Kilsyth: Discover Colzium, history and trails

Kilsyth combines impressive landscapes, Scottish history and a variety of trails. Colzium in particular offers many different impressions: a walled garden contains one of the best collections of dwarf conifers in Scotland, while Colzium is characterised by mixed and deciduous woodland, open grassland, horticultural collections and bodies of water. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Kilsyth can therefore plan their stay around their preferred daily experiences – between nature, culture and walking.

Landscape and trails around Colzium

The Colzium Glen Walk is a circular route through the steep-sided valley of the Colzium Burn. Two footbridges cross the stream, which flows partly as a series of waterfalls. This gives the route distinctive landscape impressions without limiting you to a sightseeing tour focused solely on views. A historic path also follows the Colzium Lade and is lined with beech trees. The two routes appeal to different preferences: the circular route combines woodland and water, while the historic path focuses on the course of the waterway and the trees along the route.

The Colzium–Tomtain route also begins at Colzium House. From the summit of Tomtain, views stretch across the Carron Valley of the Southern Highlands and over the central valley to the Southern Uplands. For your daily planning, the route’s connections are clearly described: it is 2 miles from Croy railway station and 1 mile from the Kilsyth bus stop. Those who take their planned activities into account when choosing accommodation can therefore consider how to get to this walk well in advance.

History to discover

Colzium House is a country house of particular architectural interest dating from the late 18th and 19th centuries. It was built in 1783 and substantially extended in 1861. Colzium House & Museum displays objects relating to local history, as well as photographs and artefacts from the region’s domestic and industrial setting. For a holiday involving different interests, a museum visit like this can easily be combined with a walk or an exploration of the landscape.

The designed landscape of the Colzium Lennox Estate partly lies within the battlefield area of the Battle of Kilsyth, which took place in 1645. This battle was the largest battle in Scotland during the period of the civil wars. The former Clock Theatre next to the walled garden now houses a visitor centre and garden café with audiovisual presentations about the history of Colzium. This allows you to learn about the historical context not only through the buildings and landscape, but also through the topics presented there.

Nature and other places to visit

Dumbreck Marsh is a Local Nature Reserve of around 76 hectares near the centre of Kilsyth. It was designated in 1996 because of its valuable wetlands. Auchinstarry Basin is located in Kilsyth and offers visitor moorings, a slipway, car parks and toilets. A circular route also begins in the Kilsyth area at Auchinstarry, incorporating a section of the Antonine Wall and walks along the canal. This provides further opportunities, alongside the Colzium trails, to combine landscape and history.

When choosing your accommodation, it is worth considering your preferred travel rhythm: if you are looking for a base for culture and gardens, Colzium House, the museum and the walled garden will be the main attractions. If you would like to plan longer views and a set route, the connection between Colzium House and Tomtain is a focus in its own right. For waterscapes, canal paths and the facilities at Auchinstarry Basin, a different daily plan is again suitable. The places and routes do not have to be combined into a single visit; several days in Kilsyth leave room for a variety of discoveries.

Other places in the surrounding area

If you would like to compare places beyond Kilsyth, here are the nearest destinations: Shotts, Gartcosh, Airdrie, Cleland, Coatbridge, Motherwell, Chryston, Stepps.

To the main travel overview: North Lanarkshire.