The Antonine Wall around Bar Hill

This is a fascinating walk through Roman times, with the Antonine Wall and the now excavated fort on Bar Hill with its bath house and headquarters building, and even as far back as the Iron Age, suggested by the ditches around the Castlehill fortification. In addition you get great views over the River Kelvin Valley and just see what wildlife you can spot as you meander along the canal.

From the starting point, turn left onto the B802 and walk along the footpath for quarter of a mile before crossing the road and heading up the hill towards Bar Hill, which was first excavated in the 1900s.

To the east are more remnants of the Wall and also of note is the Castlehill fortification here, of which remains a surrounding ditch.

Coming down this hill the Wall continues to stretch out for some way until you head further down into the village of Twechar. Walk through the village past two churches either side of the pathway until you reach the aqueduct on the canal. Here you will see Shirva Stables, built to accommodate the expanding freight and passenger trade in the 1830s.

Now turn right and head eastbound along the canal's towpath for 2.25 miles in total, which will bring you to the canal stable block at Auchinstarry. Turn right on to the B802 and after about 300 metres you will find yourself back at the car park.

Getting there

Parking: There is parking at Auchinstarry and street parking at Twechar.

Public transport: The parking points are accessible off the B802 and the B8023, by car.