The best traffic-free bike rides around Bardowie Loch

There are over 40 no-traffic road cycling routes around Bardowie Loch, with 29 rated as easy and 12 as moderate, offering options for various skill levels.

The routes around Bardowie Loch feature a mix of lochside paths, mixed woodlands, and gentle hills. Many routes utilize dedicated cycle paths like sections of the Forth and Clyde Canal Towpath and the Strathkelvin Railway Path, providing smooth, paved surfaces ideal for road bikes.

Yes, many of the routes are suitable for families due to their traffic-free nature and generally easy difficulty. An excellent option is the Stockingfield Junction Bridge – Forth and Clyde Canal Towpath loop from Summerston, which is 10.9 km long and rated easy, offering a relaxed ride along the canal.

Cyclists can enjoy views of Bardowie Loch itself, the distant Campsie Fells, and the historic Bardowie Castle. Nearby, Mugdock Country Park offers additional natural beauty and historical sites. The Forth and Clyde Canal also provides scenic stretches and historical aqueducts.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the View of Glasgow – View of the Campsie Fells loop from Milngavie is an easy 12.8 km circular route offering diverse scenery.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the scenic views of the loch and surrounding countryside, and the well-maintained paths suitable for road bikes.

Yes, the area is well-connected. Milngavie, a common starting point for many routes, is accessible by train from Glasgow. Many routes also connect to the Forth and Clyde Canal, which can be reached from various points via public transport, making it convenient to start your ride.

While this guide focuses on traffic-free options, the region offers longer routes that incorporate quiet roads. For a longer easy ride, consider the Kelvin Aqueduct – Stockingfield Junction Bridge loop from Maryhill, which covers 38.4 km and offers varied scenery.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage. While cycling is possible year-round, be prepared for cooler, wetter conditions in winter.

Many of the paths, such as the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath and sections of the Strathkelvin Railway Path, are dog-friendly. However, dogs should generally be kept on a lead, especially in areas with wildlife or other path users, and always ensure to clean up after your pet.

Parking is available at various points around the loch and in nearby towns like Milngavie, which serves as a popular starting point for many routes. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages or local council websites. For a general overview of walking and cycling in the area, you might find the East Dunbartonshire Council map helpful.