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Forth & Clyde Canal
 

Part 5: Kirkintilloch to Bishopbriggs

The Forth & Clyde Canal is not a cycle route as such, cycling is tolerated on the canal towpath when the cyclist is in possession of a permit from British Waterways. That’s the official line, though I would very much doubt if British Waterways has ever asked anyone for a permit.

This review of the canal journey from Grangemouth to Bowling is broken down into seven parts for easy reference.

Part 5: Kirkintilloch to Bishopbriggs

This stretch is the last you will see of the country side, from Bishopbriggs onwards the canal will be passing through Glasgow, the former second city of the empire, which the canal played a small part in building.

I intended on treating myself to a bar lunch during this crossing as I knew that one of the old stables, outside Kirkintolloch was converted to a restaurant and bar. What I did not know was this restaurant was undergoing major refurbishment so I had to settle for Irn-Bru and a tuna mayonnaise roll from the snack bar in the lay-by across the road. High cuisine indeed.

Canal boats

Canal boats beside the old stables

After the restaurant there is nothing of any note until you reach Bishopbriggs, where you will notice the multitude of high-tension electrical power cables, feeding an important sub-station for Glasgow, strung over the canal.

There is a small loch on the right hand side which may provide glimpses of quacking wild life, though there was nothing much to be seen when I passed.

Continued part 6.