Tier 4 lockdown is now in force across 11 council areas – meaning gyms, shops and restaurants are shut and non-essential travel outwith your council area is barred.
With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best walks for people living in East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire to keep you fit in body and in mind.
We know it's not as easy to head outside during winter when you're used to exercising indoors, but walking will help boost your physical and mental health - and that's more important than ever during the pandemic. You just need a waterproof winter jacket and sturdy boots.
When it comes to the outdoors, it's safe to say both East and West Dunbartonshire are well catered for.
On your doorstep you have the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, although keep in mind this expands into other council areas such as Argyll and Bute and Stirling.
Whether you're living out in Milngavie, Lenzie or Kirkintilloch or you're over in Dumbarton, Balloch or Clydebank, we've got some trails within your area you can tick off your list, if you haven't already. Let us know if we're missing any good ones on Facebook and Twitter.
Here are some walks if you're living in the Glasgow City Council area or Renfrewshire.
West Dunbartonshire
Conic Hill
This small hill is a great one for the whole family – short and sweet with an impressive view of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs from the top. Easy to follow but a wee bit treacherous underfoot at times after rain, and windy at the top. We recommend you wear a good pair of boots and old trousers. You can tackle this in around 45 minutes or an hour.
Balloch Castle Country Park
This park spans 200 acres with walled gardens, nature trails and its very own castle. It might seem like an oasis of peace now, but during the 90s it hosted Oasis and REM, drawing in crowds of 80,000.
Its wild days are well behind them for now, but you can stroll along the River Leven, walk through the archways of the walled garden and see the Fairy Glen. Sadly, it's not the season for bluebells, but this will be a breath of fresh air – perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Kilpatrick Hills
Covering 15 kilometres, the Kilpatrick Hills a bit of a toughie and not for the faint-hearted – but you'll be rewarded with the incredible sights along the way.
You can start off from the grand Baronial manor of Overtoun House – always worth a wee nosy – and take the bridge over the lovely rock-strewn burn.
Head on and you'll get stunning views over West Dumbartonshire, Glasgow and the River Clyde. As you climb higher, to its peak at Duncolm, the view stretches out over Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Watch out for waterfalls, wildlife and wild moors – and The Whangie, a split rock formation around an hour and a half in. Here's the route for more info.
While this mostly falls within the West Dunbartonshire region, some of it extends into East Dunbartonshire and Stirlingshire – so be aware.
East Dunbartonshire
Mugdock Park
It feels like there is always something new to discover at this much-loved park, which you can access from Milngavie.
This place has got adventure in spades: You've got not one but two castles, Mugdock and the ruins of Craigend, the Mugdock loch and a walled garden to boot. This is a great park for dog walkers, so remember to bring your four-legged friend.
Again, this park lies across the boundary of East Dunbartonshire and Stirlingshire. Always remember to keep your distance from others and avoid areas with groups.
Campsie Fells
This range of gently rolling volcanic hills is the escape you need from WFH life. Whether you want to get your blood pumping with a ramble to Earl's Seat or just fancy meandering through the glen to sit by a soothing waterfall, you can make this jaunt as short or as long as you want. Head into the hills for a trek of around four-and-a-half hours and you'll no doubt get those 10,000 steps – and then some. Have a look at The Campsies' guide.
The Thomas Muir Heritage Trail
A wee bit of history and culture while you exercise: Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Muir of Huntershill, a political campaigner during the 1790s hailed as the 'godfather of Scottish democracy'. He was banished to Australia for 14 years after being found guilty of sedition for advocating reform in Scotland.
It's around 18km and goes from Clachan of Campsie to Huntershill, Bishopbriggs taking in the region's most attractive landscapes, and towns and villages. You can cut it in half by stopping off in Kirkintilloch, but the trek is suitable for people of all ages. Check out the map and his fascinating story HERE.
