Description
This is a much improved version of Kirkil One.
By using a combination of canal towpath, River Kelvin walkway, and other off road paths, this route between Kirkintilloch and Kilsyth is both direct and mostly off road.
There's a mix of path types, some is on the all-weather combined cycle and foot path along the north side of the canal. Between Ellisland and Twechar the route crosses to the less popular south side, for a mix of tracks and narrow paths, which gives some variety, as well as respite from the bicycles if its a popular day for the cyclists. Walkers who prefer a smooth path and don't mind the frequent standing aside can choose to stay on the north side for this part.
The south side of the canal provides good connectivity, with an excellent bus route into Glasgow at Ellisland; and at Twechar there is a convenience store where refreshments can be purchased, and another bus stop (different route). There are benches at Twechar bridge if a picnic appeals.
Between Twechar and Kilsyth the route goes along the River Kelvin walkway, before passing through the Dumbrek Marsh nature reserve. The footpath goes almost all the way to the Meeting Point in Kilsyth
This is a much improved version of Kirkil One.
By using a combination of canal towpath, River Kelvin walkway, and other off road paths, this route between Kirkintilloch and Kilsyth is both direct and mostly off road.
There's a mix of path types, some is on the all-weather combined cycle and foot path along the north side of the canal. Between Ellisland and Twechar the route crosses to the less popular south side, for a mix of tracks and narrow paths, which gives some variety, as well as respite from the bicycles if its a popular day for the cyclists. Walkers who prefer a smooth path and don't mind the frequent standing aside can choose to stay on the north side for this part.
The south side of the canal provides good connectivity, with an excellent bus route into Glasgow at Ellisland; and at Twechar there is a convenience store where refreshments can be purchased, and another bus stop (different route). There are benches at Twechar bridge if a picnic appeals.
Between Twechar and Kilsyth the route goes along the River Kelvin walkway, before passing through the Dumbrek Marsh nature reserve. The footpath goes almost all the way to the Meeting Point in Kilsyth
Status
This route has been reviewed by 3 people.
There are no issues flagged.
Photos for Kirkil two
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Information
Route status - Live
Reviews - 3
Average rating -
Is this route good enough? - Yes (3)
There are currently no problems reported with this route.
Downloads - 3
Surveys
What is this route like?
Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.
Grade 3X based on 1 surveys | Sign up or log in to survey this route. | ||
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Description | Note | ||
Grade 3: Route includes rough surfaces that may include small boulders, potholes, shallow ruts, loose gravel, short muddy sections. Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users. |
Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 1 surveys. | ||
Full grading description |
Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.
Survey Photos
Facilities
Facilities in the middle third of this route.
Challenges
Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.
Obstacles
Obstacles on this route.
Accessibility
Is this route step and stile free?
Measurements
Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.
The narrowest part of the path is 40.0cm (1)
The steepest uphill gradient walking East 12.0% (1)
The steepest uphill gradient walking West 12.0% (1)
The steepest camber: no data
How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unclear in places (1)
Successfully completed
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Recommended by an expert
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Terrain
We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.
There is no data on how much of this route is on roads
There is no data on how much of this route is lit at night
Thereis no data on amount of route paved
There is no data on muddiness
There is no data on rough ground
There is no data on long grass
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1 surveys
Information from verified surveys.
Geography information system (GIS) data
Total length
Maximum elevation
Minimum elevation
Start and end points
Kirkintilloch
Grid Ref
NS6533073990
Lat / Lon
55.94003° / -4.15764°
Easting / Northing
265,330E / 673,990N
What3Words
bachelor.timed.qualifier
Kilsyth
Grid Ref
NS7172777985
Lat / Lon
55.97765° / -4.05720°
Easting / Northing
271,727E / 677,985N
What3Words
penned.shampoos.forgiving
Kirkintilloch | |
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Grid Ref | NS6533073990 |
Lat / Lon | 55.94003° / -4.15764° |
Easting / Northing | 265,330E / 673,990N |
What3Words | bachelor.timed.qualifier |
Kilsyth | |
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Grid Ref | NS7172777985 |
Lat / Lon | 55.97765° / -4.05720° |
Easting / Northing | 271,727E / 677,985N |
What3Words | penned.shampoos.forgiving |
Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.
reviews
Mary Oz
13 Nov 2023I had been hoping for a bright sunny day for this walk, but it turned out frosty, misty, and very cold. However, this made all the autumn views and canal reflections extra beautiful, so I'm not complaining!
The route from Kilsyth very quickly became quite rural, passing through a lovely nature reserve. The gravelled path followed straight drainage streams, and I passed a couple of school groups on the way. There was one spot where there were signs of flooding, so be aware of this following prolonged rain. It was mostly wooded with some fields nearby, lovely in autumn.
Before half way I reached the canal, but the route followed this on the opposite side from the towpath. This was unexpected but added interest. Mostly it was a footpath through the trees with views down to the canal.
Eventually I crossed to the towpath, which gave more open canal views with reflections of the lovely autumn trees. However, there was more traffic noise from here onwards. Towards Kirkintilloch I crossed the intriguing aqueduct which I remember from MilKir One (see my review), before arriving at the end of this excellent route.
Wellchoughed
15 Jul 2023 (edited 20 Jul 2023)Review of Slow Ways route Kirkil2 (Kirkintilloch to Kilsyth two)
I walked this route (in reverse) on a day of mixed weather with very heavy showers in July 2023. In spite of the rain the walk was a treat and a revelation to me as I had walked the adjacent towpath many times without knowing this route existed. The route begins (if going from Kilsyth to Kirkintilloch) with a quiet path along the Ebroch Burn which very conveniently underpasses the busy B802. After a while, the buildings of Kilsyth begin to be left behind as the route heads past a couple of school playing fields and out into open countryside. There has obviously been a fair amount of reclamation of industrial land for leisure purposes here with some surfaces still rather uneven. There are also paths heading in various directions. However the route as mapped is perfectly clear. Eventually the Ebroch Burn transforms into the River Kelvin and this is followed for a while (watch out for Kingfishers). The route then leads downhill, through a gap in the wall and onto a section of pavement beside a road. This is followed round a couple of corners until the Forth and Clyde Canal is crossed at Twechar. The route then heads along a series of roads, tracks and paths following the south side of the canal (whereas most walkers and cyclists would normally take the towpath on the north side). Once again the mapped route is invaluable for staying on the right track. I did find the route narrow in places and quite muddy at times, and anyone looking for a smoother, less secluded route would be better advised to stick to the towpath. However I was quite content as it gave me the chance to explore some areas I had never visited before. As the edge of Kirkintilloch is reached, the route does something quite unexpected and plunges downhill and through a small tunnel under the canal, to emerge on the north side. Please beware at this point as I got the fright of my life when I suddenly heard a loud roaring noise behind me. I hadn’t realised this tiny tunnel was also used by cars! The remainder of the route is a very simple one, along the aforementioned canal towpath. There is one road to cross before the centre of Kirkintilloch is reached. Overall this is a well-designed, well-mapped and easy to follow route. It is interesting along its full extent and scenic at many points. However as already mentioned, the path is narrow and muddy in places and on a rainy day (or if I didn’t enjoy secluded places), I would probably opt for the canal towpath all the way.
Photographs of the route to follow.
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Share your thoughts
Jane Taylor
22 Sep 2021I made this route after trying out Kirkil one, I think it has a good balance of path quality and interest/variety.
I walked Kilsyth - Kirkintilloch.
When I walked this route the path through the nature reserve at Kilsyth was blocked off for restoration work. This is due to complete in October 2021.
I did a workaround by taking the B802 Howe Road south until it met the River Kelvin walkway, then walking west along the walkway to join with the main route.
At Twechar there was the added excitement of the canal bridge being raised to let a boat through (pics). There are good benches for viewing and picnic-ing here.
I bought extra refreshments at the Twechar convenience store and enjoyed the 'path less trod' on the south side of the canal, as far as Ellisland. Here there is an excellent bus connection to central Glasgow.
At Ellisland the route crosses under the canal to the north side - this is a tunnel underpass that may have a car coming through, so be visible. (pic)
This route has a pleasant approach to Kirkintilloch, taking the canal towpath all the way to the centre. It's a very pleasant main street with some good coffee shops. Kirkintilloch is a Walkers are Welcome town!
I think this is a full 5 star route now (or will be when the nature reserve path reopens in a month or so.).
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