Lennoxtown: Industrial History, Architecture and Trails

Lennoxtown combines a rich industrial history with striking architecture and natural attractions. Mining, textile printing and the chemical industry shaped the development of the town from the late 18th to the 19th century. Campsie High Kirk, the Strathkelvin Railway Path and Lennox Forest represent different aspects of a stay here.

Industrial history in Lennoxtown

The complex known as the “Secret Works” was a major employer in Lennoxtown for most of the 19th century. A calico printing works was established at Lennox Mill in the late 18th century and remained in operation for more than a hundred years. At its peak, it employed almost a thousand people. Whitefield Lade is another reminder of production at the time: this artificial watercourse was built in the early 19th century to supply clean water to the Lennox Mills Printworks.

The windows of Lennoxtown Library also reflect the town’s textile history: they feature a vinyl installation inspired by the former textile industry at Lennox Mill. Campsie Memorial Hall in Lennoxtown reopened after a million-pound renovation by East Dunbartonshire Council. The townscape thus ranges from historic industrial connections to later cultural references.

Campsie High Kirk and Lennox Castle

Campsie High Kirk was designed by David Hamilton and built in 1828 in the Gothic Revival style. It is a Category A listed building and the only church building entirely designed by Hamilton to hold this designation. A devastating fire made the church unusable in 1984; in 1990, it was added to the register of buildings at risk. Today, it is jointly owned and is being gradually brought back into use as a cultural and public space. Its return to use is taking place in stages.

Lennox Castle was also built to designs by David Hamilton: the sandstone building was constructed between 1837 and 1841 in the style of a Norman castle. The castle was used as a hospital. The estate also contains a stone bridge at East Lodge, whose crenellated design relates to the castle. The two buildings offer different historical points of reference: at the Kirk, Gothic Revival architecture meets its ongoing return to cultural and public use; at the castle, the construction period, building material and use as a hospital take centre stage.

Cycle path, forest and Campsie Glen

The Strathkelvin Railway Path is part of the National Cycle Network and the Thomas Muir Heritage Trail, follows the John Muir Way and runs along the edge of Lennoxtown. The cycle route is described as a day trip: it is 16 miles (25.6 km) long, takes an average of two hours and is considered flat and family-friendly. As path conditions can change, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.

Lennox Forest is directly accessible from Lennoxtown on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Between the trees, there are views towards Glasgow and the Campsie Fells; the forest is home to crossbills and deer. The cycle route has a specified distance and average duration, while the focus at Lennox Forest is on its different access options and nature.

Near Lennoxtown, Campsie Glen offers a path alongside the Kirk Burn and picnic areas beneath the trees. A larger public car park is available in the village of Lennoxtown for visitors to Campsie Glen. The cycle route, forest and glen can therefore be included in your plans as distinct nature experiences, without treating them as interchangeable.

Discover more destinations: Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Campsie Glen, Balgrochan, Milngavie.

For the wider travel guide: East Dunbartonshire.