Craigallian Loch – Burncrooks Reservoir loop from Killearn

Craigallian Loch – Burncrooks Reservoir loop from Killearn

Hard

riders

Craigallian Loch – Burncrooks Reservoir loop from Killearn

03:35

51.2km

720m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

16.3 km

Ruins of Lennox Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

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.

Tip by

16.3 km

Lennox Castle Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

The eerie ruins of Lennox Castle are situated in a secluded and rural spot. Built in the 1830s, the castle was converted into a psychiatric hospital in the early 20th century. At the time, the hospital was hailed as a groundbreaking facility and was the largest and best-equipped in Britain. However, the hospital was closed in 2002 amid ongoing reports of poor conditions for patients. These days, the impressive ruins are equally beautiful and haunting.

Tip by

18.7 km

Peathill Wood

Forest

26.1 km

Mugdock Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

The final point of the Katrine Aqueducts as the water travels from The Trossachs to Milngavie to serve drinking water to the people of Glasgow.
Built in the late 1800's, these reservoirs are a beautiful spot for a walk or cycle with good tracks following the perimeter.

Tip by

29.9 km

Mugdock Woods

Highlight • Forest

Rode here on a gravel bike and was OK!

Tip by

31.2 km

Craigallian Loch

Highlight • Historical Site

On the path beside Craigallian Lock is a commemorative plaque regarding the Craigallian Fire, which was a legendary place which spawned a number of climbing communities in the area, and had great resonance for the local young population in the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The 'Fire Sitters' founded mountaineering clubs such as the Creagh Dhu, Lomond and Ptarmigan clubs, and emboldened the folk who went on to open up Scotland to all.

The text reads:
"Here burned the Craigallian Fire.
During the depression of the 1930s
it was a beacon of companionship
and hope for young unemployed people
who came from Glasgow and Clydebank
seeking adventure in Scotland's wild
places. Their pioneering spirit helped to
make the Scottish countryside free for
all to roam."

Tip by

34.5 km

Kilmannan Reservoir Gravel Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This is an alternative route up to Kilmannan Reservoir which links with Burncrooks Reservoir and the John Muir Way. This is a more interesting climb than following the John Muir Way which climbs up to Burncrooks mostly on tarmac. This segment is a great gravel road, built for forestry, that climbs up through the woods to the reservoirs and is definitely more scenic.

Tip by

39.9 km

Burncrooks Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great views of the Dam and beyond

Tip by

40.4 km

John Muir Way Gravel Descent

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

From Burncrook's reservoir the JMW undulates with some short steep climbs and descents before flowing down some lovely narrow gravel trails through the woods (although much of this has recently been harvested). From the bottom there are a range of good options to bring you back round to Glasgow via the WHW, or perhaps the Pipe Track from Killearn to Strathblane or to continue on North towards Loch Lomond, Aberfoyle & beyond.

Tip by

51.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types