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(46)
170
hikers
13.4km
03:34
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(12)
146
hikers
14.3km
03:45
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(8)
30
hikers
14.8km
03:57
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
24
hikers
14.5km
03:55
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Very nice path, with alternating sections and beautiful botany.
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Above all, the path through Mugdock-Forest is worth it.
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The original Castle on this site was built in the 13th century by the Graham family. The Grahams were a family on the rise and the family were made the Earls of Montrose in 1505. The most famous Graham resident of Mugdock Castle was James Graham (1612-1650) known as The Great Montrose. He was a poet and soldier who fought for the cause of King Charles I during the Wars of The Three Kingdoms (more commonly referred to as The English Civil Wars) and was marked as one of the greatest soldiers of the time. So great was his military fame that King Louis XIV offered him the role as Marshal of France. His success ultimately ran out in 1650 with the loss of The Battle of Carbisdale in Rosshire. Montrose was betrayed by a fellow Scotsman and was ultimately Hung, Drawn and Quartered for his part in the war. His campaigns were immortalised by Sir Walter Scott in his 1819 novel A Legend of Montrose.
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The West Highland Way is known as Scotland's most loved trail. It walks for 96 miles (154km) from Milngavie (south) to Fort William (north). This section is near the start (if you started in Milngavie). It walks through the Mugdock Country Park on the outskirts of Glasgow, heading towards Loch Lomond.
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Great coffee in the Spider monkey coffee shop, great food in the Tea Room
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Nice picnic spot with a view
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Bardowie Loch?
Yes, the area is well-suited for families. Many paths are accessible and offer gentle strolls. For a great introduction to the area, consider the Blairskaith Muir Summit – Lennox Forest Car Park loop from Linn Cave, which is an easy walk through the forest.
Can I bring my dog on hikes around Bardowie Loch?
Dogs are generally welcome on the trails around Bardowie Loch and in the surrounding parks like Mugdock Country Park. However, you should keep them on a lead, especially near farmland with livestock and in areas managed for wildlife, such as the Loch Ardinning reserve.
Are there any good circular hikes in the area?
The region has numerous circular routes. A popular moderate option is the Mugdock Castle, Craigend Castle & Craigallian Loch loop, which takes you past several historical and natural points of interest within Mugdock Country Park.
How can I get to the hiking trails using public transport?
Many trails are accessible from Milngavie, which has a train station with regular services from Glasgow. From the station, you can walk to the start of several routes, including those entering Mugdock Country Park and the official start of the West Highland Way.
Where is the best place to park for hikes around Bardowie Loch?
Parking is available at several key locations. Mugdock Country Park has multiple car parks which are ideal starting points for many trails. For routes through Lennox Forest, the Lennox Forest Car Park is a convenient option. There are also parking options near the Milngavie Reservoirs.
What are some interesting things to see while hiking near Bardowie Loch?
The area is rich in history and natural beauty. Key sights include the 16th-century Bardowie Castle on the loch's shore, the ruins of Mugdock and Craigend Castles within Mugdock Country Park, and the Craigallian Fire Memorial. For geology enthusiasts, The Whangie and Devil's Pulpit are fascinating nearby formations.
Are there any good pubs or cafes for a post-hike meal?
Yes, after exploring the trails, you can find several options in and around Milngavie. The town centre offers a variety of pubs, cafes, and restaurants perfect for relaxing and refueling. Mugdock Country Park also has its own cafe, providing a convenient stop for refreshments.
What are the trail conditions like around Bardowie Loch?
Most trails are well-maintained, especially within Mugdock Country Park and along the reservoirs. You'll find a mix of surfaced paths, forest tracks, and grassy footpaths. After rain, some sections can become muddy, so waterproof hiking shoes are always recommended.
What's the difference between hiking at Bardowie Loch and Mugdock Country Park?
Bardowie Loch itself offers serene, waterside walks with a more intimate and peaceful atmosphere. Mugdock Country Park is a much larger area offering a wider network of trails, historical ruins like its two castles, a visitor centre, and more varied terrain. Many longer hikes connect the two areas.
What kind of wildlife might I see on my hike?
The woodlands and lochs are home to a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for roe deer in the forests, numerous bird species including swans and ducks on the water, and other waterfowl. The Scottish Wildlife Trust's Loch Ardinning reserve is a particularly good spot for wildlife spotting.
How many hiking trails are there around Bardowie Loch?
There are over 400 routes to explore in the region. These range from short, easy walks suitable for all fitness levels to more challenging moderate hikes, offering plenty of options for a full day of exploring.
What do other hikers like about the trails around Bardowie Loch?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the beautiful scenery, particularly the views across the lochs towards the Campsie Fells. The mix of peaceful woodland paths, accessible trails, and interesting historical sites is also frequently mentioned as a major highlight.
Most popular routes around Bardowie Loch
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