Cycling routes in East Renfrewshire

Located between Darnley, Barrhead and Newton Mearns, Dams to Darnley Country Park provides a range of cycling routes to suit different abilities with stunning views of the reservoirs and over to the Campsie Fells. This scenic cycle travels along waymarked tracks through the Country Park and alongside the reservoirs of Balgray, Ryat Linn and Waulkmill Glen.

1.25 miles

1. Carefully cross Aurs Road, then follow the path with the Brock Burn to your right until you reach the waterfall.
2. Turn right following the signpost for Waulkmill Glen Reservoir. Continue along this track, with Ryat Linn Reservoir on your right, for around a 0.25 miles.
3. Bear left, descend underneath the railway viaduct and continue along the path. Waulkmill Glen Reservoir is on the right and Littleton Reservoir to the left, until you reach a fork.
4. Waulkmill Glen Reservoir draw off tower to your right is a Grade A listed building. On a clear day you get the best view within the country park from the bridge over the Brock Burn to your left. You can see Barrhead below and the Arrochar Alps in the far distance.

2 miles

1. Take the left fork signposted for Waulkmill Glen and go down a solid track steeply into the woodland.
2. Follow the track to reach a barrier, go around this and pass by a cottage.
3. Look out for the old ruin on the left, it's thought that this was associated with the Darnley Bleachfields. From here a quiet single-track road leads out of the woodland (watch out for occasional traffic from here to Darnley as this section is open to vehicles) and travels through peaceful countryside.
4. A gentle slope provides a great run, continuing for 1-mile, to reach the outskirts of Darnley.
5. A final flat stage makes its way along a slightly busier section of road, passing some houses, to reach the A726.
6. Carefully cross the A726 at traffic lights to reach the Darnley Sycamore.

3.5 miles

1. To return to Balgraystone Road simply follow the same route taking into account a short, steep climb to reach Waulkmill Glen Reservoir.

Starting at Rouken Glen Park this cycle route takes you to Greenbank Gardens, a National Trust property near Clarkston.

1. Facing Rouken Glen Garden Centre, turn left into the park turning right when meeting the main track. Cycle gently uphill to the signpost indicating a right turn towards the boat pond.
2. Continue clockwise by the pond past The Boathouse Café, taking the first left away from the pond.
3. Go left again, follow the track, dropping down through a gate at the junction of Davieland Road and Ayr Road (A77) to Whitecraigs Station.

0.75 miles

1. Turn right onto Ayr Road, follow the marked cycle lane which climbs gradually through Newton Mearns for 1.75 miles, to Mearns Cross. Turn left into Eaglesham Road and continue to Mearns Road.
2. Turn left then right at a set of traffic lights into Waterfoot Road. A steepish drop then a minor climb leads past Mearns Castle High School.
3. Turn right at traffic lights into Waterfoot Road. A fine climb drops down to reach Eaglesham Road (B767) at Waterfoot.

4 miles

1. Turn left, continue for 200 metres then turn left into Flenders Road. This quiet country road climbs gently, passing Flenders Farm, then drops down to reach Greenbank Gardens on the left.

5.25 miles

1. Follow Flenders Road, which eventually drops steeply down to reach Mearns Road. Turn right then left to find the path beside Cathcart Castle Golf Club.
2. Follow the track past the clubhouse carpark and cycle down between hedgerows across the golf course and following a short climb re-join the road.
3. Turn right into the road then at Ayr Road turn right again to reach the marked cycle lanes.
4. At the traffic lights turn left into the gates of Rouken Glen Park.
5. Enjoy the cycle down back through the park.  

An enjoyable cycle starting in Thornliebank and passing through Eastwood Park and Huntly Park before finishing at Muirend playing fields. This can be adapted to form a circular loop.

1. From Carnwardic Road in Thornliebank, turn right onto Addison Road. Keep straight on along a shared use cycle footpath as it rises then drops down to run alongside Spiersbridge Avenue.
2. Once past the East Renfrewshire Council depot, cross over Spiersbridge Road (B769) onto Library Lane. A short steep climb veers right into Thornliebank Recreation Ground and continues to Woodside Avenue.
3. Turn left then right onto Viewbank and at its end keep right and follow Westfield Road to a t-junction. 
4. Go left, briefly, onto Robslee Road before going right onto Inglestone Avenue.
5. Bear right at Balgownie Crescent which runs alongside Auldhouse Burn. It culminates at Wood Farm Road and here go straight across into Eastwood Park.
6. At Eastwood Park, head into woodland, take the first track on the right and continue over a bridge across a burn to gain a junction beside Eastwood House.
7. Keep right, cycle along the parks access road then go straight on at a crossroads. A final section of surfaced track leaves the park through gates onto Fenwick Road beside Eastwood Toll.
8. A shared use cycle footpath now runs alongside Fenwick Road for 0.4 miles (0.65km) where it ends opposite Church Road. Temporary plans in December 2020 and early 2021 will see road space reallocated on Fenwick Road to help keep people safe and maintain physical distancing while walking, cycling and wheeling.
9. Cross Fenwick Road and take the short steep pull up Church Road. Once across a bridge over the East Kilbride/Glasgow railway line keep on to Huntly Avenue where a right turn drops down into Huntly Playing Fields. A paved track leads through open parkland, exiting onto Braidpark Drive.
10. Go left then right onto Cunningham Drive and follow this quiet street as it curves left.
11. Follow the signposts for Muirend to reach the playing fields.

An abundance of wildlife can be enjoyed along this dedicated walking and cycling path as well as the Capelrig Stones, a public art project by artist, James Winnett.

Whitelee is the UK's largest onshore windfarm and is a great place for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors. There are over 130 kilometres of trails to explore on foot or by bike with options to suit beginners and advanced levels.

Visit our 'Cycling at Whitelee' web page for more information.