Mugdock Circular 11.1km: First Hiking Book Club of 2026!

**EARLY BIRD SIGN-UPS AVAILABLE UNTIL SUNDAY 18 JANUARY**

🗺️ Key Info:
• Distance: 11.1km (6.9 miles if you’re old school)
• Ascent: ~280m
• Hiking time: 3 to 3.5hrs
• Cost: £3 early bird, then £5 (covers basic admin costs for Rambling Readers)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

📍 Meeting and Ending Point:
• Location: Glasgow Central Station by the entrance to Accessorize
• Time: Meet just after 10:45am, leave just after 10:55am for the 11:04am train to Milngavie. Arrive at Milngavie station at 11:30am.
• Return: We expect to be back at Milngavie station by 3pm or so. There are apparently lots of refreshments in the area and also some potential side trips including Mugdock castle, so let's see how we're feeling / what the weather is doing!

🥾 The Hike:
A full description of the hike is here:
https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/scotland/west-dunbartonshire/mugdock-circular

📖 The Book:
• The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Winner of the 2023 Kirkus Prize, this novel tells the story of Black and Jewish residents in 1920s Pennsylvania. It's about survival, mutual aid, and the profound bonds formed across racial lines, exploring themes of immigration, poverty, and finding humanity in dark times.

📖 The Short Story:
• Come Rain or Come Shine by Kazuo Ishiguro
Since we're just into February, we've picked a short story about a relationship. A man visits his old university friends - a married couple - only to find their relationship is crumbling. He is tasked with "reminding" the wife why she loved her husband. What could go wrong?

🎒What to Bring:
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Waterproofs (ideally jacket and trousers)
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Water (1.5 litres minimum)
• Hat and gloves if cold