Day 71: Falkirk to Milngavie (Glasgow)

I’ve finally finished the canal paths between Edinburgh and Glasgow. On to the West Highland Way tomorrow!

• Date: 30 May 2024
• Start: Falkirk
• End: Milngavie
• Miles: 26.7
• Total miles: 955.7
• Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Glasgow

I set off early this morning, getting on the train at 8am back to Falkirk. My train was bound for Edinburgh, but it appeared to be relaxing. 

It was a lovely morning, the sun was shining, and I forgot to put my sun screen on. 

I soon crossed paths with the Falkirk Wheel, a famous contraption which carries canal boats from one canal to another. 

For the next 20 miles or so, I was walking right next to the canal. I expected it to drag, but it actually went pretty quickly. 

I eventually left the canal path and onto main roads for the next few miles as I headed for the train station in Milngavie. 

At the train station is also the official start of the West Highland Way. I’ll be back in the same spot tomorrow to start this 97 mile trail to Fort William. 

I jumped on the train back to Glasgow and checked into my hotel room, which I’ll be sharing with my friend Julie, who’s joining me for the next five days along the West Highland Way. 

This marks the end of the third and last “in between trails” section. While it was easy, I’m glad it’s done and I’m ready to get back onto the proper trails. 

There’s three trails left before the end:

• West Highland Way - This will take a week, ending in Fort William. I’ll take a rest day either in Fort William or just before. 
• Great Glen Way - This will take 6 days, ending in Inverness. I’ll then take a rest day in Inverness. 
• John O’Groats Trail - This will take two weeks, ending in you know where. 

That gives me a provisional end date of Friday 28th June. That kind of feels a bit scary.