The Canal walk in Maryhill took place this year on 22nd August – the fourth year running that Maryhill Churches have joined together to open their doors to welcome people from all over Glasgow. 

The walk started at Maryhill Parish Church, where again this year there was a space for reflection - walkers could follow footsteps in the church to five thought-provoking tables set up in different corners, each with a theme. There were very appreciative comments as people came out – saying how meaningful these were.

Walkers then followed the canal towpath past the Kelvin Dock along to Gairbraid Church where they were given a warm welcome, with tea and coffee, and the chance to look at photographs of old Maryhill as it used to be in the days of the trams.

After continuing along the towpath – either enjoying the lovely sunshine as far as Possil Loch, or choosing the shorter walk direct to Ruchill Church –  everyone arrived to the delicious aroma of burgers cooking on the barbecue!

From Ruchill Church it isn’t far to North Kelvinside Church – you leave the towpath at Maryhill Fire Station, and walk a short distance to the Happy Park – the childrens’ playground which is right beside North Kelvinside Church.  Inside there was another warm welcome with cups of tea and delicious home-baked chocolate brownies – also a book sale, with lots of interesting bargains.

The next stop along the way was at Kelvin Stevenson Memorial Church, where there was a great atmosphere with sewing machines whirring as the pins and needles group worked to produce heart-shaped cushions for breast cancer patients in hospital... We watched fascinated as so many cushions were cut out and sewn, beginning to take shape as the stuffing was pushed in and the final stitches added.  All this at the same time as delicious strawberry teas were being served! Mmmm!! There was also hand-made jewellery for sale – and a raffle of cushions to add to the fund-raising for cancer research.

The walk finished back at Maryhill Parish Church where there was more home baking for anyone who still felt hungry!

Most of the walkers took with them an Unlock Bible study to read and discuss with friends along the way – and to take home afterwards along with all the memories of a very happy day.

Read about the previous Canal Walk below:

About 70 people took part in a walk along the Canal towpath and the Kelvin walkway on Saturday 2nd August. Five Maryhill churches were open for refreshments and other activities, and there was an Unlock Bible reflection available to discuss along the way for those who wanted. This has been a very popular event for three years now, and people have greatly enjoyed both the walk along the canal and riverbank, and also the chance to talk at the welcoming churches along the way.

The walk started at Maryhill Church where for anyone who wanted there were 6 thought-provoking themes for reflection placed around the church - a space to reflect and to listen to God.

The next stop was at Gairbraid Church, where there was a welcoming cup of tea or coffee, and also a display of photos of the National Gathering at Ingliston earlier this year.

Further along the towpath at Ruchill Church there was a barbecue, with a bouncy castle, face-painting, and games for the kids, and a chance for the adults to blether as they ate.

There was another opportunity to meet each other and to exchange ideas over a cuppa at North Kelvinside Church. Here there was a book sale - and the Happy Playpark outside for the kids to enjoy.

Kelvin Stevenson Memorial Church were fund-raising for breast cancer patients, with delicious strawberry teas - and the chance to see heart-shaped cushions being made. These are a very comforting shape for patients who are recovering after an operation.

The walk ended back at Maryhill Church with more home baking - and a great sense of achievement!

A lot of people commented how much they enjoyed the walk, and that they valued the chance to share experiences and to talk together. Several said how much it had helped them to meet others from different parts of the city who were facing the same issues, and beginning to see them more positively.