East Dunbartonshire

There's something unique about seeing the countryside on two wheels instead of four. Granted, by cycling through Scotland's lush green hills and valleys you do risk being targeted by our nation's kamikaze midges.

But by car, everything zooms past so quickly that you miss the tiny details – that timid deer hiding by the side of the road, the sound of a bubbling stream just beyond the trees. Come prepared for the weather, and those midges, and you'll find that the ever-changing landscape of East Dunbartonshire is perfect for cyclists and walkers, offering varied terrain for all abilities and the reward of breath-taking scenery for your efforts. And if you don't like to be too cut off from the city, there's never a problem – at your starting point in Milngavie, Bearsden or Kirkintilloch, you'll never be more than half an hour's drive from Glasgow's cosmopolitan centre.

Most famously, the area is the gateway to the West Highland Way, starting at an obelisk in Douglas Street, Milngavie. From here, 95 miles of pathways wind their way past Balmaha, up to Crianlarich and on to Fort William, finishing at the foot of awesome Ben Nevis.

If the mammoth trek seems a little ambitious, the Railway Walkway, which starts in the south of East Dunbartonshire, winds through the heart of Lenzie and Kirkintilloch on through to Milton of Campsie and Lennoxtown. It stretches for just over 13 miles and has been designed to accommodate walkers of all levels, consisting mainly of level, well-surfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs and even little ones in prams.

Towering high above Lennoxtown, the attraction of the Campsie hills is difficult to resist. Fairytale shaded glens conceal magical waterfalls and hidden clearings perfect for a private picnic.

The Campsie Glen Woodland Walkway has been popular with locals for generations and now, as part of a major regeneration plan, a path has been constructed to link the secluded village of Clachan of Campsie with the Crow Road car park at the top of the Glen, the initial stopping point for most tourists.

The area is also a Mecca for sports fans. Golfers have a choice of no less than 15 courses in the area with something to test every level of skill. Bearsden golf club, Lenzie golf club and historic Cawder (corr) Golf club are just a few of the courses in the area.

Like most clubs in Scotland, access is by appointment only, so it's best to call ahead to find out exactly when visitors are allowed to play.

Countless fishing opportunities for anglers also exist in the district, with many sites off the beaten track yet still easily accessible by public transport. The area's tourist information centre (0141-578-0152) can give advice on permits and where to rent tackle, should you need it.

One of the biggest attractions, of course, is the Forth and Clyde Canal. Built in the late 18th century, and stretching from Bowling in the west to Grangemouth in the east, it was essential to trade until the mid-19th century when the waterway slowly went into decline as railways and roads took over as the main form of transportation.

Although the canal closed in 1963, campaigners never gave up their fight to have it reopened – and they achieved their dream with the dawn of the 21st century as a full millennium restoration of the canal saw it re-opened.

With a license from British Waterways, anyone can sail on the canal for a leisurely look at the quiet villages and rural towns which run along its path. The Forth And Clyde Canal Society also regular trips.

Another beauty spot not to be missed is Mugdock Country Park, 750 acres of unspoilt countryside set around a stunning loch on the outskirts of Milngavie, just 10 miles from the centre of Glasgow.

The park is open every day, all year with a tourist information point and visitor centre open between 11.00am and 5.00pm giving details on the many activities available from orienteering and horse riding to archery. Children can go on ranger-led walks and barbecue sites available for rental are perfect for an alfresco family meal at the end of the day.

Proud of its past, East Dunbartonshire also has fascinating galleries, museums and historic Roman sites perfect for days when the unpredictable Scottish weather does its worst.

The Lillie Art Gallery, opposite Milngavie Town Hall, has been a local institution since it opened in 1962, built with funds left by local artist Robert Lillie upon his death in 1949.

As well as housing much of Lillie's own work, there are also paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture from artists including Mary Armour, Joan Eardley and June Redpath. The permanent collection dates from the 1880s to the present day, but the gallery also hosts touring exhibitions from contemporary Scottish artists.

Over in Kirkintilloch is the Auld Kirk Museum, housed within a former church which, along with its adjoining graveyard, is one of the oldest sites in the town.

Settled on a hill overlooking Kirkintilloch's main street the building's 1644 datestone is still clearly visible. Inside curators are happy to wax lyrical about the town's colourful history, and shed light on the large iron ring imbedded in the masonry at the museum's huge front door. It was here that the area's undesirables would be chained on a Sunday for passing townsfolk to 'tut tut' at on their way into church.

Just yards away is Peel Park, a peaceful place to relax amid the town's wrought-iron bandstand and fountain, cast by local firm the Lion Foundry.

Peel Park is also the gateway to East Dunbartonshire's rich Roman history, and the site of the Antonine Wall.

A fort was positioned at the park, in addition to another fort a few miles away at Cadder, near Bishopbriggs, where many Roman artefacts were discovered by archaeologists, including inscribed building stones, ancient altars and carefully-crafted pottery.

One of the most important survivals, the remains of a Roman bathhouse, can be seen in Bearsden on the north of Roman Road, a short distance east of Bearsden Cross.

Steeped in rich local culture and with a beautifully diverse landscape, East Dunbartonshire is just waiting to be discovered.