National Cycle Network Go Traffic Free in Scotland - Sustrans

Forth Road Bridge & Dalmeny 

National Cycle Network 

Go Traffic Free 

in Scotland 

Glasgow and West Central Scotland 

SCOTLAND CYCLE MAP

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: 

1 

Glasgow and environs p4 

Ayrshire area p32 

Each detailed map uses the following key 

Featured route 

National Cycle Network traffic-free 

National Cycle Network on-road 

Regional route/other routes 

Proposed cycle route 

Railway (station) 

Take care point / section 

Steep hill / One way 

Campsite/Caravan/Youth hostel 

Viewpoint 

Public house 

Cafe 

Bike Shop 

Shop 

Public toilets 

Post office 

Tourist Information 

Castle Tourist attraction 

Signalled crossing 

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. 

Obey the rules of the road 

Be courteous 

l Give way to pedestrians 

Good Cycling Code 

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

West Kilbride 

3 

Gourock 

Ardrossan 

Greenock 

Dalry 

Kilbirnie 

Irvine Bay 

Tarbet 

Helensburgh 

Lochwinnoch 

Port 

Glasgow 

Bridge of 

Weir 

Kilwinning 

Johnstone 

Beith 

Irvine 

Kilmacolm 

Dundonald 

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 

Balloch 

Dumbarton 

Bowling 

Erskine 

Paisley 

Barrhead 

Miles 

2 6 

0 2 4 8 

Kilometres 

Kilmarnock 

Milngavie 

Strathblane 

Glasgow 

Rutherglen 

Balloch to Tarbet p6 

Bowling to Balloch p8 

Kilsyth 

Kirkintilloch 

Coatbridge 

Cumbernauld 

Motherwell 

Airdrie 

Traffic-free National Cycle Network section 

Hamilton 

Other routes 

Glasgow & environs 

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 

On-road National Cycle Network section 

Falkirk 

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. 

Bathgate 

4

Arrochar and Tarbet 

5 

Tarbet 

Start/ 

Finish 

A82 A82 

Traffic-free path 

to Helensburgh 

Rubha Mor 

Inverbeg 

West West Loch Loch Lomond Lomond Cycle Cycle Path Path 

National Park Centre, Luss 

(Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park) 

Aldochlay 

Duchlage 

Arden 

Map 2 

Miles 

0 1 2 

0 

Kilometres 

Ben Lomond 

(National Trust for Scotland) 

Rowardennan 

Youth Hostel 

Luss Camping and 

Caravanning Club Site 

Luss 

Loch Lomond 

Youth Hostel 

National Park 

Gateway Centre 

Start/ 


2 3 

Loch Lomond 

Balloch Castle 

and Country 

Park 

Balloch 

Motoring Heritage Centre 

(Scottish Museums Council) 

Milarrochy Bay Camping 

and Caravanning Club Site 

Whinny Hill Wood 

(Woodland Trust) 

A811 A811 

Balloch 

Cycling beside Loch Lomond 

© Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 

National Park Centre, Centre, Balmaha 

(Loch Lomond & The 

Trossachs National Park) 

Balmaha 

Loch Lomond National 

Nature Reserve 

(Scottish 

Natural Heritage) 

Gartocharn 

National 

Park Boundary 

To Aberfoyle 

and Callander 

Balloch to Tarbet 1 

Category: Rural, cycle path 

Distance: 17 miles/28 kilometres 

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes 

Gradient: Flat 

Surface: 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. 

6

7 

National 

Park Boundary 

Miles 

0 

Map 1 

1 

1 2 

Start/ 


3 

2 

Dumbarton 

Bowling to Balloch 2 

Category: Urban, cycle path 


Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 


Surface: 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. 

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. 

Start/ 


Map 3 

8

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. 

Start/ 


9 

Map 2 

White Cart 

Water 

Category: Urban, riverside and canal cycle path 

Distance: 11miles/17 kilometres 



Surface: Mainly tarmac 

Renfrew 

To Paisley 

(not 

complete) 

Bell’s Bridge and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre on the 

River Clyde 

Yoker 

Ibrox Stadium 

Westerton 

To To Gourock Gourock & & Ayr Ayr 

Maryhill 

Start/ 


Glasgow to Bowling 3 

Miles 

0 1 2 

1 

Kilometres 

2 3 

To To Edinburgh Edinburgh 

(via (via Forth Forth & & Clyde Clyde 

and and Union Union Canals) Canals) 

Glasgow 

Exhibition Centre 

Map 4 & 9 

Port Dundas 

Map 11 

M8 M8 

Sustrans Connect2 

Scheme 

10

Map 3 

To Clydebank, 

Dumbarton and Loch 

Lomond and The 

Trossachs National Park 

Scottish Exhibition 

and Conference 

Centre 

Waverley 

Paddle Boat 

Science 

Centre 

To Paisley, 

Gourock and 


ROAD ROAD 

POINTHOUSE POINTHOUSE 

GOVAN GOVAN ROAD ROAD 

NCEFIELD NCEFIELD QUAY QUAY 

LA LA 

WEST WEST 

PAISLEY PAISLEY ROAD ROAD 

M8 M8 

M8 M8 

A804 A804 

Start/ 


Pollokshields East 

Central 

STREET STREET 

BROOMIELAW 

BROOMIELAW CLYDE CLYDE 

MORRISON MORRISON STREET STREET 

Waterbus 

Terminal 

BRIDGE BRIDGE ST ST A77 A77 

M74 M74 

Queen St 

BALLATER BALLATER STREET STREET 

CALEDONIA CALEDONIA ROAD ROAD 

High Street 

ON LOND ROAD 

ON LOND ROAD 

Oatlands 

Glasgow 

KING'S KING'S DR DR 

Bellgrove 

People’s 

Palace 

Bridgeton 

Bridgeton 

Dalmarnock 

GLASGOW GLASGOW ROAD ROAD 

LONDON LONDON ROAD ROAD 

Rutherglen 

Celtic Park 

Stadium 

A74 A74 

To East Kilbride 

Category: Urban, riverside paths, 1 mile on-road section by 

Newton 



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). 

Parkhead 

ROAD ROAD 

LONDON LONDON 

M74 M74 

Cross at 

second 

bridge 

Cambuslang 

Carmyle 

Carmyle 

LONDON LONDON ROAD ROAD 

A74 A74 

Westburn 

Newton 

Newton 

Miles 

0 1 

0 1 2 3 

Kilometres 

Glasgow to Uddingston 4 

Neptune’s Way Bridge and the Finnieston Crane, Glasgow 

To Hamilton 

M73 M73 

Uddingston 



Bothwell 

Castle 

Start/ 


Blantyre 

David 

Livingstone 

Centre 

Bridge 

To Airdrie, Bathgate 

and Edinburgh 

11 12 

NEW NEW ROAD ROAD 

EDINBURGH EDINBURGH 

Map 5


Coatbridge 

Bargeddie 

To Hamilton 

13 

Category: Urban and rural, canal towpath, railway path, short 

on-road sections 



Gradient: Flat after initial gradual climb 


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! 

Map 4 

A12 A12 

A89 A89 

Kirkwood 


B7001 B7001 

Blairhill 

Coatbridge 

Central 

Kirkwood 

Summerlee 

Heritage Park 

Miles 

0 1 

1 

Kilometres 

Coatbridge 

Sunnyside 

Start/ 


A89 A89 

Whifflet 

3 

Airdrie 

Coatdyke 

2 

A8 A8 

A8010 A8010 

Airdrie 

Cairnhill 

Cyclist on the new path between Airdrie and Bathgate 

Drumgelloch 

Coatbridge to Hillend Reservoir 5 

Caldercruix 

Start/ 


Hillend 

Reservoir 

Map 6 

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). 

14

Hillend Start/ 

ReservoirFinish 

15 

Category: Rural, railway path 





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. 

Airdrie & District Angling Club Club 

Open Daily 15 Mar - 6 Oct Oct 

Map 5 

www.airdrie-angling.co.uk 

Miles 

0 1 

0 1 2 

Kilometres 

3 

2 

Blackridge Armadale 

Hillend Reservoir to Bathgate 6 

The Fibonacci Tower - one of several artworks along Route 75 

Ramp 

Bathgate 

Bathgate 

Start/ 


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. 

16

Kelvin 

Way 

Maryhill 

River River 

Kelvin Kelvin 

B808 B808 

A81 A81 

Maryhill 


Way 

Dowanhill 

River River Kelvin Kelvin 

17 

Map 3 

Miles 

0 

0 

Kilometres 

Start/ 


FERRY FERRY ROAD ROAD 

Summerston 

Stockingfield 

Junction - follow 

signs under canal 

Botanic 

Gardens 

QUEEN QUEEN MARGARE 

MARGARE DR DR TT GREAT GREAT WESTERN WESTERN RD RD 

Hillhead 

Kelvingrove 

Museum 

1 

Summerston 

Gilshochill 

B808 B808 

A82 A82 M8 M8 


Way 


Park 

1 

A804 A804 

Possil Marsh 

(SWT) 

Ruchill 

A81 A81 

GARSCUBE 

ROAD 

Forth Forth and and 

Clyde Clyde Canal Canal 

A879 A879 

Possilpark 

and Parkhouse 

Partick 

Thistle F.C 

Firhill 

Spiers 

Wharf 

Start/ 


Kelvingrove to Port Dundas 7 

Bishopbriggs 

Category: Urban, riverside and canal paths 


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 

Port 

Dundas 

A804 A804 

Map 9 & 10 

Ashfield 

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. 

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. 

Map 3 & 4 

A803 A803 

18

Hillsfoot 

Kelvinside 

River River 



Way 

Strathblane 

A81 A81 

A891 A891 

To Mugdock Country Park, 

Milngavie and 

Kelvin Way 

Loch Ardinning (SWT) 

Maryhill 

B808 B808 

Craigend Muir 

A879 A879 

Ruchill 



Clachan of 

Campsie 

Strathkelvin 

Railway Path 

Summerston 

Possil Marsh 

(SWT) 

Bishopbriggs 

cience ciencesteps 

or follow minor roads to Milngavie and join the Kelvin Way 

Park 

land 

River River 


Ballagan Glen (SWT) 

Category: Mainly rural, urban sections, railway path, walkable 

on-road sections 




Surface: Tarmac and whin dust 

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 

spectacular prow-shaped bridge. Head east on the canal 

towpath, cross over Townhead road and after approximately 500 

Roman Fort and 

yards follow the signs to the Strathkelvin course of Way. Take care 

Antonine Wall 

negotiating the roundabout just before you rejoin the path. 

Continue by Milton of Campsie where the path turns Bishopbriggs west and 

runs parallel to the volcanically formed Campsie Hills before 

ending by the Kirkhouse Inn in Strathblane. You can retrace your 

(starts near Summerston the railway station) back to Glasgow. 

Maryhill 

Gilshochill 

Milton 

Note 


Junction- follow 


The Kelvin Way from Milngavie to Maryhill is quite rough in parts. 

19 

Start/ 


Miles 

0 1 2 

0 

Kilometres 

1 2 3 

Possilpark 

and Parkhouse 

Ashfield 

A803 A803 

A807 A807 

Torrance 

Cyclists on the Strathkelvin Way 

A891 A891 

Lennoxtown 

Glazert Water 

A803 A803 

Map 9 

Gallowhill 

Auld Kirk 

Museum 

B757 B757 

Marina 

Start/ 


Lenzie 

B757 B757 

Lenzie 

Auchinloch 

Strathkelvin Railway Path 8 

Milton of 

Campsie 

A891 A891 


B757 B757 

Forth and 

Clyde Canal 

B819 B819 

Muirhead 

Waterside 

A803 A803 

Map 10 


Way 

B8048 B8048 

B8023 B8023 

Moodiesburn 

Gartcosh 

Twechar 

20 

A8 A8

Dalmuir 

oot 

A8014 

A8014 

Clydebank 

B8055 B8055 

Route 

nce ncecontinues 

rk 

21 

Start/Finish at 

Bowling. See map 3 

Map 3 

Maryhill 

River River 



Way 

Drumry 

Renfrew-Yoker Ferry 

Whitecrook 

River River 


A81 A81 

Yoker 

A814 A814 

Summerston 




Maryhill 

Yoker 

Summerston 

Gilshochill 

Drumchapel 

A82 A82 

B808 B808 

Drumchapel 

Garscadden 


course of 


Possil Marsh 

(SWT) 

A879 A879 

Possilpark 

and Parkhouse 

Knightswood 

Scotstounhill 

Be a considerate cyclist 

l Avoid cycling where your tyres will damage the path 

or verges 

l Give way to others on the towpath and warn them of 

your approach 

l For more information contact British Waterways on 

01923 201120 or www.waterscape.com 

Map 7 

Buchley 



Antonine Wall: 

Bearsden Bath-house 

Milton 

Ashfield 

Bearsden 

Westerton 

A809 A809 

A739 A739 

Miles Hillsfoot 

0 1 

0 

Kilometres 

A803 A803 

Bishopbriggs 

Bishopbriggs 

Science 

Park 

Anniesland 

Kelvinside 

1 2 

Maryhill 

River River 



Way 

River River 


A807 A807 

A81 A81 

Summerston 




Maryhill 

Torrance 

Bowling to Kirkintilloch Buchley 9 

Summerston 

Gilshochill 

B808 B808 

A803 A803 


course of 


Possil Marsh 

(SWT) 


Gallowhill 

Auld Kirk 

Museum 

Marina 

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). 

A879 A879 

Possilpark 

and Parkhouse 

Ruchill 

Category: Urban, canal towpath 




Surface: Tarmac, whin dust 

3 

2 



Route 

continues Milton 

below 

Map 8 

Ashfield 

Start/ 


Map 10 

B757 B757 

Lenzie 

22

Lenzie 

B757 B757 

loch 

r 

Lenzie 

Miles 

0 1 

0 

Kilometres 

Milton of 

Campsie 


Railway Path 

A891 A891 

Map 8 & 9 

Start/ 



B757 B757 

Route Banton 

continues 

Dullatur Marsh 

(SWT) 




Dullatur 

Cumbernauld 

M80 M80 

1 2 

Forth and 

Clyde Canal 

B819 B819 


Castlecary To 

Westerwood 

Airport 

Waterside 

Cumbernauld 

Glen (SWT) 

A803 A803 

A803 A803 


Way 

Banknock 

B816 B816 

3 

B8048 B8048 

2 

B8023 B8023 

Twechar 

Moodiesburn 

A80 A80 

M80 M80 

Longcroft 

B816 B816 


Bar Hill Fort 

Bankhead 

Kilsyth's 

Heritage 

Auchinstarry 

B8048 B8048 

A803 A803 

Kilsyth 

B802 B802 

Croy 

Croy 

A803 A803 

M876 M876 


Croy Hill 

Bonnybridge 

Dullatur 

B816 B816 

Kirkintilloch to Falkirk 10 

Banton 

Dullatur Marsh 

(SWT) 


Dullatur 

Cumbernauld 

A883 A883 



M80 M80 

Category: Mainly rural, canal towpath 



Cumbernauld 


Surface: Whin dust, some tarmac 

Greenfaulds 

A803 A803 

Falkirk 

Rough Falkirk Wheel 

Castle 

(Roman Fort) 

Union Union Canal Canal 


Castlecary To 

Westerwood 

Airport 

Cumbernauld 

Glen (SWT) 

Camelon 

A803 A803 

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. 

Banknock 

Route 

continues 

below 

23 24 

B816 B816 

Start/ 


Falkirk 

High

Paisley Gilmour 

Street 

Paisley 

Abbey 

25 

Category: Urban, riverside paths, parks and town road sections 



Gradient: Mainly flat 


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. 

Miles 

0 

0 

Kilometres 

Map 12 &13 

Paisley Canal 

Start/ 


B774 B774 

Paisley 

1 

A761 A761 

Hawkhead 

1 

A726 A726 

Dykebar 

Hill 

2 

Oldhall 

White White Cart Cart 

Water Water 

3 

2 

Crookston 

A736 A736 

Crookston 

Castle 

Pollok House, Glasgow © Eamonn McGoldrick 

Cardonald 

Mosspark 

Pollok 

A761 A761 

Craigton 

Corkerhill 

Bellahouston 

Mosspark 

M77 M77 

Map 3 

Ibrox 

Football 

Stadium 

Transport 

Museum 

Pollok House 

Glasgow to Paisley 11 

A8 A8 

River River Clyde Clyde 

Ibrox 

Drumbreck 

B768 B768 

Pollok Country 

Park 

Burrell Collection 

Pollokshaws West 

Glasgow 

Science 

Centre 

Drumbreck 

B769 B769 

SECC 

Bell’s 

Bridge 

Maxwell Park 

B768 B768 

A8 A8 

M8 M8 

B763 B763 


Park 

Glasgow 

Crossmyloof 

Shawlands 

Map 4 

Exhibition Centre 

Start/ 


Pollokshields 

Pollokshields 

West 

26

Ferry to Dunoon 

Gourock 

Start/ 


27 

Miles 

0 

Greenock Cut 

Greenock Cut 

Visitor Centre 

1 

0 1 2 

Kilometres 

3 

2 

Ferries to Kilcreggan and Helensburgh 

Drumfrochar 

Clyde Muirshiel 

Regional Park 

Rough track 

Devol 

Glen 

Category: Mainly rural with urban section, railway 

path, on-road sections in Elderslie and 

in Greenock and Gourock 


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 


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. 

Roman legion sculpture on the route 

Map 13 

Paisley to Gourock 12 

Paisley 

Paisley 

Paisley 

Start/ 


Map 11 

28

29 

Category: Rural after initial urban section, 

railway path, short on-road sections 

in Elderslie and Kilbirnie 


Time: 2 hours 

Gradient: Flat, slight incline from Lochwinnoch 

to Kilbirnie 


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. 

Kilbirnie 

Start/ 


Map14 

Clyde Muirshiel 

Regional Park 

Longbar 

Access gateway on the National Cycle Network 

Paisley to Kilbirnie 13 

Paisley 

Map 12 Map 11 

Miles 

0 1 

0 1 2 

Kilometres 

Paisley 

3 

2 

A761 

Start/ 


30

31 

West Kilbride 

Ardrossan 

Dalry 


Kilbirnie 



Prestwick 

Beith 


Dundonald 

Troon 

Ayr 

Alloway 

Paisley 

Kilmarnock 

Barrhead 

Ayrshire area 

Kilbirnie to Irvine p34 

Irvine to Alloway p36 

West Kilbride to Irvine p38 

Irvine to Kilmarnock p40 

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. 

Miles 

0 

On-road National Cycle Network section 

Traffic-free National Cycle Network section 

Other routes 

2 4 6 

0 2 4 6 8 10 

Kilometres 

32

Stevenston 

33 

Map16 

B7 5 2 

Dalry 

A78(T) 

Stevenston 

Dalgarven 

Mill 

Dalry 



A738 

B780 

Blair 

Abbey 

Kilbirnie 

B70 7 

Garnock 

Floods 

Nature 

Reserve 

B779 

A737 

Start/ 


Glengarnock 

A737 

Eglinton Country Park 


Scottish 

Magnum Maritime 

Leisure Museum 

Centre Irvine 

Beach 

Park 

A737 

To Lochwinnoch, 

Johnstone, Paisley 

and Glasgow 

B778 

B707 

B7 

A737 

New Town Trail 

A78(T) 


B7081 

A736 

Kilbirnie 

Loch 

Start/ 


Longbar 

B7080 

A737 

B785 

B7 77 

Miles 

0 1 

0 1 2 3 

Kilometres 

For more information on 

the New Town Trail 

see www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk 

To Troon, 

Prestwick, 

Ayr and 

Carlisle 

B7080 

Map13 

Map17 

Map15 

To Kilmarnock 

Ideal cycling country 

Kilbirnie to Irvine 14 

Category: Mainly rural, 25% traffic-free cycle path, 75% on-road 



Gradient: Undulating to Kilwinning then flat 


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. 

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. 

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. 

34

35 1 

Miles 

0 1 

0 1 2 

Kilometres 

Irvine Beach 

Park 

Start/ 



To Maybole, Glentrool, 

Newton Stewart and 

Dumfries 

3 

2 


A71 

A737 

Gailes 

Marsh 

Wildlife 

Reserve 

Marr 

College 

Troon 

Citadel 

Leisure 

Centre 

A78(T) 

Barassie 

Royal Troon 

Golf Club 

Alloway 

Troon 

Ayr 

Burns Heritage Park 

Map 14 

Shewalton 

Wood 

Wildlife 

Reserve 

A759 

A759 

MAIN STREET 

Newton 

on Ayr 

Start/ 


A78(T) 

Ayr 

Prestwick 

Town 

A79 

A78(T) 

Glasgow 

Prestwick 

International 

Airport 

Map 17 

Dundonald 

A78 

Monkton 

Prestwick 

A77 

Prestwick beach © David Gold 

Irvine to Alloway 15 

Category: Rural and urban, coastal, roadside paths, 

woodland paths, promenades, local roads 


Time: 3 hours 



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). 

Continue south on Route 7. Two link paths provide a 

pleasant detour to Alloway and the Robert Burns National 

Heritage Park. 

36

37 

West Kilbride 

West Kilbride 

Start/ 


A78 A78 

Ferry to Arran 

Ardrossan 

Harbour 

Ardrossan 

Town 

Ardrossan 

A78 A78 

Saltcoats 

A738 A738 

Ardrossan 

South Beach 

Saltcoats 

Category: Coastal, rural and urban, traffic-free and on-road 

sections 





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. 

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. 

Stevenston 

Locally inspired artwork near Kilwinning 

A78 A78 

Stevenston 

Miles 

0 

B752 B752 

0 

Kilometres 




1 

1 

West Kilbride to Irvine 16 

Map 14 

2 3 

Map 15 

A78(T) A78(T) 

Abbey 

Bogside 

Flats 

To Kilbirnie, 

Lochwinnoch and 

Glasgow 

Garnock 

Floods 

Nature 

Reserve 

B779 B779 

Start/ 


Magnum 

Leisure 

Centre 


Beach 

Park 


A737 A737 

Scottish 

Maritime 

Museum 




A71 A71 

Map 17 

A78(T) A78(T) 

Gailes Marsh 

Wildlife 

Reserve 38 

B7080 B7080 

A71 A71 

T) T)

ey 

Bogside 

Flats 

39 

Map 16 

Garnock 

Floods 

Nature 

Reserve 

B779 B779 

Magnum 

Leisure 

Centre 


Beach 

Park 

0 

Kilometres 


A737 A737 

Scottish 

Maritime 

Museum 



Bay 



Start/ 


A71 A71 

A78(T) A78(T) 

Gailes Marsh 

Wildlife 

Reserve 

Map 15 

1 

B7080 B7080 

A71 A71 

A78(T) A78(T) 

For more information on 

the New Town Trail 

see www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk 

A78(T) A78(T) 

2 3 

Map 14 

Shewalton 

Wood Wildlife 

Reserve 

2 

To Troon, 

Prestwick, Ayr 

and Carlisle 

A71 A71 

Dreghorn 

Gentle cycling around Irvine 

Springside 

A71 A71 

B7081 B7081 

Knockentiber 

Crosshouse 

Irvine to Kilmarnock 

Kilmaurs 

Kilmaurs 

Kilmarnock 

Category: Urban and rural, riverside and railway paths, 

short on-road sections in Kilmarnock 





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. 

Cycle by the river to Dreghorn where John Boyd Dunlop, 

Dundonald 

inventor of the pneumatic tyre, was born in 1840. 

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. 

A71 A71 

AYR AYR RD RD 

A735 A735 

17 

Kilmarnock 

Start/ 


40 

B751 B751

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. 

1 

10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Cycle Network in Scotland 

SHETLAND ISLANDS 

41 42 

1 

Sumburgh 

1 

Lerwick 

Unst

About Sustrans 

Sustrans makes smarter travel choices possible, desirable and 

inevitable. We’re a leading UK charity enabling people to travel 

by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we 

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 

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 

We’d love you to help us. 

If you like the sound of what we do, please help us to improve 

cycling and walking for more people across the UK. By giving 

from £5 a month you’ll be making a difference: more paths to 

places you want to go and more projects to make local travel 

safer, healthier and greener for everyone. 

To become a Sustrans supporter today please complete the 

form on the opposite page and send it to: 

Sustrans 

Freepost BS7739 

Bristol 

BS1 5FA 

or call 0845 838 0651 

For more information on the National Cycle Network, to buy 

maps and guides or to find out more about Sustrans, visit 

www.sustrans.org.uk or call 0845 113 00 65 

If you’d like to help Sustrans in a hands-on way, why not 

become a volunteer ranger? 

As a Sustrans volunteer ranger you will help to look after and 

promote a section of the National Cycle Network near your 

home, and so encourage more people to cycle and walk. 

To find how to become a volunteer ranger visit 

www.sustrans.org.uk/rangers 

Support Sustrans today 

43 44 

! 

Please complete this form and send it to: 

Sustrans, Freepost BS7739, Bristol BS1 5FA. 

Alternatively, you can make a donation online by visiting 

www.sustrans.org.uk or over the phone on 0845 838 0651. 

First name 

Address 

Surname 

Postcode Telephone 

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activities and events by post, telephone and/or email. If you’d 

prefer not to receive details about our special appeals, please 

tick here Your details will not be shared with anyone else. 

How to donate: Choose your preferred donation method and 

complete either section A or B and section C 

A 

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I’ll join 


with a 

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with a 

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Make your 

support go 

further for free 

Your monthly gift will provide us with vital 

regular income to help us develop the National 

Cycle Network for us all to enjoy. 

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overleaf. 

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Please enclose a cheque/PO/Charity Voucher 

payable to Sustrans and send this form to: 

Sustrans, Freepost BS7739, Bristol BS1 5FA 

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worth even more. For every pound you give to 

us, we get an extra 25 pence from HMRC. 

So just tick here. It’s that simple. 

I am a UK taxpayer and I want all donations 

I’ve made to Sustrans in the last four years and 

all donations in future to be treated as Gift Aid 

donations until I notify you otherwise. Note: 

You must pay an amount of UK income tax 

and/or capital gains tax for each tax year (6 

April one year to 5 April the next) that is at least 

equal to the amount of tax that the charity will 

reclaim on your gifts for the tax year (currently 

25 pence for every pound given). 

Registered Charity No. 326550 (England and Wales) 

SCO39263 (Scotland)

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay 

by Direct Debit 

Please fill in the whole form and send it to: 

Sustrans, Freepost BS7739, Bristol, BS1 5FA 

Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society 

To: The Manager Bank/Building Society 

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society 

Please pay Sustrans Direct Debits from the account detailed in 

this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct 

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Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions 

for some types of account. 

45 

Address 

Name(s) of Account Holder(s) 

Bank/Building Society account number 

Branch sort code 

Originator’s indentification number 

6 7 2 6 7 7 

Reference number 

Signature(s) 

Date 

Postcode 

! 

Also available from Sustrans 

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 

National Cycle Network 

Maps for Scotland: 

Lochs & Glens Pack 

Covering National Route 7 between 

Inverness and Carlisle 

Code NNP01, £18.00 

Lochs & Glens South 

Carlisle to Glasgow via the Ayrshire coast 

Code NN7B, £6.99 

Lochs & Glens North 

Northern section of the Lochs and Glens cycle route 

between Glasgow and Inverness 

Code NN7C, £6.99 

Coast & Castles North 

Edinburgh to Aberdeen 

Code NN1D, £6.99 

Coast & Castles South 

Edinburgh to Newcastle 

Code NN1C, £6.99 

Salmon Run 

Dundee to Perth and Pitlochry plus five circular rides 

in the Tay Valley 

Code NN77, £3.99 

Oban to Campbeltown 

Code NN78, £3.99 

Aberdeen to Shetland (2 map pack) 

Code NN1E, £8.99 

Forth & Clyde Cycle Routes 

Code NN75, £6.99 

Round the Forth 

Code NN76, £6.99 

46

Area covered by this booklet 

Tarbet 

Greenock 

Kilmacolm 


Ardrossan Kilwinning 


Kilmarnock 

Troon 

Ayr 

Dumbarton 

Clydebank 

Paisley 

Glasgow 

Falkirk 

Airdrie 

Bathgate 

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

National Cycle Network Go Traffic Free in Scotland - Sustrans

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