Bearsden
Bearsden is a small town in Scotland, situated about 6 mi (9.7 km) north-west of Glasgow. It is largely suburban, and with the exception of the Roman Wall sites and one or two isolated buildings, was entirely built after 1850, with impressive sandstone houses in the town centre. Its proximity to the start of the West Highland Way makes it a realistic alternative to staying in Milngavie before starting the long distance walk.
Understand
Get in
Bearsden is around 6 miles north-west of the centre of Glasgow. Parking in the town is generally easy and free. Westerton can be reached from the Forth and Clyde canal. Trains destined for Milngavie stop at all three Bearsden stations and are at least half-hourly, but trains to Westerton are more frequent, because trains to Dalmuir also stop there. However, as it takes a pleasant 25 minutes to walk to Hillfoot from Westerton, it's better to wait for the right train.
By train
Regular trains (usually 2 per hour) run from Glasgow (Queen Street Station Low Level) to Bearsden and Hillfoot. Some of these trains start in Edinburgh, taking about 1½ hours. There are also usually 2 trains per hour from Glasgow Central. It is possible to change trains at stations along the route (e.g. Partick) to improve journey options.
Get around
You can walk almost everywhere, Bearsden is a small place.
See
- 🌍 Roman Bath House. Roman Antonine Wall, UNESCO World Heritage site, including remains of a military bath house on Roman Road. free to visit.
- 🌍
Kilmardinny Loch. is a small body of water surrounded by trees. It is possible to walk around the footpath in about 10 minutes, and see large wooden sculptures inspired by the illustrations for local author Julia Donaldson's "The Gruffalo" children's books.
Do
- 🌍 Bearsden Ski, The Mound, Stockiemuir Rd., ☎ +44 141 943 1500. Get fit, have fun and go on the dry ski slope. Hire regular skis, snowboards and go tubing.
- 🌍
Allander Water. Walk along the Allander Water (tributary of the River Kelvin) from Dobbies Garden Centre to Milngavie town centre.
- Bearsden & Milngavie Highland Games are held in June at the West of Scotland rugby ground, midway between Bearsden and Milngavie. The next event is Sat 8 June 2019.
Buy
- There are a number of small independent shops at Bearsden Cross and a Marks & Spencer food store. There are other small shopping centres in the town, including Baljaffray and Kessington (which is opposite a large ASDA store).
- Dobbies Garden Centre. Has a large selection of garden, pet and gift items and a delicatessen/butcher. It also has a large (and generally busy) coffee shop.
Eat
- 🌍 The Burnbrae, Milngavie Rd. Traditional pub with open fires and wholesome food.
- 🌍 The Tickled Trout, Boclair Rd (Next to Dobbies Garden Centre). Traditional pub with open fires and wholesome food.
- There are a number of take-aways and restaurants at Bearsden cross, including Italian and Spanish cuisine. For a very special take-away, try "Lobster Supper" (lobster and chips) from the Wee Fry near Hillfoot station.
Drink
- 🌍 The Station (The Inn), 2 Station Rd,, ☎ +44 141 942 6752. Modern-looking public house beside the train station.
Sleep
- Accommodation is available at a small number of private bed and breakfasts.
- 🌍 Premier Inn Glasgow Bearsden, 279 Milngavie Rd (next to Burnbrae), ☎ +44 871 527 8418.
- 🌍 Boclair House Hotel, 100 Milngavie Road, G61 2TQ. Luxury 15-room hotel which opened in 2016, in a building built in 1890 as the Buchanan Retreat. from £165.
Connect
- East Dunbartonshire council can provide advice for tourists, including accommodation, eating out and places to visit.