Milngavie: The number one place to live and visit

Inspiring independent shops, trendy art galleries, top-name coffee shops, cosmopolitan restaurants  – and even a world-famous walking route. For a small – but perfectly packaged – community, Milngavie offers a wealth of treats and surprises.

Welcome to one of Britain’s hotspot villages, home to more than 13,000 people, and a location voted as the best place to live in the UK for health, wealth, equality and potential. It’s no wonder then that one of the highlights of Milngavie, located just seven miles from Scotland’s biggest city of Glasgow, is a welcoming smile. People really do enjoy living and working in this highly desirable community, and they are keen to make visitors at home.

Pop into any one of a diverse collection of  stores, cafes, restaurants or attractions that are conveniently located in a central village pedestrian precinct and you will be met with a friendly, “Hello” and a cheery, “Can we help?”. This is a village where shop owners, managers and staff want to please ¬ – and attract return custom.

The range of shops in Milngavie is sure to amaze visitors. Independent stores include a delightful gift shop, a popular children’s and women’s shoe shop, an acclaimed music shop, an atmospheric book shop, galleries, florists, hair salons and clothing boutiques.  The vibrant shopping area is also home to many top-end High Street outlets, such as M&S Food Hall, Holland & Barrett and Black and Lizars Optometrists. Close to this shopping centre, and right next door to Milngavie’s train station, is the major supermarket, Tesco.

The chances are that a few hours of retail therapy will leave you feeling hungry and thirsty. Milngavie won’t let you down with a wide choice of cafes, bars and restaurants. Stay a little longer in one of a host of B&Bs or hotels located in Milngavie, or just close by. Whatever your aspirations there’s a quality accommodation to suit.

Milngavie is not only for shopping and dining fans. The village is located at the Gateway to the West Highland Way, Scotland’s original and most-walked long-distance hiking trail.

The 96-mile waymarked route starts from the shopping precinct – check out the gateway monument –  and cuts a route through some of Scotland’s most glorious countryside as it winds its way towards the Highlands town of Fort William.  Many visitors to Milngavie choose to walk a shorter section of the whole route, discovering the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

If being outdoors is your leisure pursuit of choice then Milngavie is the perfect destination. Families will be thrilled to discover fun-packed children’s playgrounds – there’s even one conveniently located in the shopping precinct – a host of fascinating walks in nearby Mugdock Country Park, and the chance to try horse riding and orienteering.

Older children and grown-ups will love the mountain biking opportunities on the many miles of off-road trails that head through Mugdock and on towards the fabulous and iconic Campsie Fells.  And how about taking on one of the long-distance running events that start in Milngavie, such as the Highland Fling and the full-on West Highland Way race?

Whether you’re hoping to become a resident, looking for a great day out, or planning a longer holiday in the area, Milngavie is a destination that’s sure to delight.