Glasgow to Kirkintilloch (Canal Walk) 25 April

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert

Those travelling to Glasgow by bus (the majority) were delayed by issues on the motorway and didn’t reach the Concert Hall until about 10.20am. Hence, once coffee had been taken, we were not on our way until 10.45. It had been suggested last week that today’s walk would be six miles, or so, but those, who had been studying the route, were of the opinion that it would be nearer nine.

Nonetheless, we made our way up on to the canal basin at Speirs Wharf and walked down to the Stockingfield Junction at which point we crossed over to join the Forth and Clyde Canal as it made its way to Kirkintilloch. By this time, it was just after noon and we had already covered in excess of three miles and had experienced sunshine and rain showers. It was to be one of those days when jackets were on, and off, and on again, especially when we were hit with an intense hail shower. Disappointingly, we could not help but notice the amount of rubbish in and around the canal. However, the towpath itself was in excellent condition.
The sign said Bishopbriggs was three miles ahead and, with the pace being good, we passed Lambhill Stables Restaurant and Possil Marsh Wildlife Reserve and reached Bishopbriggs at one o’clock. It has to be said that, by this point, Jimmy had managed to shake off his new pal who had escorted him for part of the walk. We hope that he had benefitted from Jimmy’s wisdom.
Lunch was taken at the wee jetty across from the Leisuredome Leisure Centre at which point a decision had to be made. We were still a good four miles or so from our destination and with Davie Mc nursing a sore hip and being sensible about his well-being, he decided to call a halt there and take a bus back to Glasgow. His minders, Jimmy and Peter, joined him as some of the rest pondered their plight.
All the rest decided to plough on, eventually passing the Stables Restaurant before reaching, at last, the outskirts of Kirky. The walking had been easy as the path was flat, but it was not the most interesting of walks.
We entered the Kirky Puffer (Wetherspoon’s) at twenty-five past two and were surprised to find that the fitbits and other gizmos were saying that the walk had been between ten and a half and eleven and a half miles. We settled on eleven miles, and it felt like it. The pub had been recently renovated and was excellent, as were the chips. After a good hour was spent, we went out to the bus stop just as a bus was approaching and enjoyed our wee trip into the bus station, where the bus stopped at stance number 35, a completely new experience for the Ooters. Now that was exciting! Those taking the X76 to Kilmarnock went round to its stance, got on the bus, and it left immediately. Gus, our guide for the day, explained that it was all down to his excellent planning!
Despite the late start, this had been a good, if tiring (at least for some of us), day out.