AdVANture Overview

This 4 mile-ish circular route is suitable for walkers and hill runners. The kissing gates and steep, grassy part makes it more difficult for bikes, although there is an alternative gravel route which adds on a couple of miles. The route is a mix of trail, gravel road, grassy paths, with a final stretch on tarmac along the Forth & Clyde Canal. It also forms part of the John Muir Way which traverses the central belt of Scotland from Helensburgh, in the West to Dunbar, in the East. The birthplace of John Muir, the man known as ‘the father of national parks’ in the States and recognised for the saving of Yosemite.

At the mid-point and steepest elevation point, is Castle Hill, before the path descends slightly to Bar Hill. Both hills are of historical significance as protection points for the Antonine Wall.

The starting point for this micro adventure is the Auchinstarry Marina, here there is ample free parking and a choice of two coffee spots. The dog-friendly, Boat House has indoor and outdoor seating if you’re looking for more than coffee and cake or sample a takeaway coffee from the quaint blue wooden Port Gallery. (There is outdoor seating here too)

At a comfortable walking pace, the route can be done in a 2.5 hours, but factor in time to take in the view and recover from the significant climb up to Castle Hill!

Starting From

Pick up the path at the far end of the car park on the right hand side as you come down towards the Marina.

Here is the What3Words for The Boathouse (if you type Auchinstarrry Marina into Maps, it takes you to a random place on the other side of the a canal bridge.)

Getting There

As mentioned, there is free parking, both in the car park beside The Boat House and at the other side of the entrance road to the right.

It’s possible, to get do this route with public transport. The nearest train station is Croy, from which you will have a 1.5 mile walk to Auchinstarry Marina. Or jump on the number 35 bus from the station to Kilsyth and get off at the Auchinstarry Quarry/Roman Playground before turning left and following the pavement to the roundabout.

Step by Step

Here’s a short video to help you navigate.

VANtage points

If you’re into Roman History there is much to geek-out on during the walk. And if you’re taking little ones along, they will LOVE the Roman themed play park at nearby Auchinstarry Quarry. You can also learn to climb here too with Aspect Mountaineering among others.

The all important coffee stop…

You are spoiled for choice at Auchinstarry Marina!

Choose from The Boat House bar and restaurant if you’re looking for more than a sweet treat. It’s dog friendly, has indoor and outdoor seating areas and an extensive and tasty menu. It is however part of a chain so personally I tend to give my business to the independent Port Gallery which serves Henry’s Coffee AND always had interesting artwork and curios to check out. It has ample outdoor seating and dogs are welcome into the gallery while waiting for your coffee. There’s always a dog biscuit on hand too! The down side is the a very restricted menu of ‘eats’ - crisps, cakes and to-die for tablet (maybe not so much of a downside after all!)

Final Thoughts

Maybe have coffee and the awesome tablet from the Port Gallery first , then work it off with a great hike with fab views, before returning for lunch and another coffee at The Boat House!