National Cycle Network Go Traffic Free in Scotland

National Cycle Network
Go Traffic Free
in Scotland
CYCLE MAP
Forth Road Bridge & Dalmeny
SCOTLAND
Glasgow and West Central Scotland
Good Cycling Code
Overview
Use this booklet to follow safe and attractive walking
and cycling options in and around Glasgow and across
west-central Scotland. It shows the main traffic-free
sections on the National Cycle Network, Regional
Routes and key local routes. Use it to plan your
(carbon-free) trips around and out of town. See how far
and easily you can travel without a car.
For information on cycle routes across Scotland, see
Sustrans’ Routes2Ride website – you can also add
your own routes, comments and photos.
www.routes2ride.org.uk/scotland
Use Ordnance Survey maps and the SPOKES map
of Glasgow (www.spokes.org.uk) to plan your own
routes. Contact the relevant local authorities for more
information on cycling routes in each area.
How to use this booklet
This booklet highlights walking and cycling routes in the following
areas:
Glasgow and environs
p4
Ayrshire area
p32
Each detailed map uses the following key
Featured route
Public house
National Cycle Network traffic-free
Cafe
National Cycle Network on-road
Bike Shop
Regional route/other routes
Shop
Proposed cycle route
Public toilets
Railway (station)
Post office
Take care point / section
Steep hill / One way
Tourist Information
Castle
Tourist attraction
Campsite/Caravan/Youth hostel
Signalled crossing
Viewpoint
Millennium Milepost
Time: The time given to complete a route is calculated on
an average travelling time of 7 miles or 11 km per hour. This
allows for a leisurely cycling pace or for plenty of stops.
Times and distances given for linear routes are for one way
only.
1
Obey the rules of the road
Be courteous
l Give way to pedestrians
l Remember that some people are hard of hearing or visually impaired
l Where there are wheelchair users or horse riders, please give way
l Ring a bell in good time or politely call out to warn of your approach
Care for the environment
l Can
you reach the start of your journey by bike or public transport?
l Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code; in particular, do not damage crops, don’t disturb livestock or wildlife and always take litter home
Look after yourself
l Take
care at junctions, when cycling downhill and on loose or wet surfaces
l In remote areas carry food, water, repair kit, map and waterproofs
l Keep your bike roadworthy; use lights in poor visibility
l Consider wearing a helmet and conspicuous clothing
Using public transport
Why not use the train to carry you and your bike further afield or
to take you home after a cycle? Bicycles can be carried on most
trains, but it is advisable to check in advance and book a place
as space is limited. For rail information call 08457 48 49 50 or
visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. Bicycles can be carried on Citylink
coaches, but they must be bagged or boxed. Check before
travelling. Phone 0871 266 33 33 or visit www.citylink.co.uk.
For information on all public transport within Scotland, call
0871 200 22 33 or visit www.travelinescotland.com.
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Know the Code before you go …
Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - responsibly!
Everyone has the right to be on most
land and inland water providing they
act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities
are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing the outdoors, the
key things are to:
l take responsibility for your own actions;
l respect the interests of other people;
l care for the environment.
Find out more by visiting www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
or phoning your local Scottish Natural Heritage office.
2
Glasgow & environs
Map and text © Sustrans 2012
Maps are reproduced from Ordnance Survey
material with the permission of Ordnance
Survey on behalf of the Contoller of Her
Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown
copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil
proceedings. Licence number 100020852
Tarbet
Helensburgh
Balloch to Tarbet
p6
Bowling to Balloch
p8
Glasgow to Bowling
p10
Glasgow to Uddingston p12
Coatbridge to Hillend Reservoir p14
Hillend Reservoir to Bathgate p16
Kelvingrove to Port Dundas p18
Strathkelvin Railway Path p20
Bowling to Kirkintilloch p22
Kirkintilloch to Falkirk p24
Glasgow to Paisley p26
Paisley to Gourock p28
Paisley to Kilbirnie p30
Balloch
Falkirk
Strathblane
Kilsyth
Gourock
Dumbarton
Milngavie
Bowling
Greenock
Kirkintilloch
Port
Glasgow
Kilmacolm
Cumbernauld
Bathgate
Erskine
Glasgow
Coatbridge
Bridge of
Weir
Airdrie
Johnstone
Paisley
Lochwinnoch
Rutherglen
Barrhead
Kilbirnie
Beith
Miles
Dalry
West Kilbride
Ardrossan
Kilwinning
Irvine
3
Irvine Bay
Motherwell
On-road National Cycle Network section
Dundonald
Traffic-free National Cycle Network section
Hamilton
Other routes
2
6
0 2 4
Kilometres
8
Kilmarnock
Time: The time given to complete a route is calculated on an
average travelling time of 7 miles or 11 km per hour. This
allows for a leisurely cycling pace or for plenty of stops.
Times and distances given for linear routes are for one way
only.
Whilst every effort has been made to achieve accuracy of
information in this booklet at time of publication, Sustrans
can take no responsibility for: loss or injury (including fatal) to
persons; loss of damage to property or equipment; trespass,
irresponsible riding or any other mishap that may be suffered
as a result of following route descriptions in this booklet.
4
Balloch to Tarbet 1
Arrochar and Tarbet
Miles
0
Tarbet
Start/
Finish
1
0
Kilometres
2
2
3
2
A8
Ben Lomond
(National Trust for Scotland)
Rubha Mor
Rowardennan
Youth Hostel
Inverbeg
Loch
West
o
Lom
cle P
y
nd C
Cycling beside Loch Lomond
© Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
ath
Luss Camping and
Caravanning Club Site
Milarrochy Bay Camping
and Caravanning Club Site
National Park Centre, Luss
(Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park)
Luss
National Park Centre, Balmaha
(Loch Lomond & The
Trossachs National Park)
Aldochlay
Balmaha
Loch Lomond National
Nature Reserve
(Scottish
Natural Heritage)
Loch Lomond
Duchlage
Gartocharn
Whinny Hill Wood
(Woodland Trust)
11
Loch Lomond
Youth Hostel
5
Map 2
To Aberfoyle
and Callander
A8
Traffic-free path
to Helensburgh
Arden
Balloch Castle
and Country
Park
National Park
Gateway Centre
Start/
Finish
Category:
Distance: Time: Gradient:
Surface: Rural, cycle path
17 miles/28 kilometres
2 hours 30 minutes
Flat
Tarmac, whin dust
From the foot of Loch Lomond, at Balloch,
this traffic-free route runs parallel to the A82
with superb island views. The halfway point is
marked by the historic village of Luss where
there’s a good visitor centre and a range of
comfy coffee shops. As you progress up the
loch you’ll notice how it narrows and is
overlooked by the Munros, Ben Lomond and
Ben Vorlich. Cycle highlights include the
stretches of old road by the loch shore at
Rubha Mór.
There are regular trains from Glasgow to
Balloch. On the return journey it’s possible
to catch a train from the Arrochar & Tarbet
station for Glasgow (limited service); change
at Dumbarton Central to return to Balloch.
Cycle booking required.
National
Park Boundary
Balloch
Motoring Heritage Centre
(Scottish Museums Council)
Balloch
6
Bowling to Balloch 2
Map 1
Category:
Distance: Time: Gradient:
Surface: Urban, cycle path 10 miles/16 kilometres 1 hour 30 minutes
Flat
Tarmac
Enjoy an easy cycle from Bowling to
Dumbarton with views of the Clyde,
before a visit to Dumbarton Castle. This
stronghold, where Mary Queen of Scots
hid as a child, has the longest recorded
history of any British castle and dates
back to 450 AD.
National
Park Boundary
Start/
Finish
Continue to follow the River Leven, which
powered a host of leading edge industrial
textile mills in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Once you see moored boats you’re near
the journey’s end at Balloch. This route
can be easily shortened as it runs close to
several train stations.
Dumbarton
Start/
Finish
Miles
1
0
7
1
2
2
3
Map 3
8
Glasgow to Bowling
3
This is a marvellous route from the centre of Glasgow, which
follows the River Clyde and the Forth & Clyde Canal for effortless
cycling.
Start from Bell’s Bridge where National Routes 7 and 75 cross
the Clyde. Shiny modern buildings, which include the Glasgow
Science Centre, give the area a futuristic look.
Further on, the Glasgow Harbour area is being redeveloped follow the diversion signs. When the redevelopment is complete
National Route 7 will run alongside the river. At Clydebank the
route joins the Forth & Clyde Canal and then passes under the
Erskine Bridge before ending at Bowling where the Canal flows
into the River Clyde. This route can be easily shortened as it runs
close to several train stations.
Bell’s Bridge and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre on the
River Clyde
Miles
0
Start/
Finish
1
1
Kilometres
Map 2
2
2
3
Westerton
Maryhill
Yoker
To Edinburgh
(via Forth & Clyde
and Union Canals)
Glasgow
White Cart
Water
Category: Distance: Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
9
Urban, riverside and canal cycle path
11miles/17 kilometres
1 hour 40 minutes
Flat
Mainly tarmac
Port Dundas
Renfrew
Exhibition Centre
To Paisley
(not
complete)
Map 4 & 9
M8
Sustrans Connect2
Scheme
Ibrox Stadium
To
yr
ck & A
Gouro
Start/
Finish
Map 11
10
Glasgow to Uddingston
4
Map 3
To Clydebank,
Dumbarton and Loch
Lomond and The
Trossachs National Park
M8
Scottish Exhibition
and Conference
Centre
USE
ROA
Waverley
D
Paddle Boat
To Paisley,
Gourock and
Irvine
WEST
High Street
Start/
Finish
STR
E
Glasgow
ET
Pollokshields East
Neptune’s Way Bridge and the Finnieston Crane, Glasgow
Bellgrove
ON
RO
Waterbus
Terminal
BAL
LAT
ER
BRIDGE
M8
MORR
ISON ST
REET
CLY
DE
A77
ROAD
BRO OMIE LAW
AD
PAISLEY
QUAY
ND
LO
GOV
AN
RO
AD
Central
ST
LA N
CEFI EL
D
Science
Centre
Queen St
A804
POIN
T HO
People’s
Palace
ST
RE
Bridgeton
ET
KING
M7
4
CA
LED
ON
IA R
OA
D
'S D
R
Bridgeton
LONDON
ROAD
Celtic Park
Stadium
A7
4
Parkhead
Dalmarnock
LO
N
Oatlands
DO
NR
OAD
A74
AD
ON RO
LOND
M73
AD
RO
OW
SG
GLA
Start/
Finish
Carmyle
Rutherglen
To East Kilbride
Category: Urban, riverside paths, 1 mile on-road section by Newton
Distance: 12 miles/19 kilometres Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Gradient: Mainly flat but hillier by Uddingston
Surface: Mainly tarmac; also paved and dust sections
For an exceptionally easy city ride, follow the River Clyde
east from Bell’s Bridge on Route 75. Within minutes you’ll be
cycling through leafy Glasgow Green where the People’s
Palace is worth a detour for a coffee in a hot-house.
The path then winds along the tree-lined banks of the River
Clyde for about five miles. After passing under the new M74
and Cambuslang Road, cross the Clyde near Carmyle and
continue on traffic-free paths and quiet roads to reach
Uddingston. From Uddingston you can catch a train back to
the city (or from any other stations on or near the route).
11
To Airdrie, Bathgate
and Edinburgh
M7
4
Carmyle
NE
WE
DIN
BU
RG
Uddingston
Westburn
Cross at
second
bridge
Cambuslang
Map 5
Newton
HR
OA
D
Uddingston
Newton
Bothwell
Castle
David
Livingstone
Centre
To Hamilton
Blantyre
Miles
0
0
1
Kilometres
Bridge
1
2
3
12
Coatbridge to Hillend Reservoir 5
Category:
Urban and rural, canal towpath, railway path, short
on-road sections
Distance: 11 miles/18 kilometres
Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Gradient: Flat after initial gradual climb
Surface: Tarmac
Start from Bargeddie station and follow the new alignment of
Route 75 along the tree-lined towpath of the Monklands Canal.
The canal disappears underground as it enters Coatbridge – look
out for the ‘plug-hole’ sculpture. You will pass near Coatbridge
Central station and onto Ellis Street. The route weaves its way
eastwards on railway path and on some minor roads to Airdrie.
The route used to follow a path along the old Airdrie to Bathgate
Junction Railway line (built to supply the important 19th century
iron and steel works at Monklands and closed in the 1980s).
However, the path was closed in 2008 to allow the railway line to
be reopened!
Cyclist on the new path between Airdrie and Bathgate
Start/
Finish
Caldercruix
Airdrie
Summerlee
Heritage Park
Coatbridge
Hillend
Reservoir
Coatbridge
Sunnyside
Blairhill
Start/
Finish
Coatbridge
Central
A89
Map 6
10
A80
Coatdyke
Airdrie
Drumgelloch
A89
Bargeddie
Kirkwood
Whifflet
Kirkwood
Cairnhill
A8
Map 4
Uddingston
Uddingston
A1
2
B7
00
1
To Hamilton
Miles
0
13
1
Kilometres
1
2
A replacement path has been constructed by Network Rail. The
last section between Drumgelloch and Plains is due to open in
2012 and will be on a shared-use pavement alongside the A89.
East of Plains, most of the new route is on excellent tarmac path
alongside the railway, with a short on-road section through
Caldercruix. It takes you through open countryside to reach
pretty Hillend Reservoir, which is ideal for a picnic. Either retrace
your route or catch a train from Caldercruix to Glasgow or
Edinburgh. You also have the option of continuing to Bathgate
(see map 6).
3
14
Hillend Reservoir to Bathgate 6
Category:
Distance: Time: Gradient:
Surface: Rural, railway path
9 miles/15 kilometres
1 hour 20 minutes
Flat
Tarmac
Explore Scotland’s central plateau on National Route 75. Like
the route from Airdrie on map 5, this section used to be on a
path along the disused Airdrie to Bathgate Junction Railway line.
With the reopening of the railway in December 2010, a new, high
quality tarmac path has been built which runs all the way to
Bathgate. It is traffic-free apart from short sections on
residential roads through Blackridge and as you come into
Bathgate. Take care where the route crosses roads. The path
passes over open country with the sculpture trail along the way
reflecting the rich industrial and railway heritage of the area. The
flat and safe terrain makes it ideal for all the family. You can
catch a train to Edinburgh or to Glasgow and Helensburgh at
any of the stations along the route.
The Fibonacci Tower - one of several artworks along Route 75
Bathgate
Ramp
Hillend Start/
Reservoir Finish
Blackridge
Bathgate
Start/
Finish
Armadale
Airdrie & District Angling Club
Open Daily 15 Mar - 6 Oct
www.airdrie-angling.co.uk
Map 5
Miles
0
15
0
1
Kilometres
Sustrans will be working with the local authorities over the next
few years to make the route even better, including full signing,
planting, seating and interpretation.
1
2
2
3
16
Kelvingrove to Port Dundas 7
Summerston
Miles
0
Possil Marsh
(SWT)
Map 9 & 10
1
0
Kilometres
Bishopbriggs
1
Kelvin
Way
Maryhill
F
Cly orth
de and
Ca
na
l
Summerston
Gilshochill
79
A8
A81
er
Riv vin
Kel
Stockingfield
Junction - follow
signs under canal
Category: Urban, riverside and canal paths
Distance: 6 miles/10 kilometres
Time:
1 hour
Gradient:
Flat along canal, apart from at
Maryhill Locks; small inclines on
Kelvin Way
Surface: Kelvin Way is tarmac, canal towpath is whin dust surfaced
Possilpark
and Parkhouse
Map 3
Maryhill
E TD
R
RG
AR
Partick
Thistle F.C
D
Kelvin
Way
Finish
Museum
M8
GARSCUBE
ROAD
Start/
Finish
Map 3 & 4
04
A8
FERRY ROAD Kelvingrove
Spiers
Wharf
A80
3
Kelvingrove
Park
elvinStart/
Port
Dundas
1
Hillhead
Firhill
A8
04
N
EE
QU
GR
EAT A
WE 82
ST
ER
NR
Cycle uphill by the Maryhill flight of locks and
follow the towpath to Port Dundas for a
stress-free ride. Enjoy wide ranging views over
the city before reaching Speirs Wharf. From
there, either retrace your route or take the
zig-zag path down from the end of the canal,
turn left onto the distinctive red route and
follow the signs into the centre of Glasgow.
A8
B8
08
Dowanhill
MA
Botanic
Gardens
17
For cyclists this scenic route is the ultimate way
to see a quieter side of Glasgow. Start from the
fabulous Kelvingrove Art Gallery to follow the
River Kelvin walk and cycleway (signed)
upstream through Kelvingrove Park. Continue
for 2.5 miles and take a ramp on the right,
signed Forth & Clyde Canal.
Ruchill
Kelvin
Way
K
River
Ashfield
8
B80
18
8
Strathkelvin Railway Path
Miles
0
1
1
0
Kilometres
2
2
3
Ballagan Glen (SWT)
Strathblane
Clachan of
Campsie
A891
Start/
Finish
Strathkelvin
Railway Path
To Mugdock Country Park,
Milngavie and
Kelvin Way
Cyclists on the Strathkelvin Way
Loch Ardinning (SWT)
Craigend Muir
Lennoxtown
A
89
1
A803
Mainly rural, urban sections, railway path, walkable on-road sections
10 miles/16 kilometres
1 hour 30 minutes
Flat
Tarmac and whin dust
Glazert Water
A891
23
B80
Twechar
Torrance
03
A8
Marina
Waterside
9
ap
MGallowhill
Lenzie
Lenzie
ClyFort
de h a
Ca nd
na
l
Kelvinside
Moodiesburn
Muirhead
79
A
19
Kelvin
Way
Auchinloch
Strathkelvin
Way
A8
er
Riv in
Kelv
81
sland
9
B81
A8
03
Start/
Finish
Maryhill
B8
08
Possilpark
and Parkhouse
Ruchill
Ashfield
Gartcosh
20
A8
A8
7
B75
Milton
48
B80
Kirkintilloch
Auld Kirk
Museum
B757
Maryhill
Gilshochill
Stockingfield
Note
Junction- follow
signs under canal
The Kelvin Way from Milngavie to Maryhill is quite rough in parts.
0
p1
Ma
Forth and
Clyde Canal
07
Escape from the city on this tree and flower-lined path and head
towards the dramatic Campsie Fells. From Lenzie station, turn
left and take the first right onto Garngaber Avenue. Continue
along the road for 800 yards or so and turn left onto the signed
Strathkelvin Railway Path. (If you want to take the railway path
south to Moodiesburn, continue through the traffic lights and
turn right onto the path.) Heading north towards Kirkintilloch take
the left fork in the path to reach the B757. Turn right and follow
the road for a short distance (or use the paths through the park)
and turn left into Marina Way. Turn right, left and left again to
Buchley
reach Southbank Marina, where you cross the canal on a
Hillsfoot
spectacular prow-shaped bridge. Head east on the canal
towpath, cross over Townhead road and after approximately 500
Fort and
yards follow the signs to the Roman
Strathkelvin
Way. Take care
course of
Antonine Wall
negotiating the roundabout just before you rejoin the path.
Continue by Milton of Campsie where the path turnsBishopbriggs
west and
River
Kelvin
runs parallel
to the
volcanically formed Campsie Hills before
Summerston
Marsh
ending by the Kirkhouse Inn Possil
in(SWT)
Strathblane.
You can retrace your
Bishopbriggs
Sciencesteps or follow minor roads to Milngavie and join the Kelvin Way
Park
(starts near Summerston
the railway station) back to Glasgow.
Milton of
Campsie
57
B7
Category:
Distance:
Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
Bowling to Kirkintilloch
9
Buchley
Bearsden
0
A8
9
A8 0 1 4
Dalmuir
B805
5
Drumchapel
Hillsfoot
Miles
0
0
Kilometres
1
1
2
Start/Finish at
Bowling. See map 3
Drumry
Drumchapel
River
Kelvin
Westerton
Knightswood
A82
Whitecrook
9
A73
Clydebank
2
Summerston
Summerston
Yoker
Stockingfield
Junction- follow
signs under canal
A
81
14
Anniesland
Map 3
Kelvin
Way
Garscadden
Maryhill
B8
Renfrew-Yoker Ferry
Scotstounhill
Ruchill
Map 8
A8
07
●● Give way to others on the towpath and warn them of
your approach
Gallowhill
A8
03
Roman Fort and
course of
Antonine Wall
Cl Fort
yd h
e C an
an d
al
Bishopbriggs
Bishopbriggs
ark
Summerston
Milton
Gilshochill
79
A8
er
Riv in
Kelv
Stockingfield
Junction- follow
signs under canal
A
81
d
21
Kelvin
Way
Maryhill
Map 7
B8
08
Possilpark
and Parkhouse
Ashfield
Urban, canal towpath
16 miles/26 kilometres
2 hours 20 minutes
Flat
Tarmac, whin dust
Map 10
Lenzie
B757
Category:
Distance:
Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
foot
Possil Marsh
(SWT)
Auld Kirk
Museum
Finish
Buchley
Summerston
03
A8
Start/
Marina
●● For more information contact British Waterways on
01923 201120 or www.waterscape.com
Route
encecontinues
Kirkintilloch
Torrance
●● Avoid cycling where your tyres will damage the path
or verges
Maryhill
Ashfield
Possilpark
and Parkhouse
08
Kelvinside
Be a considerate cyclist
River
Kelvin
Route
Milton
continues
below
Gilshochill
79
A8
er
Riv in
Kelv
A8
Possil Marsh
(SWT)
Science
Park
Maryhill
Yoker
Roman Fort and
course of
Antonine Wall
3
Cl Fort
yd h
e C an
an d
al
Antonine Wall:
Bearsden Bath-house
Lenzie
Set sail on the world’s first sea to sea ship canal!
The Forth & Clyde Canal was completed in 1790
allowing vessels to cross Scotland from the Clyde
to the Forth at Grangemouth. The canal empties
Auchinloch
into the Clyde at the Bowling Basin where this
excellent route starts (Bowling train station is
nearby - see map 3).
Cycle through Clydebank, where National Route 7
leaves the canal, and follow the towpath effortlessly
through Glasgow city. There are plenty of rail
options to shorten the journey or you can continue
through open countryside to Kirkintilloch (see map
8 for Lenzie rail connection).
22
Kirkintilloch to Falkirk 10
3
A80
Banton
Miles
0
Banknock
1
2
d
h an
Fort Canal
e
Clyd
A803
2
Kilsyth
3
Antonine Wall:
Castlecary To
Westerwood
Dullatur Marsh
(SWT)
Kilsyth's
Heritage
Airport
Antonine Wall:
Dullatur
A803
Dullatur
Milton of
Campsie
Cumbernauld
Antonine Wall:
Croy Hill
A891
Auchinstarry
Strathkelvin
Railway Path
Cumbernauld
Glen (SWT)
Croy
Antonine Wall:
Bar Hill Fort
02
M
80
B8
23
B80
Map 8 & 9
Start/
Finish
Twechar
Croy
Forth and
Clyde Canal
Category:
Distance:
Time:
Gradient:
Surface:
B8048
48
B80
Kirkintilloch
Route
continues
below
B8
16
0
1
Kilometres
Mainly rural, canal towpath
16 miles/26 kilometres
2 hours 20 minutes
Cumbernauld
Flat
Whin dust, some tarmac
Waterside
Greenfaulds
Lenzie
B757
A883
M8
Lenzie
76
Bankhead
A80
3
A803
9
B81
Strathkelvin
Way
Bonnybridge
Rough
Castle
(Roman Fort)
Moodiesburn
7
B75
B816
Route
Banton
continues
Falkirk Wheel
Start/
Finish
A8
0
0
M8
nloch
Camelon
Falkirk
Union Ca
nal
Falkirk
High
3
A80
Longcroft
Banknock
6
B81
d
h an
Fort Canal
e
Clyd
Antonine Wall:
Castlecary To
Westerwood
Airport
Antonine Wall:
Dullatur
ur
Cumbernauld
M
80
Cumbernauld
Glen (SWT)
23
B8
16
Dullatur Marsh
(SWT)
To Edinburgh
Cycle a delightful section of the Forth & Clyde Canal
east of Kirkintilloch. There’s plenty to see en route and
in the warmer months it’s a wildlife haven. An optional
start is from Lenzie train station (see map 8).
Near Falkirk, the striking 35-metre high Falkirk Wheel
links the Forth & Clyde with the Union Canal via a
rotating caisson. Boat rides are available and there’s a
visitor centre and café. Half a mile to the west of the
Wheel and linked to it by footpaths, the Roman-built
Antonine Wall can be visited at Rough Castle. Cycle
uphill past the Wheel, through the tunnel to the Union
Canal and continue to the signed Falkirk High station,
where you can catch trains to Edinburgh or Glasgow.
24
Glasgow to Paisley 11
Category: Urban, riverside paths, parks and town road sections
Distance: 9 miles/14 kilometres
Time:
1 hour 20 minutes
Gradient: Mainly flat
Surface:Tarmac
Cycle to Paisley for a great day out! From Glasgow cross the
Clyde on Bell’s Bridge, by the huge Finnieston Crane, to follow
on-road and traffic-free cycle paths into Pollok Park.
In this large city park you can visit the Burrell Collection with its
extensive art and curios collection and excellent café. Also open
to the public is the 18th century Pollok House, which has art
works by El Greco and Murillo. Most of the remainder of the
route to Paisley Canal station follows pleasant riverside paths by
the White Cart Water. Crookston Castle and Paisley Abbey are
also worth a visit.
Pollok House, Glasgow © Eamonn McGoldrick
Kelvingrove
Park
Map 3
Miles
0
0
Kilometres
1
1
2
2
Riv
er
Transport
Museum
3
Map 4
Cly
de
Exhibition Centre
SECC Bell’s
Bridge
Ibrox
Map 12 &13
A761
Cardonald
A761
Start/
Finish
A8
Glasgow
M
8
Bellahouston
Drumbreck
Crookston
Paisley Canal
Pollokshields
Mosspark
B774
Start/
Finish
Paisley
A8
Craigton
Oldhall
Hawkhead
Glasgow
Science
Centre
Mosspark
Whit
e
Wat Cart
er
A7
7
M7
Crookston
Castle
26
Dykebar
Hill
Drumbreck
Corkerhill
Pollok
Maxwell Park
B7
68
Pollok Country
Park
Burrell Collection
B768
Pollokshields
West
63
B7
Crossmyloof
B769
Paisley
Abbey
A736
Paisley Gilmour
Street
Ibrox
Football
Stadium
Shawlands
Pollok House
Pollokshaws West
25
26
Paisley to Gourock 12
Miles
0
1
2
0
1
2
Kilometres
3
Ferries to Kilcreggan and Helensburgh
Ferry to Dunoon
Gourock
Start/
Finish
Drumfrochar
Roman legion sculpture on the route
Devol
Glen
Greenock Cut
Greenock Cut
Visitor Centre
Clyde Muirshiel
Regional Park
Rough track
Category:
Mainly rural with urban section, railway
path, on-road sections in Elderslie and
in Greenock and Gourock
Distance: 21 miles/34 kilometres
Time:
3 hours
Gradient:
Steady but easy incline from Linwood
to above Port Glasgow. Steep descent
and ascent at Devol Glen and descent
into Greenock
Surface:Tarmac
Most of this route is on an old railway line, which
passes through attractive open farmland. At a large
sculpture near Johnstone, branch right, signed
National Route 75 to Gourock.
The character of this route changes as it enters
Port Glasgow and traverses the hillside before a
drop into Greenock. From there, enjoy the sea air
as you cycle to Gourock and onward ferry options.
27
Map 11
Paisley
Paisley
Paisley
3
Map 1
Start/
Finish
28
Paisley to Kilbirnie 13
Category: Rural after initial urban section, railway path, short on-road sections in Elderslie and Kilbirnie
Distance: 14 miles/23 kilometres
Time:
2 hours
Gradient: Flat, slight incline from Lochwinnoch to Kilbirnie
Surface:Tarmac
This section forms part of the Lochs and Glens
Cycle Route, which runs from Carlisle to Inverness
on National Route 7. Start from the platform of
Paisley Canal station and at the path junction near
Johnstone follow National Route 7 south on an
idyllic old railway line that passes no less than
three lochs.
At Castle Semple Loch there’s a visitor centre and
café. Further along it’s worth the short detour on
a purpose built cycle path to an RSPB centre for
waterfowl viewing. Lochwinnoch train station is
nearby if you want to shorten the ride. Otherwise
continue on National Route 7 to Kilbirnie, which is
close to Glengarnock station.
Access gateway on the National Cycle Network
Paisley
Map
Paisley
12
A761
Start/
Finish
Map
11
Clyde Muirshiel
Regional Park
Miles
0
0
1
Kilometres
1
2
2
3
Kilbirnie
Start/
Finish
29
Map14
Longbar
30
Paisley
Lochwinnoch
Ayrshire area
Barrhead
Kilbirnie
Beith
Dalry
Kilbirnie to Irvine p34
Irvine to Alloway p36
West Kilbride to Irvine p38
Irvine to Kilmarnock p40
West Kilbride
Ardrossan
Kilwinning
Irvine
Irvine Bay
Kilmarnock
Dundonald
On-road National Cycle Network section
Traffic-free National Cycle Network section
Troon
Other routes
Time: The time given to complete a route is
calculated on an average travelling time of 7 miles
or 11 km per hour. This allows for a leisurely cycling
pace or for plenty of stops. Times and distances
given for linear routes are for one way only.
Prestwick
Miles
0
Ayr
Alloway
31
0
2
Kilometres
4
2
4
6
6
8
10
32
Kilbirnie to Irvine 14
Map13
To Lochwinnoch,
Johnstone, Paisley
and Glasgow
Kilbirnie
Loch
Kilbirnie
Start/
Finish
77
Longbar
B7
80
Glengarnock
B7
A7
37
Miles
0
37
A7
1
B 70 7
B7
07
Dalry
0
1
Kilometres
Dalry
2
3
Ideal cycling country
Blair
Category: Mainly rural, 25% traffic-free cycle path, 75% on-road
Distance: 12 miles/20 kilometres
Time:
1 hour 50 minutes Gradient: Undulating to Kilwinning then flat
Surface:Tarmac
Dalgarven
Mill
An enjoyable, mainly on-road section, which forms part of
National Route 7. From Kilbirnie the route passes close to
Glengarnock station before following a relatively quiet road for
7 miles through the rural Garnock valley to reach Kilwinning,
where the route becomes traffic-free again.
8
7
B7
Kilwinning
Kilwinning
B7
For more information on
the New Town Trail
see www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk
Abbey
Kilwinning Abbey makes a visit to this town worthwhile. Dating
from 1187, the abbey played an important part in Scotland’s
religious life for 400 years.
8
B7
38
A7
5
A737
Map16
Eglinton Country Park
A78(
T)
New Town Trail
52
Garnock
Floods
Nature
Reserve
B7
Stevenston
B70
80
T)
A78(
7
A73
79
B7
Map17
Stevenston
Irvine
To Kilmarnock
6
A7 3
Start/
Finish
Scottish
Maritime
Museum
1
A737
Magnum
Leisure
Centre Irvine
B 708
Irvine
Continue on Route 7, passing a turn off for Route 73 to
Ardrossan (see map 16) and the New Town Trail – a 12 mile
traffic-free route around Irvine. Traffic-free paths lead easily to
Irvine station, close to the Scottish Maritime Museum.
Beach
Park
To Troon,
Prestwick,
Ayr and
Carlisle
33
B 708
0
Map15
34
Irvine
Irvine to Alloway 15
A71
Irvine Beach
Park
A78(T)
Map 14
7
A73
Start/
Finish
Gailes
Marsh
Wildlife
Reserve
Shewalton
Wood
Wildlife
Reserve
Map 17
Dundonald
A7
59
Irvine Bay
Barassie
9
A75
(T)
A78
Troon
R
N ST
M AI
EET
Marr
College
Prestwick beach © David Gold
Troon
A78
(T)
Royal Troon
Golf Club
A78
A7
7
Monkton
A79
Miles
0
1
2
Glasgow
Prestwick
International
Airport
Prestwick
Town
0
1
Kilometres
2
3
Prestwick
Newton
on Ayr
Citadel
Leisure
Centre
Category: Rural and urban, coastal, roadside paths, woodland paths, promenades, local roads Distance: 22 miles/35 kilometres
Time:
3 hours
Gradient:Flat
Surface:Tarmac
This long, open stretch by the Ayrshire coast is very
enjoyable on a warm sunny day. If you’re lucky with the
weather you should take the short detour signed south of
Irvine for Beach Park.
After a paddle, continue south, through Shewalton Wood
Wildlife Reserve, to Troon harbour. Then the route follows a
great traffic-free cycle path by the railway line and Royal
Troon golf course before a short on-road section leads into
Ayr (train station).
Ayr
Ayr
Continue south on Route 7. Two link paths provide a
pleasant detour to Alloway and the Robert Burns National
Heritage Park.
Alloway
35
1
To Maybole, Glentrool,
Newton Stewart and
Dumfries
Start/
Finish
Burns Heritage Park
36
16
West Kilbride to Irvine
West Kilbride
West Kilbride
Start/
Finish
8
A7
Locally inspired artwork near Kilwinning
Map 14
To Kilbirnie,
Lochwinnoch and
Glasgow
A78
Kilwinning
Kilwinning
Abbey
A78
Saltcoats
Ferry to Arran
A738
Ardrossan
Town
Eglinton Country Park
Stevenston
Ardrossan
South Beach
A78(T)
Ardrossan
New Town Trail
B752
Ardrossan
Harbour
Saltcoats
B70
80
Garnock
Floods
Nature
Reserve
Stevenston
)
A78(T
B7
79
A737
Category:
Coastal, rural and urban, traffic-free and on-road
sections
Distance: 13 miles/21 kilometres
Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Gradient: Flat
Surface:Tarmac
Bogside
Flats
This route gives quality cycling by a beautiful and open stretch of
coast. From the outskirts of West Kilbride a cyclepath runs
parallel to the A78 with stunning views of Arran’s ‘sleeping giant’
profile. It’s possible to walk or cycle from West Kilbride train
station to the start.
37
Irvine Bay
Irvine
Magnum
Leisure
Centre
Irvine
Beach
Park
Miles
0
0
1
Kilometres
Scottish
Maritime
Museum
A71
A71
Map 17
T)
After Ardrossan, follow National Route 73, passing golden
beaches before heading inland, with some road sections, to join
Route 7. Then go south for Irvine (train station); or north for
Kilwinning (train station). To continue on Route 73 to Kilmarnock,
see map 17.
Irvine
Start/
Finish
1
2
3
Map 15
Gailes Marsh
Wildlife
Reserve
38
Irvine to Kilmarnock
0
1
17
2
2
Kilometres
3
Map 14
Abbey
For more information on
the New Town Trail
see www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk
Eglinton Country Park
Gentle cycling around Irvine
New Town Trail
Map 16
B751
Kilmaurs
B70
80
Garnock
Floods
Nature
Reserve
Kilmaurs
)
A78(T
B7
79
A737
35
A7
Knockentiber
Irvine
Springside
Kilmarnock
Irvine
Scottish
Maritime
Museum
Dreghorn
A71
A71
Irvine
Beach
Park
A71
A78(T)
A78(T)
Gailes Marsh
Wildlife
Reserve
Shewalton
Wood Wildlife
Reserve
Kilmarnock
Crosshouse
A71
Category:
Urban and rural, riverside and railway paths, short on-road sections in Kilmarnock
Distance: 8 miles/13 kilometres
1 hour 10 minutes
Time:
Gradient: Flat
A71
Surface:Tarmac
Enjoy a blissfully flat and almost entirely traffic-free cycle
to Kilmarnock. This section follows Route 73, which is
signed off Route 7 where it crosses the River Irvine.
Start/
Finish
AY
RR
Magnum
Leisure
Centre
B7081
D
Start/
Finish
Bogside
Flats
Cycle by the river to Dreghorn where John Boyd Dunlop,
Dundonald
inventor of the pneumatic tyre, was born in 1840.
Irvine
Bay
Map 15
39
To Troon,
Prestwick, Ayr
and Carlisle
Thanks to him cycling is a cushioned affair compared
to the prototypes of yesteryear. Continue through open
country on the old railway path and follow the signs into
Kilmarnock where there’s a train station, with links to the
north and south.
40
National Cycle Network in Scotland
From gentle rides along old railway lines, canal
towpaths and quiet country routes over moorland,
mountain and forest terrain, cycling in Scotland
has something for everyone.
This map shows the National Cycle Network
routes in Scotland. You may want to cycle part of
them as a day trip or enjoy a longer cycle.
See page 46 for a list of maps and guides
available from Sustrans.
SHETLAND ISLANDS
Unst
1
1
Lerwick
Sumburgh
On-road section
Traffic-free sections
Proposed routes
Selected regional routes
Towns with railway stations
Towns without railways stations
1
10
41
National Cycle Network route number
Regional route number
42
Support Sustrans today
About Sustrans
Sustrans makes smarter travel choices possible, desirable and
inevitable. We’re a leading UK charity enabling people to travel
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make every day. We work with families, communities, policymakers and partner organisations so that people are able to
choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys, with better
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BS1 5FA
or call 0845 838 0651
Please complete this form and send it to:
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43
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Registered Charity No. 326550 (England and Wales)
SCO39263 (Scotland)
44
Also available from Sustrans
Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay
by Direct Debit
To order maps and guides for stunning cycling and walking
routes throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK please call
0845 113 00 65 or visit www.sustranshop.co.uk
Please fill in the whole form and send it to:
Sustrans, Freepost BS7739, Bristol, BS1 5FA
National Cycle Network
Maps for Scotland:
Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society
To: The Manager
Bank/Building Society
Lochs & Glens Pack
Covering National Route 7 between
Inverness and Carlisle
Code NNP01, £18.00
Address
Lochs & Glens South
Carlisle to Glasgow via the Ayrshire coast
Code NN7B, £6.99
Postcode
Name(s) of Account Holder(s)
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Northern section of the Lochs and Glens cycle route
between Glasgow and Inverness
Code NN7C, £6.99
Bank/Building Society account number
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Edinburgh to Aberdeen
Code NN1D, £6.99
Branch sort code
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Edinburgh to Newcastle
Code NN1C, £6.99
Originator’s indentification number
6
7
2
6
7
Salmon Run
Dundee to Perth and Pitlochry plus five circular rides
in the Tay Valley
Code NN77, £3.99
7
Reference number
Oban to Campbeltown
Code NN78, £3.99
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Date
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!
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46
Area covered by this booklet
Tarbet
Falkirk
Dumbarton
Clydebank
Greenock
Kilmacolm
Lochwinnoch
Ardrossan
Glasgow
Paisley
Bathgate
Airdrie
Kilwinning
Irvine
Kilmarnock
Troon
Ayr
To find maps, route information and suggested routes
from cyclists throughout Scotland visit:
www.routes2ride.org.uk/scotland
Sustrans and the National Cycle Network
The routes in this book form part of the National Cycle
Network, more than 13,000 miles of traffic-free paths,
quiet lanes and on-road walking and cycling routes
around the UK.
The Network is coordinated by Sustrans, the charity that’s
enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport
for more of the journeys we make every day. Our work
makes it possible for people to choose healthier, cleaner
and cheaper journeys, with better places and spaces to
move through and live in.
It’s time we all began making smarter travel choices.
Make your move and support Sustrans today.
www.sustrans.org.uk
0845 838 0651
Registered Charity No. 326550 (England and Wales) SC039263 (Scotland)
Front cover: Roman legion on Route 75 © Sustrans
This booklet has been produced
with the support of the Scottish Goverment
Second edition 2012