I walked Glasgow’s Magnificent 11 and learned a few things

But on the way around the four-part walk, it became clear I was wrong.

Who knew Castlemilk was home to such a picturesque waterfall?

Who knew Mary Queen of Scots was reported to have imbibed a Bovril to keep warm while surveying the battlefield below?

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The Magnificent 11 is a walk through city parklands, nature reserves and sites of historical importance, and into the nearby countryside via the city’s highest point before returning as you complete the 11-mile loop.

Four of us set off from the start point in Linn Park, at the Clarkston Road gates, beside an information board and the first signpost marker to let you know you are on the right trail.

We wandered through recently refurbished paths and steps in the park down to the White Cart Water, where many birds and occasionally an otter can be seen, but sadly not on this day.

After Linn Park, which feels more like a country park than urban greenspace, the route crosses the picture postcard Snuff Mill Bridge and Lindsay House, towards King’s Park.

A short uphill leads to Queen’s View, where Mary was said to have observed her troops below from horseback. This is where a plaque informs us she drank a Bovril.

On the cold January morning when we did the walk, I envied her and could almost smell the warming aroma of the beefy royal brew in the air.

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After a short section through a residential area the next green space, following the well-positioned post markers with the distinctive yellow M11 discs, is Castlemilk Park.

In the parks, the markers are on wooden posts and on the short street sections they are positioned on lampposts.

The entrance to Castlemilk Park, right on the Glasgow boundary with South Lanarkshire, takes us on a climb up to the Castlemilk stables past the splendid waterfall and pond.

We are already pretty high up by this point, but there’s more to come, so much more.

Onwards and upwards, with the emphasis on upwards, through what was once a golf course, now woodland, and finally up to Cathkin Braes.

Here, on a Sunday, despite the cold, the path was pleasingly busy with families, dog walkers and mountain bikers taking advantage of the trails.

At the top, the whole of Glasgow and more is laid out before your eyes.

Across the Southside below, the city centre, West End and East End and all the way out to the Campsie Fells and, on the beautiful clear day we had, the top of Ben Lomond was majestic in a covering of snow.

Truly a sight to behold.

It may take a little while and a bit of effort to get up there but it is undoubtedly worth it.

Linger a while, take in the view, and see what city landmarks you can spot before heading down continuing to follow the yellow markers.

You will descend and pass through fields and farmland, taking care crossing one busy road.

After passing the Carnbooth WWII anti-aircraft battery site, crossing a few styles and passing through a few farm gates we ascended again to skirt Linn Cemetery before re-entering Linn Park and heading down the hill to where we started.

The Magnificent 11 is in four sections taking you through seven green spaces and can be done as the full circular or a shorter section.

It came about through the efforts of Glasgow’s Countryside Rangers, Glasgow Ramblers, and various ‘friends of’ groups who cherish the city’s parks and greenspace.

The route is a fantastic addition to the city’s outdoor attractions and its paths deserve to be well-trodden by the feet (and paws) of many walkers for years to come.

More details on the magnificent 11 walk can be found here at Glasgow Ramblers website