Mugdock Castle – Path to Mugdock Castle loop from Strathblane

Hiking trails & Routes

Stirling

Strathblane

Mugdock Castle – Path to Mugdock Castle loop from Strathblane

Hard

4.0

(2)

hikers

Mugdock Castle – Path to Mugdock Castle loop from Strathblane

07:05

26.0km

370m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 7, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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1.21 km

Mugdock Castle

Highlight • Castle

Mugdock Castle stands on a rocky promontory which rises gently on its eastern and southern approaches but falls steeply away to the north and west. Protection to the east, north and west was provided by Mugdock Loch which was much greater in size in the Middle Ages than it is today. A ridge of volcanic rock running from east to west just south of the Castle kept the water level high. This provided the Castle with a natural defence on three sides making it difficult for attackers to mount an assault.. When this was removed by blasting in Victorian times, the level dropped by two metres.

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1.34 km

Path to Mugdock Castle

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A large chunk of the path from West Highland Way to Mugdock Castle. This path creates unique view and is a must see of the Mugdock Country Park

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2.24 km

Bluebell Path in Mugdock Country Park

Highlight • Trail

This section of the trail leads through beautiful, old forest.

Translated by Google •

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2.45 km

West Highland Way: Mugdock Country Park Section

Highlight • Forest

The West Highland Way is known as Scotland's most loved trail. It walks for 96 miles (154km) from Milngavie (south) to Fort William (north).

This section is near the start (if you started in Milngavie). It walks through the Mugdock Country Park on the outskirts of Glasgow, heading towards Loch Lomond.

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4.33 km

Craigallian Loch

Highlight • Historical Site

On the path beside Craigallian Lock is a commemorative plaque regarding the Craigallian Fire, which was a legendary place which spawned a number of climbing communities in the area, and had great resonance for the local young population in the Great Depression of the 1930s.

The 'Fire Sitters' founded mountaineering clubs such as the Creagh Dhu, Lomond and Ptarmigan clubs, and emboldened the folk who went on to open up Scotland to all.

The text reads:
"Here burned the Craigallian Fire.
During the depression of the 1930s
it was a beacon of companionship
and hope for young unemployed people
who came from Glasgow and Clydebank
seeking adventure in Scotland's wild
places. Their pioneering spirit helped to
make the Scottish countryside free for
all to roam."

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10.8 km

View of Burncrooks Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

From this spot, you are afforded a fine view of Burncrooks Reservoir, a drinking water reserve that was completed in 1915.

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24.4 km

Craigend Castle Ruins

Highlight • Castle

Built in 1812, this is the fragmentary remains of what was an extremely well-detailed and impressive country house, which continues to form a significant feature in the landscape. Although much of the original structure of the building has gone, and the building is a roofless, there is still sufficient fabric to show that this was a country house of some distinction with extremely good decoration and fine features. The fine carving to the parapet is especially distinctive. There is photographic evidence to show that the interior of the building continued the Gothic style and included a lavish rib-vaulted entrance hall. It is thought that the house began to lose its structure in the 1950s and 60s. The Gothic building style was fashionable in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was a romantic, highly decorative building type echoing interest in the medieval period and its values.

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24.7 km