Antonine Wall

Willie Bell

15 June 2026

On a dull June morning, a small group of Marauders (Denise, Pam, Sarah, Graham, Mike, Robin, Stuart and Willie), plus Cosmo, met at Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth.

We welcomed our new member, Robin Rose. 

Our circular route was on gravel, grass and tarmac paths along the canal, up Croy Hill to the Roman Camp, back via the Roman Fort and Baths at Barr Hill, then down to the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath towards the Marina — circa 6 miles. 

The wall was completed in AD 142 by Antoninus Pius, adopted son of Hadrian.

“Any wall my father can build, I can build bigger in Caledonia” — allegedly!

After the Silvanus monument came our first ascent, albeit a gentle stroll up Croy Hill, then down into the valley.  A steep climb up Barr hill via the wall foundations and ditch, took us to a trig point where Graham tested his gymnastics and climbing skill trying to mount the concrete block. Common sense prevailed, and we are happy to report not injuries ensued.

At this point the sun came out, and we enjoyed beautiful 360 degrees views from Barr Hill. An excellent time and location for lunch, and Cosmo scoffed any apple cores going spare.  A gentle decent took us past the Roman Baths (unfortunately closed due to Scottish Bank Holiday), and down to the village of Twechar.

We then followed the canal town path back to the Marina, with only a few cyclists to dodge. The canal had several bends with lots of wildlife, lilies and trees on the banks which made for a lovely end to a historic and scenic walk.

We arrived back at the Marina by 2:30pm in time for refreshments, albeit the cafe was busy with few staff, and we had to be patient.  Unlike the Black Headed Gulls getting stuck into a family’s left-over lunch.

Coffee and cakes arrived, and Robin was introduced to the most important part of our walking club, the après “buns’n’tea”

Thanks to Crawford for arranging the walk and Mike for his leadership on the day.   

Watch out for the July Walk, Ben Ledi has been requested by Shiela G – dates tbc.

All other suggestions are very welcome for future walks.  

Cheers for now, Willie