Spotty Dog Campsite

Spotty Dog Campsite keeps things simple: a small, eco-friendly, tent-only site in an open field, with a semi-wild character suited to walkers, cyclists and other travellers stopping along the way. Dogs are welcome, and the emphasis is on basic camping rather than extensive facilities. There are toilets and a small shop selling bottled water, but no running water, so planning your water needs is important. The campsite operates alongside SD Adventures, giving visitors the option of arranging organised outdoor activities as part of their stay.

The setting is just outside Twechar, beside the Forth & Clyde Canal and on the John Muir Way, near Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch. This puts canal-side walking and cycling at the heart of a visit, with Auchinstarry Marina another local point of interest. SD Adventures offers activities including archery, canoeing and climbing; Auchinstarry Quarry is a local climbing venue with routes spanning a range of grades.

For a walk with historical interest, the John Muir Way’s walking route branches away from the canal at Twechar and climbs steeply over Bar Hill, while the cycling route stays on the towpath towards Auchinstarry. Bar Hill Roman Fort occupies the highest fort site on the Antonine Wall, overlooking the Kelvin Valley. Its surviving foundations include the headquarters building and bathhouse, making this a rewarding place to explore the area’s Roman past as well as its landscape.