Kirkintilloch to Milton of Campsie railway line & Sked’s Garden

Kirkintilloch to Milton of Campsie Railway Line Explore the history of the Campsie Branch of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway — the scenic “picnic branch” that once carried Glasgow day-trippers into the countryside at the foot of the Campsie Fells. Opened on 5 July 1848, this 5½-mile double-track line ran from Campsie Junction (now Lenzie) through Kirkintilloch and Milton of Campsie to Lennoxtown. It was later extended via the Blane Valley Railway toward Aberfoyle, becoming a popular route for passengers and goods serving local printworks, alum works, and rural communities. Milton of Campsie station (originally Miltown, later Milton) closed to passengers on 1 October 1951. Freight lingered into the 1960s before the line was fully closed and lifted. Today the trackbed forms part of the Strathkelvin Railway Path / John Muir Way — a popular walking and cycling route — and the restored platforms and community gardens at Milton of Campsie station are a local landmark thanks to volunteer efforts since 2014. This video covers the route between Kirkintilloch and Milton of Campsie, remaining features, and the line’s place in local history. #CampsieBranch #Kirkintilloch #MiltonOfCampsie #ScottishRailways #DisusedRailways #StrathkelvinRailwayPath #JohnMuirWay #RailwayHistory #EastDunbartonshire Sked’s Garden, Milton of Campsie Also in Milton of Campsie is Sked’s Garden (officially the Milton of Campsie Community Garden) — a magical free community space created almost single-handedly by local man Alan “Sked” Skedeleski (with help from his son and the community) on a once-overgrown patch of riverbank beside the Glazert Water. What began during lockdown as a personal project to clear rubbish and plant has grown into roughly an acre of hillside garden. Features include: • A willow tunnel leading to memorial plaques and dedications • Wildflower beds that attract bees and butterflies • A small beach area where otters and kingfishers are sometimes spotted • Children’s lawn with a miniature gypsy caravan • Waterlily pond with bridges (look out for newts!) • Wooden seating, stone-built sheltered fireplace/barbecue, kitchen area and toilets • Constantly evolving with community donations and new additions Open 24/7, free to all (donations welcome to help maintain it), dog-friendly and perfect for families. Located on Antermony Road, G66 8DB, near the old railway path and the restored Milton of Campsie station garden. Often described as one of Scotland’s most magnificent community gardens — peaceful, inventive and full of heart. #SkedsGarden #MiltonOfCampsie #CommunityGarden #GlazertWater #ScotlandGardens #EastDunbartonshire #FreeToVisit