Giffnock – Stewarton loop

Route overview

A moderate half-day ride at 42.6 km and 441 m, suited to riders comfortable with steady climbs of up to 3.6 km at gentle gradients.

A 42.6 km loop from Giffnock over the moorland edge south of Glasgow, climbing 441 m via Eaglesham and Fenwick.

The loop starts at 60 m among the southern suburbs, leaving Clarkston and South Williamwood and running through Whitecraigs and Broom. A first gentle rise begins at 2.2 km, 1.6 km at 2.6% to 136 m, before the road passes Mearns and Mearnskirk and drops towards Waterfoot. The main work starts at 8.3 km, just after Eaglesham: 3.6 km at 3.4% with a maximum of 6.8%, topping out at 274 m. The road keeps rising onto open ground, reaching the high point of 299 m at 13.5 km beneath Rieve Hill, Greenfield Hill and Ballageich Hill (333 m), with Brown Hill (292 m) and Queenseat Hill following. Nearly two-thirds of the day's climbing is done by halfway. Past Tent Knowe and Tam's Hill the route descends towards Fenwick at 22.2 km, where the last climb of 2 km at 2.5% lifts it back to 216 m. Kingsford comes at 26.7 km, then a long northward run below Black Law, Cairn Hill, Dod Hill (275 m) and Mearns Law (230 m) to Loganswell at 34.5 km. From Netherplace and Malletsheugh the road returns through Newton Mearns and Lower Whitecraigs to finish at Giffnock.

Highlights

• 3.6 km climb at 3.4% out of Eaglesham to 274 m
• High point of 299 m at 13.5 km on the moor edge
• Ballageich Hill (333 m) and Brown Hill (292 m) beside the road
• Cafés in Eaglesham at 8.9 km and Newton Mearns at 38.7 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

2–2½ hours riding

Know before you go

• No café or shop listed between Eaglesham (9 km) and Newton Mearns (38.7 km)
• Exposed high ground around 299 m at 13.5 km
• Recorded at 23°C, with little shelter listed on the open section

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.