AdVANturing - Micro Adventures in Fran the Van
Finglas Falls
Clachan of Campsie, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland
AdVANture Overview
This 3 mile-ish out and back is suitable for walkers, trail runners, and gravel bikers. The path up tho the waterfall is pretty much uphill all the way but pause, turn around and take in the views and it doesn’t feel too much like hard work. There are a couple of narrow gates to squeeze though but it’s a wide, dirt road all the way to the waterfall.
The falls are glorious in full spate, and have a decent sized pool at the base even after a dry spell. Perfect for a quick dip or to cool your feet after the climb.
The starting point for this micro adventure is Clachan of Campsie, near Lennoxtown. A quaint collection of independent shops round a pretty, cobbled courtyard with the all important coffee stop too!
The cafe has recently changed hands and is now called The Glen Cafe (formerly Cafe Sonas). It’s doggy-friendly and has both indoor and outdoor seating.
At a steady walking pace, the ascent can be done comfortably in 45 minutes and you’ll gain 750 feet of elevation, giving you awesome views to the East and West.
The Glen Cafe at Clachan of Campsie, East Dunbartonshire
Starting From
The adventure starts from Clachan of Campsie, nestled at the foot of the Campsie Hills near Lennoxtown and also a starting point for the much more popular Campsie Falls route.
What3Words for the starting point HERE
Getting There
Parking is free and sufficient, although you may need to opt to park on-road at busier times of day. No van? No problem. The route starts right where the X85 bus from Buchanan Street Bus Station in Glasgow, terminates. The nearest train station is Lenzie, where the X85 bus can be picked up.
Step by Step
With your back to The Glen Cafe head back down the road and take a right at the end of the wall onto Knowehead Road.
Continue until the road splits, take the road to the right.
Pass the Campsie Glen Forestry sign
Continue up until you see another fork in the road, this one signposts walkers to the right. Take the right hand path
Pass the memorial to the Eritean Martys on your left hand side and continue on.
Continue uphill for approx 2 km. You will hear the waterfall before you see it. Just when you think you’re getting nowhere, you round a corner and it comes into view!
Click through the images below to help you navigate…
VANtage points
Snuggled right next to Clachan of Campsis is the Schoenstatt Religious and Spiritual Retreat Centre. The gardens are open to all and are so tranquil and calming to wander round. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the gardens.
The all important coffee stop…
While Cafe Sonas was well established, welcoming and had a great selection of soup, sandwiches and home made bakes, the new iteration - The Glen Cafe is still finding it’s feet. I visited on a busy Sunday and found things a little chaotic. So much so that I decided that firing up the ‘ploop ploop’ (stove-top coffee pot) in the van would be preferable on this occasion.
That said. The Glen Cafe is doggy-friendly, the menu looked varied and the cakes and bakes on view looked delicious!
Final Thoughts
A perfect little microadventure, very accessible from Glasgow and taking less than a couple of hours to complete depending on how long you choose to stay at the waterfall or enjoying your coffee!