Mugdock Castle, Craigend Castle & Craigallian Loch loop from Milngavie

03:34

13.4km

150m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 7, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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3.66 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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4.58 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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8.47 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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