3Ls Walking Group
Our Walking Group is open to all members and offers a chance to take part in a range of group walks. We share ideas of interesting routes and since the group was opened, we have explored a variety of urban and countryside settings and typically our walks last between 4 and 8 miles. If you'd like to register an interest in joining us, just send an email to LLLAssoc@strath.ac.uk and we'll let you know more about our ideas for future walks.
Ettrick Bay to Rothesay
9 July
We continued our outings with the ‘Doon The Watter’ theme with a visit to Bute to walk from Ettrick Bay (once used to train for the D Day landings) to Rothesay following the track of the old tram system and then the West Island Way. Sights along the way included Neolithic stone circles, the early Christian site at St. Colmac’s Church, the site of the Port Bannatyne Hydro (HMS Varbel – a WW2 mini submarine training HQ) and the remarkable castle in the early Royal Burgh of Rothesay.
Chatelherault to Millheugh
23 June
From the visitors centre at the former Hunting Lodge in Chatelherault Country Park we followed a 6km route to Millheugh in Larkhall. The Hunting Lodge has overlooked the surrounding grounds for over 270 years after being commissioned by the 5th Duke of Hamilton and completed in 1744, from designs by the famous architect William Adam. Our walk took us along the banks of the Avon then cut across to pleasant open countryside before joining the path which leads down to Millheugh Bridge and the (allegedly haunted) Applebank Inn.
Little Cumbrae
11 June
A trip to Little Cumbrae afforded spectacular views of the Firth of Clyde and its interesting geology as we walked round the west side of the island to Fintry Bay, passing WW2 defences and a variety of seabirds along the coast. We then headed across country to Millport for lunch in the cafe at the former Customs Garrison House museum (close to the famous "Crocodile Rock"!)
Greenock Cut
21 May
A sunny day for a walk along the Greenock Cut. This early 19th Century wonder of civil engineering was planned by Robert Thom to bring water to power the developing industries of Greenock. Remarkably it also provided a clean water supply to the rapidly developing town - some 30 years earlier than Glasgow’s Loch Katrine project. The cut is about 5 miles in length, carrying a steady flow of water from the then newly created Loch Thom to a header reservoir at Overton above Greenock.
Lanark Loch
22 April
Our route today took us from Lanark station via the old market site and followed a woodland path approaching Lanark Racecourse and a circuit of Lanark Loch.
After lunch there was time to check out the Lanark Heritage Trail which reveals some interesting facts about the town and its connections with William Wallace.
Clydebank to Bowling
16 April
The theme for our walk was "Clydebank to the Sea – docks and canals". We visited Queens Quay, the waterfront development in Clydebank which features a walkway along the River Clyde on the former John Brown’s shipyard location. Successfully dodging the rain, we walked along the Forth & Clyde Canal to Bowling.
International Asbestos Memorial
River Kelvin Walkway
19 March
On a lovely sunny day, starting from Maryhill our group explored a 5-mile route along the Kelvin Walkway via Dawsholm Park, Kirklee, the Botanic Gardens at Kelvingrove and finishing at the Transport Museum where the River Kelvin joins the River Clyde.
Linn Park
10 March
A circular tour of Linn Park taking in part of the Cathcart Heritage Trail and along the way crossing the Halfpenny Bridge to view the Linn waterfall before we reached Snuff Mill Bridge and headed off for lunch at the Old Smiddy Inn.
Partick to Cessnock
28 February
Another interesting urban walk from Partick to Cessnock via
the Riverside Museum, crossing the Clyde and then on to Bellahouston Park. We paused for an early lunch at Bargacree, the cafe run by the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in the park.
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After a tasty lunch served by fantastic volunteers, we discovered the nearby conservation area of Hazelwood and then continued our walk through Dumbreck, finishing at Cessnock underground station .
Crossmyloof to Glasgow Green
19 February
A chance to explore some further corners of Glasgow, when we walked from park to park, including Queens’ Park, Molls Myre Nature Reserve and Richmond Park, finishing at Glasgow Green. Our wander along the 6-mile route earned us a tasty lunch at Rose & Grants cafe in Trongate.
Glasgow East East End, Cathedral Quarter and Sighthill
20 November
Today's route started at Bridgeton Station and we enjoyed a chilly but bright day exploring the East End of Glasgow. There were numerous points of interest along the way, including Glasgow Women's Library, the memorials to the Calton Weaver martyrs, St Mary's (the birthplace of Glasgow Celtic), the Necropolis and Cathedral Quarter, the last remnant of the Monklands Canal within the city and finally the new Sighthill Park with its standing stones and ‘rusty bridge’ which spans the M8 motorway.
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Glasgow Waterfront
16 October
Our 4-mile route along the Clyde waterfront started at St Enoch Square and ended with a chance to cross the new bridge from the Riverside Transport Museum to Govan. Along the way we encountered a wide range of places of interest, including memorials to the Spanish Civil War, Glasgow’s rapidly developing financial sector, the new Media Quarter and the Science Museum, Glasgow’s newest distillery and Govan Old Parish Church, with a chance to visit the Govan Stones.
Falkirk Wheel & Rough Castle
25 September
Starting at the Falkirk Wheel we followed the longest-surviving stretch of the Antonine Wall to visit the outline of Rough Castle, one of the smallest fortresses on the northwestern frontier of the Roman territory. Our 5-mile walk took us via Bonnybridge and back along the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre.
North Calder Heritage Trail
28 August
We explored the North Calder Heritage Trail from Airdrie to Coatbridge. Places of interest along the river walkway included sites of former paper mills, traces of extensive iron and steel workings and mining heritage along the ‘source’ of the Monklands Canal.
Strathblane to Kirkintilloch
10 July
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An 8-mile route along the John Muir Way and the old Kirkintilloch/Strathblane railway track bed which afforded splendid views of the Campsies and our group encountered
interesting rock formations, Victorian railway
architecture in bridges etc. and the Clock Tower of old
Lennoxtown Parish Church.
Botanic Gardens
to Lambhill Stables
27 June
Our walk began at Glasgow Botanic Gardens and continued along the River Kelvin Walkway, joining the Forth & Clyde Canal at Maryhill, with more to learn about the history of this area following our walk in April. The route was then via the Stockingfield Bridge to the Lambhill Stables, where we had a stop at the cafe there before returning via the canal back to the Botanic Gardens.
Kilwinning & Eglinton Country Park
12 June
On this 8-mile walk, after visiting the ruins of Kilwinning Abbey, we followed the National Cycle Route to enter Eglinton Country Park. Eglinton Castle and its Parkland was the seat of the Montgomeries, the Earls of Eglinton from the 14th century and was the site of an ill-fated tournament to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria. From the early 1700s until the 1980s parts of what is now the country park were sites of extensive coal and ironstone mining, feeding a large ironworks on the edge of the park.
Blantyre to Bothwell
15 May
Another walk along the Clyde Walkway from the Central Courtyard outside David Livingstone Centre through woodland paths to Bothwell Castle gave our group a chance to learn more of the history of the area and the Castle.
Biggar
2 May
On our second visit to Biggar, our group met at the Corn Exchange and followed an interesting route around the town and towards Bizzy Berry Hill from where we enjoyed lovely views of the Southern Uplands and Tinto Hill before heading back via Burnbraes Park and Biggar Golf Club. We dropped in at the Gillespie Community Centre cafe where volunteers greeted us with tasty refreshments after which we sampled some excellent ice cream to round off our sunny day.
Cowcaddens to Stockingfield
15 April
Another rainy day did not deter our group as we followed a 4-mile route along the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath from Cowcaddens Subway station to the recently opened Stockingfield Bridge. After viewing the Bridge and the sculpture of Bella the Beithir, we retraced our steps along the canal to visit Toshie's Cafe on Garscube Road, which is run by the Courtyard Pantry, our most recent 3Ls President's Charity. Bella is an artwork by Nichol Wheatley - she is a "lightening serpent", one of the fuath, a family of Scottish mythological creatures which include the Kelpies at Falkirk.
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Chatelherault
13 March
A variation of a favourite walk took our group through the Barncluith area of Hamilton past the Duke's Monument and into Chatelherault Park, following a route via the Castle and the Visitor Centre before returning along the Huntsman's Walk and down to the Avon Bridge.
Maryhill to Kirkintilloch
21 February
Our group braved the rain and enjoyed a 7-mile route along the Forth & Clyde Canal from Maryhill to Kirkintilloch. Places of interest included Canal architecture, Possil Loch, Cadder Church (and its ‘body snatching’ artefacts), sections of the Antonine wall, canal barges at various points and the marina in Kirkintilloch.
Historic Stewarton
25 January
On a rather dreich day, a small group of walkers enjoyed a walk around Stewarton. Led by Fred Dinning, we left the town behind and followed the River Annick into the countryside. En route, Fred told us of some of the local history, from the many mills and products made, to the connections to the Glasgow merchants. After lunch in the town we paid a visit to the Stewarton Museum, where some of the local historians showed us round the exhibitions, which included Stewarton bonnets, pewter and lead artefacts, and even the dock from the old police station!
Drumpellier Country Park
11 December 2023
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Our group had a final walk for 2023 in this North Lanarkshire park which covers an area of 500 acres and includes two natural lochs, moorland, woodlands and grasslands. The walk also took in Monklands Canal which runs along the southern perimeter of the park.
Around Dunlop
30 November 2023
By popular demand, a chance to revisit the sights in and around Dunlop on a chilly but bright day. Highlights encountered included the Community Woodlands, Dunlop Church and the Hans Hamilton Tomb, Clandeboyes School (1641), Dunlop Hill and Royal Observer Corpspost, Carlin’s Stone and Dunlop House (architect David Hamilton).
Kilmarnock Parks & Castles
25 October 2023
Our 8-mile walk took us through Kay Park, Dean Country Park and Craufurdland Castle Grounds via the Burns Monument in Kay Park and the Laird's Table cafe and nearby fishery. We admired the recently restored Dean Castle, once the stronghold of the Boyd family and built on land granted in the 14th century by King Robert the Bruce.
Blantyre to Bothwell Castle
10 October 2023
Starting at the David Livingstone Museum in Blantyre, we followed a 3-mile route across the nearby suspension bridge built by the landowner in 1852, along the Clyde Walkway to and from Bothwell Castle. The museum is in the building where Livingstone grew up and holds an exhibition which follows his life and legacy.
Dams to Darnley Country Park
27 September 2023
Highlights on this walk included Darnley sycamore, Darnley Mills, Victorian water supply architecture, old mining activity, a variety of geological features including the plug site at Duncarnock, various dams and the splendid railway viaduct. Gorbals Gravitation Water Company was set up in 1846 to supply water to areas south of the Clyde. The works drew on water from the Brock Burn to feed the Balgray, Ryat Linn, Waulkmill Glen and Littleton Reservoirs
Catrine
30 August
Another sunny walk at Catrine where the group enjoyed an interesting route of 8.5 miles. We followed the River Ayr Way visiting the Catrine Voes – a substantial weir and pondage system which powered the cotton mills via the largest water wheel in use at that time. Other sites of interest were the spectacular sandstone geology in the Mauchline gorge, the best group of ‘Neolithic ‘cup and ring’ marks in Scotland, the Fisherman’s Tryst and the Mauchline viaduct with the longest stone arch on the rail network.
Bishopton & Formakin
7 August
This walk took our group to Renfrewshire. Starting at Bishopton, our 6-mile route along country roads took us via the Formakin estate, passing Formakin House, known locally as the Monkey House, which was built in the early twentieth century by John Augustus Holms.
Chatelherault
2 August
A repeat of an old favourite - our 5 mile walk took us around the Green Bridge loop in Chatelherault Country Park.
Southside Villages
19 July
Another interesting route around the countryside to the south of Glasgow from Clarkston, skirting the borders of Thorntonhall and Waterfoot villages, with lovely views of the surrounding fields and farmland.
Dumbarton to Balloch
11 July
On this walk we followed the River Leven Heritage Trail, learning about the world-famous
vibrant Turkey Red colours and patterns
which characterised the former textile, dyeing and printing industry in the area. Our 7.5 mile route along the towpath
between Dumbarton and Balloch took in several
places of interest – Dumbarton Rock (Alt Clut), the ancient Brythonic capital of Strathclyde and the site of Denny’s shipyard (where the Cutty Sark was built).
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White Cart Way
28 June
Our walk followed the White Cart Way from Paisley Town Centre to Pollok Country Park, a distance of around seven miles - all on good footpaths with no steep ascents! There were many places of interest along the route - Paisley Abbey, Anchor Mills, Blackhall, Jenny's Well Nature Reserve, a stylish Art Deco housing development, Leverndale Hospital, Ross Hall before we arrived at the re-opened Burrell Collection via Pollok House.
Cuningar Loop
16 June
A sunny day saw an intrepid band of walkers enjoy a gentle walk of around 3 miles in the woodland park at Cuningar Loop in Dalmarnock on the banks of the River Clyde.
Rothesay
31 May
Our group enjoyed a sunny trip "doon the watter" via the ferry from the beautifully restored station at Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, where we took a 7-mile route along the West Island Way to Mount Stuart House. Sights enjoyed on our walk included the Victorian seaside architecture in Rothesay, Rothesay’s Royal Castle, site of early cotton mills and lades, Loch Fad & trout fishery and Loch Ascog, ending at Mount Stuart House and Gardens.
Cathkin Braes & Marsh
15 May
We revisited the rural walk at Cathkin Braes which was the location for the very first outing for our group in November 2021. The 5 mile route initially offered great views of the skyline over Glasgow and beyond towards the Campsies and we enjoyed a tour of Cathkin Braes, the Cathkin Marsh Wildlife Reserve and Coulter's Wood via local farmland before topping off our day with fantastic fare at Laura's Cafe in Carmunnock.
Hamilton to Chatelherault
3 May
Another fun outing to Chatelherault. Starting from the Hamilton Museum, our group walked via the Hamilton Mausoleum, along the banks of the River Clyde and the River Avon. Before heading into the country park where we admired views of the Avon Gorge before enjoying well-earned refreshments after a 9-mile circuit.
Whitelee Windfarm
24 April
A small group of walkers left from the Visitors’ centre and embarked on a seven and a half mile walk at Whitelee Windfarm, the UK’s largest onshore windfarm.
Our route on forestry roads followed the Lochgoin circuit, passing by just a few of the 215 turbines on the site, and gave us some lovely views. We finished off with an enjoyable lunch at the Visitors’ centre.
Irvine to Troon
17 April
Members enjoyed a lovely, flat 6-mile walk along Irvine beach to Troon, on Monday 17 April. The group started at Irvine Station and followed a route along the beach all the way to Troon, with beautiful views over to Arran and Ailsa Craig.
Polmont to Linlithgow
29 March
A convivial 7-mile stroll along the Union Canal from Polmont to Linlithgow. Our group had an unexpected encounter with a quad bike on the Avon Aqueduct which added to the fun of the day before we "arrived in style" at Linlithgow Loch behind the Palace.
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Baron's Haugh
20 March
We enjoyed a 5-mile circuit of the Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve in Motherwell on this outing. The route offered a grand riverside and woodland stroll and a couple of gradual hill ascents, up from the River Clyde and into the Dalzell Estate. Sights of interest along the way included Dalzell House & grounds, The Hamilton family mausoleum, Lord Gavin's Temple and the Covenanters Oak.
Three Villages
28 February
Another popular walk for our group, taking in the three southside villages of Giffnock, Clarkston and Whitecraigs via a right of way through Cathcart Castle Golf club and hidden corners of Rouken Glen and Eastwood parks.
Helensburgh & Rhu
15 February
From Helensburgh Central our walk passed by the Hill House and along a section of the John Muir way. Views opened our over Rhu towards Arran in one direction and the Arrochar Alps behind us. After a walk to the Point at Rhu looking towards Garelochhead, we headed back along the esplanade to complete our lovely 8-mile route.
Dunlop Community Woodlands
19 January
Another walk with lots of interesting sights along the way, including Dunlop Church and the Hans Hamilton Tomb, Clandeboyes School (1641), Dunlop Hill and Royal Observer Corps post, Carlin’s Stone and Dunlop House. After a hearty lunch at the Village Hall walkers were also delighted to see some magnificent stained glass windows in Dunlop Church.
Linn Park
9 January 2023
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The first outing for 2023 was a circuit of Linn Park and paths alongside the banks of the River Cart when walkers enjoyed visiting some of the sights along the Cathcart Heritage Trail.
Rainy weather descended as the group approached the Halfpenny Bridge so a retreat to nearby Derby Cafe was very welcome!
Spectacle E'e Falls, Strathaven
5 December 2022
Our final short walk for 2022 took us to Strathaven to hear the tale of the old mill and the doomed romance which gave the name to the waterfall on the Kype Water.
Bridge of Weir & Quarrier's Village
16 November 2022
Our group headed to Renfrewshire for a 7 mile walk featuring the weirs and rapids on River Gryffe, following the old railway path and into the ‘model village’ for orphans founded by philanthropist and social reformer William Quarrier. Along the way we encountered some unusual metal sculptures and other public art installations!
Old Drove Roads
Newton Mearns
8 November 2022
Our intrepid band of walkers enjoyed a lovely 5.5 mile walk on quiet roads and rural footpaths through countryside to the south of Newton Mearns. The walk offered scenic views as far away as the Campsies and country views beyond, to the north and west. The route followed several sections of old Drovers Roads passing local farms and stables and our walk ended at the Broom Cafe with another hearty lunch and chat about options for future walks.
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Croy Hill & the Antonine Wall
26 October 2022
Another fine walk where the 7 mile route included Croy Hill, Barr Hill, the Antonine Wall and a section of the Forth & Clyde Canal. This outing marked almost one year since our first Group Walk and the location was where the idea of setting up the Group originated – something to celebrate!
Places of interest along the walk included the Roman Wall built by Antoninus Pius, Barr Hill Fort (one of the best on the wall) and Croy Fortlet, various old mine and quarry workings, a stretch along the Forth and Clyde Canal and narrowboats at Auchinstarry Marina. Lunch at the Boathouse rounded off another enjoyable outing.
Neilston Pad
19 October 2022
Our outing started at the Harelaw Trout Fisheries and was in two parts, first heading south to visit Long Loch then continuing in a northerly direction along forestry tracks till we reached the hill known as the Neilston Pad which offered extensive views in all directions.
Finishing at the cosy Fishery Cafe, we enjoyed hearty fare after our 7.5 mile walk, with great views overlooking Harelaw Loch. Another excellent walk in our programme.
Bowling & Erskine Bridge
7 September 2022
A circular 8 mile walk starting at Bowling, along the Forth & Clyde Canal and up and over the Erskine Bridge, then around the Boden Boo Nature Reserve before returning to Bowling via another nature reserve.
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Points of interest included Bowling Basin, the Clyde foreshore and old Erskine harbour and great views towards the city.
Castle Semple Loch
26 August 2022
Our 5 mile route took us along the side of Castle Semple Loch, through Parkhill Wood and returned via Lochwinnoch village, on a mixture of woodland paths and tarmac pavements. Historic Features along the way included Temple Hill, Grotto and the remains of Castle Semple and the Collegiate Church.
Burncrooks Reservoir
9 August 2022
A 6 mile route around Burncrooks Reservoir in the Kilpatrick hills, with extensive views to the north of Glasgow. The walk started outside the Edenmill Farm Shop, Stockiemuir Road, Blanefield north of Bearsden. The Edenmill Cafe provided welcome refreshment after our walk at the Reservoir.
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Biggar
25 July 2022
A chance to explore some hidden corners in and around Biggar. Our walk started from the Corn Exchange and covered about 4 miles, around the periphery of Biggar with lovely views of the Southern Uplands and Tinto Hill from Bizzy Berry hill. We finished with lunch at the newly refurbished Gillespie Community Centre cafe. After lunch, a walk up and down Biggar High Street revealed a variety of independent shops including the excellent ice cream shop!
