4.3
(741)
10,971
riders
126
rides
Touring cycling around Bearsden East offers diverse landscapes, including scenic routes with views of the Campsie Fells and Glasgow, as well as paths around various reservoirs. The area features canal towpaths, such as the Forth and Clyde Canal, providing relatively flat and accessible cycling. Cyclists can also access sections of long-distance trails like the John Muir Way, which traverses woodlands, canals, and rivers. The terrain varies from protected cycleways to more challenging road and gravel paths with elevation gains.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
5.0
(1)
44
riders
81.7km
06:55
960m
960m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
33
riders
33.0km
02:39
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
42.4km
03:52
660m
660m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Popular around Bearsden East
Above all, the path through Mugdock-Forest is worth it.
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The blockage at Gowkstane is now clear although it is rather rough and muddy now. Whole forestry road form Mugdock side down to Gowkstane is extremely rutted and uneven due to use by large logging trucks and machinery. Logging seems quite advanced along this section now with most trees now felled with logs awaiting clearance
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The ruined remains of Lennox Castle. Originally built in ~1840 as a private property it was sold to The Glasgow Corporation (predecessor to the City Council) in 1927 and turned into a hospital for those with learning difficulties. In the 1940's-60's it also operated as a maternity home, and was the birth place of singer Lulu. It closed in 2002 and unfortunately was subject to a fire in 2008 which left it in its current state.
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This section from Craigallian Road to Gowk Stane Road is currently busy with forestry works being carried out. Passable but be mindful of large trucks. Also the exit onto Gowk Stane Road is blocks with large fallen trees. There is a hike a bike detour possible around the left hand side although a bit sketchy underfoot. There is obviously no rush for these treees to be cleared at this time.
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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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parking in Aberfoyle you need to get there early car park soon fills up.
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Very cool bridge to cross by bike but beware...it's high above the river, narrow and low sided so you can see all the way down. If you scare easily, or if it's windy, think about pushing
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Komoot offers over 130 touring cycling routes in Bearsden East that prioritize minimal traffic, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable ride. These routes range from easy, short loops to more challenging, longer excursions.
You'll find a diverse range of surfaces, from flat, tarmacked paths along reservoirs like Carron Valley to gravel sections on routes utilizing parts of the Clyde Coastal Path or John Muir Way. Canal towpaths, such as the Forth and Clyde Canal, offer generally flat and accessible cycling, often on compacted surfaces.
Yes, Bearsden East is well-suited for family cycling. The Bears Way Cycle Route offers a protected cycleway, providing a safe environment for all ages. Additionally, many sections of the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath are flat and accessible, perfect for a relaxed family outing.
Many traffic-free routes, especially those along canal towpaths like the Forth and Clyde Canal and quieter country paths, are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control. Always ensure your dog is comfortable with cycling and be mindful of other path users.
Along your rides, you can discover various points of interest. Consider a route that passes by Mugdock Castle, or explore the historic Forth and Clyde Canal with its impressive Kelvin Aqueduct. The area also features beautiful natural spots like Craigallian Loch and Loch Humphrey.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Bearsden East are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. An example is the easy-grade River Kelvin – Kelvin Aqueduct loop from Antonine Wall, which offers a pleasant 14.6 km ride.
Bearsden East is well-served by public transport, making it easy to reach many starting points. Bearsden and Milngavie have train stations with connections to Glasgow, and local bus services can take you closer to various trailheads, including access points for the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath.
Parking is generally available at various access points for popular routes. For instance, you can often find parking near sections of the Forth and Clyde Canal or in towns like Milngavie, which serves as a gateway to several long-distance paths and local routes. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with longer daylight hours and milder weather. However, many routes, especially those on well-maintained paths like the canal towpaths, are enjoyable year-round, though some exposed moorland sections can be windy in colder months.
Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the difficult-grade Switchbacks Near Rob Roy Way – View of Aberfoyle Countryside loop from Hillfoot offer significant elevation gain and longer distances, providing a rewarding experience away from busy roads. These routes often venture into more open moorland and offer expansive views.
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Bearsden East, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 880 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, and the excellent access to long-distance trails like the John Muir Way and the West Highland Way.


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