Maryhill Walking Trails
"Maryhill possesses in itself and its environs such strong attractions of scenery as draw many visitors from Glasgow, and exhibits for the most part a well-built, pleasant appearance"
- Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland, 1884
Why not guide yourself on a tour around the historic heart of Maryhill, the scenery of the River Kelvin and the heritage of the Forth & Clyde Canal? We currently have three different walking trails available. The walks can be done individually, or build together to create a comprehensive guide to the area! These heritage trails have been generously grant-aided by Glasgow City Heritage Trust.
Overview of the three walking trail routes; the routes can be found as PDFs under the images below, or as physical copies at the Halls!
Maryhill Stepping stones
The Maryhill Stepping Stones are nine coloured stones located across the newly developed Maryhill Locks site. Each stone is part of a route connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the River Kelvin. We aim to encourage imaginative play, storytelling and the creation of new urban myths. Each stone is engraved with a word or name relating to stories and facts about Maryhill. A letter in the word or name is highlighted in each stone unraveling the steps into Maryhill’s history. Collect the letters and unscramble an important word/name relating to Maryhill’s past and present.
Click the above image or here to download the map, or find a physical copy at the Halls!
MARYHILL MINDFULNESS MAP
Explore Southern Maryhill mindfully with this trail, which will take you on a relaxing journey around landmarks in the area. Take in the sights and sounds as you pass by a community meadow, a Mackintosh church and a ruined mill. At each stop on the trail you will be guided through a brief mindfulness exercise that will allow you to remain present in the moment and free from any worries.
You can download and use the trail for free by printing the PDF here.
Reflect on how you feel after completing our mindfulness trail, do you feel different? Try incorporating these mindfulness techniques into your daily routine and experience the benefits of taking more mindful moments.
Maryhill nature trails
Suitable for families and community groups with children aged 6 years+.
Maryhill was a vast green space 250 years ago but when the Forth and Clyde Canal was built approx 230 years ago, the area very quickly became an industrial town. Animals and plants have had to adapt to survive and they now use the canal and River Kelvin to find food and shelter. Join us in the launch of our new trails to explore nature at work in the heart of Maryhill and record your findings along the way using the trail leaflet.
The trail can be used as a stand alone resource for free by printing the PDF here. To complete the fun activities inside the booklet, remember a pen and pencil en route!
If you are taking part as a group, why not book onto our guided Maryhill Nature Trail to delve further into Maryhill's dynamic heritage? Our heritage team will guide you through the walk with discovery activities along the way for all ages and abilities to enjoy. Groups can book between 10-30 participants for a guided walk for a fee of £35.00. Email heritage@mbht.org.uk or call 0141 948 0701 for more information.
Accessibility
The walk is approximately 1.4 miles/2.2km. It is a low level walk along the iconic sites of the Forth and Clyde Canal and River Kelvin. Mostly wide, smooth and flat. One short steep stretch going down to the Kelvin Walk Way from the canal towpath with railings on one side for support.
Guided versions of the walks
If you would prefer to do the walk as part of a guided tour, Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust runs free versions of this walk. Check out the Building Tours and Guided Walks page and keep an eye on our social media to find out the times and dates of the scheduled guided walks. If you would like to make a group booking on an alternative date, email us using the address below to arrange a date.
Email us at heritage@mbht.org.uk or ring 0141 948 0700 to book your free place!
Have you completed any of the walks?
- let us know! Any comments, corrections, suggestions you'd like to share?
Email us at heritage@mbht.org.uk or ring 0141 948 0700
A special thanks to Paths for All, Scottish Natural Heritage and W M Mann Foundation for their grant support to develop these new walking trails.
Comments from people who have done the walks already...
"Really enjoyed it … the text was just right, friendly not too stuffy."
"Very informative and enjoyable - We saw several swallows and a deer fawn on the walk so our day was made!"
"It's great and the leaflet is extremely informative, even when you think you know a little about Maryhill!"
"I think your brochure is really excellent. Great information well presented and, although I have walked much of the Trail before I knew nothing about what I was seeing. I will be walking the whole Trail again, this time with the booklet learning about this terrific area."
"Loved the links made between the industries and the stained glass panels from the Burgh Halls"
“We were on holiday from Germany and enjoyed the length of the tour on a misty/rainy day.”