Kilsyth to Falkirk | John Muir Way

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Overview

Distance:

13 miles, 20.8 km

Average time to complete:

5 hours' walking, 2.5 hours' cycling

Description

East of Kilsyth, the trail meets the Forth and Clyde Canal, which in John Muir’s time provided a busy shipping link between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde.

Now the canals are cherished places to enjoy quiet fishing, cycling or just messing about on the water. If you’d like to relax and watch some wildlife, try visiting nearby Dumbreck Marsh, or if industrial heritage floats your boat, float off on the Falkirk Wheel which transports shipping from one canal to another.

Terrain

This section has a mixture of some hilly grass and stone paths and flat canal towpath before reaching Falkirk. From Croy the walking route continues east along the Antonine Wall over Croy Hill on variable gradient paths, with some rough sections, before rejoining the alternative cycle route on the canal at Craigmarloch. The route splits again at Rough Castle on the Antonine Wall, where cycling is not permitted, before rejoining at the Falkirk Wheel. The cycle route then follows forest tracks through Callendar Woods to Glen Village, while the walking route winds its way along the canal and then pavement, taking you closer to the town centre.

Accessibility

Kissing gates (and the cycling restrictions) mean that most of the path over the Antonine Wall and through Rough Castle is suitable for pedestrians only. The canal towpath is fully accessible, as are the paths around the Falkirk Wheel and the alternative cycle route, which skirts south of the walking route via Lionthorn. Short tunnels under the canal at Bonnybridge and under the railway near Falkirk station are both challenging other than on foot but there are alternative options.

For detailed information about potential access restrictions along this section, see the Accessibility Storymap.

Getting There

By rail: the route can be accessed at the Kilsyth end from Croy train station, 1km from the trail. Falkirk High station sits right on the trail by the Union Canal.

By bus: the 88C bus service links Kilsyth, Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown. Falkirk is well served by a number of bus routes including the 35 service that runs between Falkirk and Kilsyth/Croy.

By car: parking is available at the western end of this section at Auchinstarry Marina. Around Falkirk, there is a huge car park at the Falkirk Wheel and more options in the town centre, including a small car park at Drossie Road beside the trail.

Points of interest

The Helix & Kelpies

The Helix has transformed almost 300 hectares, offering events, walks and new cycleways near the 30m-high landmark sculptures The Kelpies.

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Falkirk Wheel

Joining two canals across Scotland, the Falkirk Wheel is one of Scotland's top tourist destinations and attracts visitors from all across the world.

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Falkirk Town Centre

There's more to Falkirk than the Kelpies and the Wheel! The town is steeped in history and boasts superb parks & gardens and a good selection of bistros & cafes.

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Colzium Estate

Visitors can explore the many trails and splendid gardens, and also view the castle ruins on the estate.

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Callendar Estate Cycle Trails

At Callendar Estate there is a network of single-track mountain bike trails to complement the walking and horse-riding routes already available. There are easy family-friendly routes through attractive woodland.

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