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AUCHINSTARRY QUARRY
To the South of Kilsyth, between the edge of the town and near the Forth
and Clyde Canal, is Auchinstarry Park. On most days climbers can be seen scaling the rock faces of the flooded former quarry. Minibus
loads of would-be climbers arrive regularly to learn the ropes and enjoy the grass and flooded quarry area.
 AUCHINSTARRY SWINGBRIDGE (now destroyed)
Where the B802 road between Kilsyth and Croy crossed the Forth and Clyde Canal, a horizontal swing bridge (shown above) was placed. This swung over onto the south side of the
canal bank and enabled canal traffic to pass. When the canal was closed then it was set in the closed position to allow the road traffic to flow but severely
restricting the height of canal traffic. A new road bridge built in 2000 bypasses this original swing bridge and then it was cut up and removed - removing this constriction on the canal.
BANTON
Banton village, with its remote church and manse sits peacefully among the
rolling hills of the Kelvin Valley. Some of its old cottages date back to the 18th century.
BANTON LOCH
This loch is one of the man-made feeder lochs built for the Forth and Clyde Canal. Part of it covers an area associated with the Battle of Kilsyth. It can be
reached from the Colzium Estate and attracts a number of fishermen.
BAR HILL
Bar Hill with its Roman fort can be reached by following the road from
Auchinstarry to Croy and taking a signposted path on the right hand side of the road before reaching the village of Croy.
From the top of Bar Hill, the Kelvin Valley can be seen stretching out northward towards the Kilsyth Hills and, to the left, the Campsie Fells together with further
views of Central Scotland. The footpath can be followed down to the village of Twecher. The Bar Hill site was first excavated in the early 1900s. Uncovered remains such as the bath house are of interest.
COLZIUM HOUSE AND ESTATE
Situated just off the Stirling Road on the east side of Kilsyth is Colzium House with its 50 acres of park land.
Once the seat of the Lennox family, it was gifted to the people of Kilsyth by W.
Mackay Lennox of Craigengoyne, Kilsyth in memory of his mother. The estate contains a famous walled garden, which is a popular visitor attraction. There
are many interesting walks and features throughout the extensive estate. "The Walled Garden", "Granny's Mutch", "The Lade", the "Ice House", the "Curling Pond", the "Clock Theatre" and the "Colzium Castle" remains - these all
deserve further investigation.
CRAIGMARLOCH
Once it was the destination of day trippers from Glasgow, who came along the Forth and Clyde Canal on the 'Queen' steamers. Today, it has a picnic area and
canal paths and provides a useful stopping point for walkers and cyclists alike
CROY HILL
Croy Hill is the site of part of the Antonine Wall and a Roman fortlet. It can be
reached from the northern end of the village or by following the road up from the Craigmarloch Bridge over the canal and taking the right hand signposted
track. The views northward from the top of Croy Hill, overlooking the Kelvin Valley, are quite inspiring.
CROY STATION
A superb 'park-and-ride' facility is found at Croy Station. Park your car here and
take one of the frequent trains to Scotland's major cities - Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The fast train from Croy to Glasgow takes less than 15 minutes, while the train to Edinburgh takes just over 30 minutes.
Falkirk can be reached in 10 minutes, Stirling in 22 and Dunblane is just over 30 minutes.
Whichever direction you want to travel you can soon be there - and promised soon are more parking spaces.
CROY VILLAGE
Croy village boasts an impressive Chapel, which is set on a hill and is a
landmark in the surrounding area. There is also a small grotto to be found along the track between the village and the canal bank.
The walk up Croy Hill ends in the village, and those who have enjoyed the
exhilarating walk and taken in the views of the valley, may be glad of the refreshment provided in the village. Croy is also famous for its world famous champion boxers.
CUMBERNAULD
One of Scotland's famous new towns - now a little older than new. Not situated
in the Kelvin Valley but linked by local Governmental links. The town is centre is unusual and has received both awards and brickbats. One interesting feature
(at the time of building) is that it has a dual carriage main road built through the town centre! Fortunately it also had a bypass built to the north, the A80. In
recent years the town has spread further afield and especially to the North and West. The town centre seems to be continually being rebuilt though it has yet
to match the facilities on many other of the Scottish new towns. Cumbernauld is home to a number of companies, many situated on industrial estates. It also has its own local airport and is home to the relocated Clyde Football Club in
addition to other sporting teams.
Somewhat lost among the more modern areas, just to the south of the A80, is the old village of Cumbernauld with historic features.
CUMBERNAULD AIRPORT
Lying just on the south rim of the upper Kelvin Valley is Cumbernauld Airport. It
is home to light aircraft, gliders and helicopter services. The upper Kelvin Valley is unusual in Britain in having so many forms of transport together in
one place. Standing on the peaceful canal bank, in addition to the boats one may see the trains, the distant main road and overhead a plane or glider.
DULLATUR
Sometimes spelt as Dullator. The village has some famous houses, designed
by the Glasgow architect, Alexander Thomson and more modern houses of distinction. It is also well known in the area for its popular and upmarket golf course.
DUMBRECK NATURE RESERVE
Dumbreck Marsh is one of a series of wetlands that lie in the flood plain of the
River Kelvin. It supports a large bird population, including the rare water rail. The reserve is a good place for both bird watching and nature walks.
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