10 FAMILY WALKS OF 3 TO 8 MILES

Walking in East

Exploring ’s Best Kept Secret A726 Clarkston A736 Newton A77 Busby Mearns Giffnock A726 FAMILY WALKS OF 3 TO 8 MILES Waterfoot Barrhead Clarkston A726 A736 Neilston Newton A77 M77 Mearns Busby 10 Waterfoot Uplawmoor

A726

0 10 km M77 Eaglesham

East Renfrewshire 0 10 km

USING THIS GUIDE All walks within this booklet are Dog walkers be aware that some graded as either EASY or MODERATE walks cross farmland. Do not take your depending on distance, terrain, ascent/ dog into fields where young live stock descent and ease of navigation. graze. For more info visit www.snh.gov. uk/pubs/details.asp?id=853 PHOTOGRAPHY & WRITING The majority of routes are accessible Keith Fergus, Scottish Horizons by public transport and all the routes Each walk is split into four sections [email protected] EXPLORING SCOTLAND’S BEST KEPT SECRET www.scottishhorizons.co.uk have excellent car parking at beginning and the corresponding numbers are DESIGN Much of East Renfrewshire’s history is dominated of each walk. printed on the maps. Times are based Laura Fergus Design by its mills and , with almost every village on walking at approximately two miles [email protected] within the region having had a mill (or several) at Although the routes described are www.laurafergusdesign.co.uk an hour taking into account stops for one time or another, utilizing the rivers and burns predominately straightforward some breaks. All routes are covered either by MAPS descending from the hillsides. It is this landscape walks contain segments that cross Landranger Sheet Gordon MacGilp that makes walking in East Renfrewshire such [email protected] rough, pathless terrain and in poorer 64 or by the more detailed Explorer www.gimac.co.uk a compelling proposition. Much of the region is still rural with great tracts of open countryside weather navigational/map reading Series comprising of Sheets 333, 334, PRINTED BY skills may be required. Good walking CA Media Print punctuated by attractive and villages. and 342. Although each route detailed [email protected] Hills, moors, woodland, parks, dams, and quiet boots/shoes and appropriate clothing within the booklet has a corresponding www.camediaprint.co.uk country roads are home to an incredible array of for the weather conditions are also map attached it is recommended that PUBLISHED BY flora and fauna whilst the nature of the landscape recommended. The Scottish Outdoor the booklet be used in conjunction East Renfrewshire Council Mark Brand means there are many vantage points to Access Code should be followed at all with the appropriate Ordnance Survey [email protected] enjoy fantastic, intimate views within East times www.outdooraccess-scotland.com. maps. Throughout the booklet left has Renfrewshire or breath-taking been abbreviated to L and right to R. vistas over , Galloway, This publication and its contents are Renfrewshire, © copyright of East Renfrewshire Contact details for Public Transport: Council. No part of this publication and the Southern Highlands. www.travelinescotland.com may be reproduced or used in any ROUTE INFORMATION form or by any means whatsoever Each walk within this booklet KEY TO SYMBOLS T. 0871 200 22 33 without written permission. is superb in its own right © All rights reserved. but take the 10 walks as a Ordnance Survey Stiles Public transport timetables and services, Printed in Scotland 2011. whole and you will discover Map reference accommodation and places for refreshments Maps © Crown Copyright and/or Flora & Fauna listed should be checked in advance as they database right. All rights reserved. a wonderful variety of walking Parking may change. Licence number 100050260 containing stunning scenery, Accommodation Starting Point beautiful wildlife, fascinating Refreshments Accommodation/refreshment providers can Front Cover (Main Picture): history and plenty of peace Route Info be found at www.dayvisitor.com Neilston from Fereneze Braes and quiet. Public Transport WALK UPLAWMOOR & LOCH LIBO DISTANCE: 7.25km/4.5miles TIME: 2.5 hours GRADE: MODERATE 1

Uplawmoor and LochGlasgow Libo from from Lochliboside Fereneze Braes Hills All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260 © Crown Copyright and/or database right. The Lochliboside Hills may not be the highest in East be grazing, go through a gate and ROUTE Renfrewshire but this vantage point is perhaps the continue along the hillside eventually INFORMATION region’s finest. The stunning views extend to Arran, passing through another gate. The Galloway, Ailsa Craig and the Arrochar Alps as well track splits so take the L fork, walk Ordnance Survey as the nature reserve of Loch Libo. Beginning in the Explorer 333; along the field-edge, with the fence Landranger 64 attractive village of Uplawmoor the route passes the 15th century Caldwell Tower, standing on the medieval now on the L past a radio mast. Go Ample parking in manor of Caldwell, and then crosses the Lochliboside through another gate and continue Uplawmoor hills. A quiet road descends to the hamlet of Shillford to cross a stile. The grassy track Start at Uplawmoor Hotel then climbs back into Uplawmoor passing the visible then crosses open farmland to reach GR NS436553 remains of the old to Railway a fence before a conifer plantation. Pavement, quiet Line. The line closed in the 1960’s but there have been Follow this to a padlocked gate. country roads, farm attempts to instigate the re-opening of the line enabling tracks, hillside paths. Climb over this onto a short section Glasgow to link directly with the Ayrshire coast. The ground along the of uneven ground through conifers, Lochliboside Hills can Facing the Uplawmoor Hotel turn R, walk through passing the entrance of Caldwell Lodge, then follow the line of a ramshackle wall be rough and boggy through gorse thickets to pick up a good at times. Suitable for 1the village along Neilston Road passing attractive the road then climbing steeply past some most walkers. The route houses and Caldwell Church. Here the pavement cottages to reach Old Barn Road. Turn R grassy path which passes a wood, then crosses farmland so it is then R again through a gate, walk a short a gate before reaching another gate at advisable to keep dogs descends gently culminating Caldwell Tower Fereneze Road. on leads in a short section of grass distance along a path to reach Caldwell Tower. Retrace steps back to Old Barn One verge to reach Lochlibo Road (A736). Turn L, cross Road, turn R, climb steadily past Old Turn R, descend Fereneze Road Beech, rowan, buzzard, eventually crossing a railway bridge brown hare and fieldfare the railway bridge, follow the Barn Farm through attractive countryside 4 to Greenside Farm. to reach Shillford at Lochlibo Road Accommodation pavement for a short distance available locally until opposite the B776. (A736). Cross over Lochlibo Road onto a minor road signposted for Uplawmoor. Various bars, cafes and Once by the farm turn R, walk along a restaurants in local area Carefully cross Lochlibo 3farm road enjoying some astonishing Follow this as it climbs gently past the old Ardrossan to Glasgow Railway line, the Bus: Arriva Service 103 2Road onto the B776, views. Pass the entrance of Caldwell Glasgow to Barrhead pass Caldwell Golf Club and Law, go through two gates onto the road crossing the line to reach Neilston Henderson Service 395 walk along a pavement which Lochliboside Hills. Keeping a fence to Road. Turn R, walk along the grass Barrhead to Uplawmoor stops at a car park. From here the R follow a rough, boggy track along verge beside lovely woodland back into continue along a grass verge, the field-edge, where livestock may Uplawmoor. 4 5 WALK FERENEZE BRAES | BARRHEAD DISTANCE: 8km/5miles TIME: 2.5 hours GRADE: MODERATE 2

GlasgowGlasgow fromfrom FerenezeFereneze BraesBraes

All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260 © Crown Copyright and/or database right. through another gate. Climb a small rise East Renfrewshire is blessed with some amazing for a superb view of Neilston then walk ROUTE vantage points, not least Fereneze Braes which has INFORMATION astounding views across Glasgow with the spectacular along the path to reach a fence. Turn L, frontier of the Southern Highlands dominating the descend steep wooden steps then turn Ordnance Survey horizon. Closer to home the view over Neilston to R through a gate. Walk along the path, Explorer 342; Eaglesham moors is equally impressive as is the go straight through another gate then Landranger 64 variety of wildlife en route. The beautiful Killoch Glen descend alongside saplings into Killoch Ample parking in is also visited (home to several lovely waterfalls) which Glen. The path then swings L to continue Barrhead was the subject of a song by the great poet beside a wood to reach a signpost. Start at Barrhead Railway Robert Tannahill. This route is waymarked. Station GR NS498593 Turn R down some steps, go through Pavement, moorland From Barrhead Railway Station cross Paisley Road paths, single track road. 1into Graham Street. Walk along the pavement, cross 4 a gate then turn L into beautiful mixed There are a couple of woodland above some tremendous

Laurel Way then at a signpost for Killoch Glen, bear R steepish climbs. Route waterfalls. As the path forks bear R is way-marked where through a gap in the fence. Climb path over steeper, necessary. Suitable for boggier ground passing through two more fences then continue above steep slopes through most walkers. The route climb through mixed woodland where views across East the glen down a flight of steps and over crosses farmland so it is grassy path and follow this between a two footbridges. At another fork go R advisable to keep dogs Renfrewshire open out. Continue along the path beside on leads Fereneze Golf Course to reach a pocket of woodland wall and fence through another gate and and walk down to a road. Turn L and go straight on at a signpost for Paisley/ follow this very pleasant stretch through None and a signpost for Killoch Glen. Turn R here and climb Glenburn. After another gate follow a Gateside back to Barrhead Railway Roe deer, kestrel, rowan, gradually beside the golf course to reach the top of the beech, crowberry and slope passing the 15th and 14th tees - the views to the boggy path over a footbridge to climb Station. bluebells Southern Highlands are breathtaking. gradually to a magnificent viewpoint at a Accommodation small cairn. available locally Descend to another signpost and turn L onto a Neilston from Fereneze Braes Various bars, cafes and 2 track which continues above Harelaw Reservoir. Retrace steps back to Paisley/ restaurants in local area At a wooden post bear L onto a narrow path, cross a 3 Glenburn sign then turn R through Train: Scotrail footbridge then as the path forks at another wooden a gate signposted for Killoch Glen. Walk Glasgow Central to along a mixture of grassy path and Barrhead post bear L. On reaching a gate go through it then turn R onto a single track road. Walk along to a signpost boardwalk, go through a gate, follow Bus: McGills the path over two footbridges passing Services 51 and 54 for Killoch Glen and turn L. Go through a gate onto a Paisley to Barrhead 6 7 WALK DAMS TO DISTANCE: 11km/7miles TIME: 3.5 hours GRADE: EASY 3

Glasgow fromBalgray Fereneze Reservoir Braes

Although Dams to Darnley is Glasgow’s newest park Two more bridges are cottage onto a single- ROUTE the history of the surrounding landscape travels back crossed to reach the busy track road which leads INFORMATION many centuries with evidence of farming having taken Aurs Road. out of the woodland and place in Barrhead and Darnley since the 16th century travels through peaceful Ordnance Survey whilst coal mining and bleaching also played a major Explorer 342; Carefully cross Aurs countryside towards role in Darnley’s development. Heading further back Road, go through a Darnley. On the outskirts of Landranger 64 into history the Darnley Sycamore, which the route 2 gate, follow the path down Darnley a bridge crosses Car park at start visits, was where Mary, Queen of Scots allegedly Start at Balgraystone nursed her cousin Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, back by hedgerows then turn R over the Brock Burn. Once Road GR NS507573 to health. They married in 1565 but the subsequent at a signpost for Darnley over the bridge turn R off Lochside track, park tragic tale that ensued is another story. The main Mill. Cross a footbridge the road through 2 stone tracks and paths, section of the route passes the magnificent dams of beside a dramatic waterfall pillars and onto a good pavement. Suitable Balgray, Ryat Linn and Waulkmill Glen which were and follow the path beside path which makes its way for all walkers built in the 18th century, utilising the Brock Burn, Ryat Linn Reservoir and through more attractive None to provide clean water for ’s residents. The attractive woodland. The woodland and then climbs Swans, geese, walk then travels through Waulkmill Glen (a Site of path then runs in-between L to meet another path. dragonflies, beech, Special Scientific Interest) which is home to splendid great crested grebe stone walls to reach a Turn R here and follow and orchids woodland and wildlife. This route is waymarked. fork. Bear L passing the path over a footbridge Accommodation From car park on Balgraystone Road turn L onto underneath the wonderful © Crown Copyright and/or to reach a signpost for available locally path signposted for Waulkmill Glen. Follow the red brick railway viaduct database right. All rights reserved. Darnley Mill. Turn L, then R 1 Licence number 100050260 Various bars, cafes and path anti-clockwise around Balgray Reservoir. The and descend to Waulkmill back onto the single track restaurants in local area path travels through some beautiful scenery with a Glen Reservoir. Continue along the path road and continue past some houses None to start variety of woodland and birdlife to enjoy. As you walk as it swings L to reach a fork. and a restaurant to reach the A726. towards Aurs Road cross over a footbridge passing the Carefully cross the A726 at traffic lights impressive house Take the L fork and descend down to reach the Darnley Sycamore. of Mains of Balgray Waulkmill Glen Reservoir 3into the woodland of Waulkmill Glen whilst the draw (where many of the trees are extremely To return to the start it is a simple off tower at the old) passing another huge waterfall 4matter of retracing footsteps northern side of the which helps the Brock Burn run its climbing through Waulkmill Glen, reservoir is a Grade course all the way to join the White Cart passing by the three dams and back B listed building. at . The track descends past a to Balgraystone Road. 8 9 WALK DUNCARNOCK FORT (THE CRAIGIE) | NEILSTON DISTANCE: 8km/5miles TIME: 2.5 hours GRADE: MODERATE 4

Balgray Reservoir andGlasgow Glasgow from from Fereneze The Craigie Braes

East Renfrewshire’s landscape is littered with the gate and descend to a fisherman’s to climb turn R at a fork and ascend ROUTE historical curiosities and this walk provides plenty of bothy beside Glanderston Dam with The steep slopes, passing the fortified walls, INFORMATION evidence. For instance the name Neilston has led to Craigie ahead then turn L and walk along to reach the summit which provides an much conjecture but one theory suggests a stone, a track. Before reaching a gate turn R astonishing view the Southern Ordnance Survey which is passed en route, was erected to the memory over a stile, follow a grass embankment and Glasgow. Explorer 333; of an officer named Neil who was killed nearby. The Landranger 64 above the dam and cross over a low route also walks along Johnny Blue’s Well Road Retrace steps back down to Ample parking next to which is, allegedly, named after a local print-worker fence beside four sycamore trees. At Neilston Railway Station who washed himself clean of blue dye in the well’s the end of the embankment descend 3Glanderston Dam and after the third Start at Neilston Railway waters as he travelled home to Neilston. Whether this L, cross a stile, a wooden footbridge stile turn R to reach a gate. Go over the Station GR NS479571 account is true remains unclear but it adds flavour to then turn R, walk alongside a row of gate, turn L, walk along a farm track then Pavement, farm roads, this wonderful walk. Duncarnock (known locally as hawthorn trees keeping them on the R. bear L onto Glanderston Road. Continue field, hill paths. Steepish The Craigie) is also visited. Visible remains of an iron- After the last tree bear R. Walk towards alongside woodland then turn R onto climb onto The Craigie. Suitable for most age fort lie near the 204 metre summit and its history a wooden stile at a wall, cross the stile Springhill Road. Follow this through walkers. The route extends back to prehistoric times. Furthermore Mary, and turn L following an uneven path lovely open countryside to reach Five- crosses farmland so it is Queen of Scots supposedly enjoyed the remarkable below The Craigie. As the path begins Ways junction. advisable to keep dogs view from the top. on leads Turn L onto Springfield Road Three From Neilston Railway Station turn R, onto High Street, walk along here, turn L into Kirkton Road. 4(Johnny Blue’s Well Road), go Heron, buzzards, roe 1 round a tight bend, pass the well, deer, harebells Pass the field containing the stone that gives Neilston continue alongside hedgerows Accommodation its name and continue along the quiet single-track road available locally through peaceful countryside. The road bears L past eventually dropping down into Neilston at Sykes Terrace. Walk past The Bank Cafe, Neilston Loanfoot Farm then passes a few cottages to reach the a row of white houses to traffic lights. Train: Scotrail junction with Springhill Road. Glasgow Central to Follow the narrow road across a The Craigie and Glanderston Dam Neilston. Cross Springhill Road, bridge to reach a roundabout. Turn Bus: Henderson 2go through a gate R onto Kirktonfield Road, follow this Service 395 into a field. Bear R cross to Neilston Main Street, turn L, pass Barrhead to Neilston the field to a wood, turn the Leisure Centre and Neilston McGills Service 54 L following a fence down © Crown Copyright and/or database right. Library, turn L onto High Street and Paisley to Neilston to a gate. Go through All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260 walk back to the Railway Station. 10 11 WALK NEILSTON PAD | NEILSTON DISTANCE: 6.5km/4miles TIME: 2.5 hours GRADE: MODERATE 5

Harelaw DamGlasgow from Neilstonfrom Fereneze Pad at Braesdawn

The first written record mentioning Neilston was in the here the track turns L making its way ROUTE 12th century when Sir Robert de Croc built a chapel over a field (watch out for cattle) to reach INFORMATION in the village which was correlated with a gate. and during the Neilston, with its Ordnance Survey abundance of burns and rivers, flourished becoming Explorer 333; After the gate turn R from the main a centre for cotton manufacturing. Neilston Pad, the track climbing onto the lower slopes Landranger 64 villages highest point, is an ideal spot to survey the 2 of Neilston Pad. At a wooden post turn L Ample parking next to wonderful, wild landscape that was crucial to Neilston’s Neilston Railway Station development and at 260m above sea level views from and traverse the slopes along a narrow Neilston Railway Station ‘The Pad’ extend as far afield as Tinto Hill and Arran. path through fantastic woodland with GR NS479571 great views across Snypes Dam towards Pavement, farm road, From Neilston Railway Dod Hill. The path continues through the hill paths and tracks. 1Station turn R onto woodland and then climbs quite steeply Scots Pine, Neilston Pad Steepish climb onto High Street (Kingston Neilston Pad. Suitable to reach a broader path. Turn R and follow for most walkers. Road) and walk past a the path to a fence and a makeshift stile, Dam. For this option follow this narrow The route crosses park, cross over Kingston cross here and follow path onto Neilston path passing by a dry-stone dyke to farmland so it is advisable Avenue and Glen Shee to keep dogs on leads Pad which has views of Arran and Ben reach the dam then walk through a Avenue. Cross over to the Lomond. One conifer plantation towards a main road. left hand side of Kingston Just before the main road an indistinct Buzzard, stonechat, roe Road, then turn L onto deer, foxglove, harebell Retrace steps back to fence, cross path turns R. Follow this through more a farm track. Follow the over onto the path and descend Accommodation 3 conifers to return to the farm track just available locally track as it meanders away past some conifers. The path narrows north of Craighall Dam. from Neilston with the The Bank Cafe, Neilston as it turns L then R at a seat. Follow countryside immediately the path, which can be boggy, down to Turn L and follow the track alongside Train: Scotrail opening out to reach Glasgow Central to a wide track. Turn R then R again onto 4conifers to a gate. Go through the Neilston Craig of Neilston Farm. another track, follow this through lovely gate and descend to a wood, go through Bus: Henderson Travel Bear R here to reach a countryside for a few hundred metres, two gates, then bear L onto the farm road Service 395 gate. Go through the gate passing an indistinct path on the L. From leading down, through one more gate, to Barrhead to Neilston and climb gently beside a © Crown Copyright and/or database right. All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260 here there are 2 options: the main track Craig of Neilston Farm. Follow this back McGills Service 54 wood, passing a track on can be followed to point 4 or take the to Kingston Road , turn R and walk back Paisley to Neilston the R to reach a wall and next track on the L leading to Craighall to Neilston Railway Station. 12 13 WALK HARELAW DAM & DOD HILL DISTANCE: 8.5km/5miles TIME: 2.5 hours GRADE: MODERATE 6

Neilston Pad from Harelaw Dam Glasgow from Fereneze Braes

The countryside above Neilston is littered with fantastic Winter morning near Harelaw Dam ROUTE lochs, including Long Loch and Harelaw and the higher INFORMATION ground above these two lochs, and the surrounding landscape, provide a superb walk with breathtaking Ordnance Survey views. However the wild nature of the walk is the Explorer 333 & 334, greatest surprise and at certain points no road or Landranger 64 house can be seen adding to the sense of peace and Car park at start quiet that prevails. As well as passing Harelaw and Start at car park near Long Loch the route visits James’s Hill and Dod Hill, to Neilston Pad both providing superb views encompassing much of GR NS472545 East Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, and Galloway. Single-track road, moorland, hill paths. From the car park, turn L and climb single-track road Some sections of 1towards Harelaw Dam. The road then descends past From James’s Hill retrace steps back pathless terrain to gate, go through here, turn R onto requiring navigational the fishing club hut and here turn L from the road. 3 skills in poor weather. boggier ground, follow the fence towards Suitable for most Climb past the hut onto a path. Follow the path © Crown Copyright and/or database right. All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260 Dod Hill. The field then drops down onto walkers. The route above Harelaw Dam to a gate. Go through the a broad track, which crosses a burn then crosses farmland so 2 it is advisable to keep gate onto open fields, the path continuing beside the and a wall east underneath Lochend Hill climbs gently to a flatter section of open dogs on leads loch to reach a stile. Cross the stile, bear L slightly to over pathless ground to a metal gate. Go moorland. Bear R onto a narrower path, Two avoid some boggier, tussocky ground then follow firmer through the gate, cross a narrow burn, walk east to the base of Dod Hill. Climb Deer, kestrel, buzzard, ground to reach a low wall, which is easily crossed. bear R, follow the wall to reach a dam the short, steep shoulder of Dod Hill onto wildflowers Bear R back to the loch, follow a narrow path to reach at the head of Long Loch. Turn L, follow its plateau, which has exemplary views Accommodation another wall. Climb over a locked gate, cross a short an indistinct path beside the loch onto of Neilston Pad and Ballageich. available locally section of boggy ground to reach the loch shore. Turn a grassy track, continue underneath the Various bars and cafes R onto an embankment, follow a good path above the slopes of James’s Hill to a fence. Turn R, To return to the start, retrace steps in local area loch. When the track peters out follow the loch edge follow the fence up grassy slopes to a 4back to Long Loch and to Harelaw. None to start to meet a narrow path, then bear L at a promontory. gate. Turn R, climb another grassy slope Follow the outward-bound route to Follow the loch onto a good track, cross a stile, then to the cairn on James’s Hill, its 282m Harelaw Fishing Hut, turn R onto continue alongside the loch onto an indistinct path to summit providing stunning views to the the single-track road and return to reach the head of Harelaw. From here follow a burn likes of Arran and Ben Lomond. the car park.

14 15 WALK EAGLESHAM & BALLAGEIGH DISTANCE: 13km/8miles TIME: 4 hours GRADE: MODERATE 7

Autumn Colours, The Orry Glasgow from Fereneze Braes

At 333 metres Ballageich is East Renfrewshire’s Cross Montgomery St, turn R onto ROUTE highest point, its magnificent panorama extending 2Moor Road, climb past Picketlaw Dam INFORMATION for miles and its broad, featureless plateau home to (so named because Covenanters placed a spectacular array of wildlife. The walk begins in pickets here to warn of any approach Ordnance Survey Eaglesham, which became Scotland’s first village Explorer 334, from adversaries) and follow the road to be listed as a place of special historical interest as it climbs steadily for a couple of miles Landranger 64 due to its distinctive ‘A’ shaped design. The Orry, a Ample parking in beautiful slice of woodland, nestles within the passing Greenfield Cottage to reach a Eaglesham village and sits in sharp contrast to the wildness of lay-by opposite Greenfield Farm. Start at Corner of Eaglesham Moor. The route also passes near to North Gilmour St and Polnoon Moorhouse Farm, birthplace of Robert Pollok whose Turn R here, cross a low gate and Lochcraig from Ballageich St GR NS573521 works include ‘Tales of the Covenanters’ and his 3climb the steep path onto the wild Woodland, pavement, colossal ‘The Course of Time’. moorland of Ballageich. A path crosses South Moorhouse Farm turn R and single-track road, farm the featureless, marshy plateau but peters follow a track to a gate. Go through here track, moorland paths. From corner of Gilmour Street/Polnoon Street bear Ballageich includes out making it tricky in misty conditions. enjoying marvellous views of Arran and L onto open grassland, walk past the Centenary steepish ascent/ 1 Continue in a westerly direction passing Ben Lomond to a fork. Take the R fork Monument and a large elm tree. Turn R climb a path descent and a section a small cairn signifying the highest point onto a grassy track, follow this through of featureless plateau, that crosses Mid Road into The Orry, which comprises of Ballageich. A path is picked up again one more gate to reach East Moorhouse which may require predominantly of beech trees and looks superb in navigational skills in which swings L high above Bennan Farm. autumn. Walk through The Orry, with a burn and waterfall poor weather. The route Loch. Once above its eastern end turn crosses farmland so to the L to reach a roundabout at the corner of Polnoon R and descend north down steepish Go through a gate, turn R onto a it is advisable to keep and Montgomery Street. dogs on leads slopes, cross a dilapidated wall to a 4single-track road. Follow this through None fence at Bennan Loch, which is easily open countryside passing an entrance Kestrel, snipe, lapwing negotiated. A path runs above Bennan road to North Moorhouse Farm to reach Accommodation Loch to reach a draw-off tower. Turn R, a fork. Take the R fork, follow the road available locally go down some steps, cross a bridge, go past Bonnyton Golf Club then continue Various bars, cafes and through a gate, onto a farm track, which over a bridge, past North Kirktonmoor restaurants in local area continues through wild countryside, Farm and return to Moor Road. Turn L, Bus: First in Scotland crossing a cattle grid, to reach Lochcraig. walk back to Polnoon and Montgomery Service 44 Continue past the loch, pass through Street, bear R, descend Montgomery Glasgow to Eaglesham another gate and just before reaching Street to finish at Gilmour Street.

16 © Crown Copyright and/or reserved. rights All right. database Licence number 100050260 17 WALK WHITELEES & THE COVENANTERS DISTANCE: 13km/8miles TIME: 4 hours GRADE: EASY 8

Whitelees Windfarm All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260 © Crown Copyright and/or database right. Whitelees is Europe’s largest onshore windfarm Lochgoin ROUTE and, love it or not, the windfarm and necessary INFORMATION road network has created a fantastic walk across the wild Eaglesham Moor. The views are simply Ordnance Survey stunning with Galloway, Ayrshire, Goat Fell, Ben Explorer 334, More and Stob Binnein included in a magnificent Landranger 64 360-degree panorama. Although the windfarm is a Car park at visitor centre recent phenomenon, Eaglesham Moors are indelibly Start at Whitelees Visitor linked with the Covenanters whose opposition to the Centre GR NS532493 Restoration Regime of the 17th century led to the Moorland paths and Scottish Covenanting Movement. Coventicles were tracks. One short section held on the moors and the magnificent Lochgoin the loch passing a fishing hut to reach of boggy, pathless Museum, which resides in a single room nearby at a gate. Cross a stile, then go through a ground. Sheep graze Lochgoin Farm, is well worth a visit to learn more on the surrounding second gate. moorland. The route about this turbulent period in Scotland’s history. This crosses farmland so route is waymarked. Turn R onto the moor and bear R to a it is advisable to keep dogs on leads From the visitor centre car park, turn R onto a broad fence. (Note: At the time of writing the across Glasgow. The track makes its 4 One 1track, pass through a gate and descend to Turbine moor to Turbine 11 is marshy and rough 40. Turn L at a signpost for Lochgoin and climb the broad way past Dunwan Dam and the fort of underfoot but a new path is to be built Grouse, dunlin, Dunwan Hill then swings R passing snipe, geese track to another signpost. Turn R onto a solid path and and will be ready in the Spring of 2011). Turbine 87. Continue over a cattle grid, Accommodation follow this with spectacular views over Eaglesham Moor Follow the fence line for a short distance available locally to Ayrshire to Galloway. Turn L onto a broader track at pass a conifer plantation and Turbine 88 across marshy, uneven ground, to reach to reach a signpost for Lochgoin Circuit. Whitelees Visitor Centre Turbine 41, and continue along the track turning R just a gate near Turbine 11. Turn R, cross over None to start before Turbine 54. a low fence here, and a final few metres Turn R, walk down the track through of uneven ground are crossed to reach Walk down to cross a cattle grid with Lochgoin 3a gate and continue alongside the main track at Turbine 11. Turn R and 2appearing on the R. Follow the track above the Lochgoin, with the magnificent profile of follow the track to reach Turbine 42. Bear loch and at the next junction turn R to continue below Arran ahead, to reach turbine 27. Just L past the turbine and follow the track as the slopes of Blackwood Hill. Pass by a signpost for after this a path turns R from the track it descends to reach the outward-bound Blackwood Hill (a short climb leads to the top) and leading to Lochgoin. Follow this to reach track. Turn L here and retrace steps back continue into the heart of the moors with superb views a grass embankment and continue above to the visitor centre. 18 19 WALK THORTONHALL & WATERFOOT | EAGLESHAM DISTANCE: 9km/5.5miles TIME: 3 hours GRADE: EASY 9

Wide openGlasgow spaces from above Fereneze Waterfoot Braes

Leaving from Eaglesham this walk travels along quiet, All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260 © Crown Copyright and/or database right. Turn L onto Glasgow Road, walk along ROUTE country roads crossing into at 3the pavement above the Cart, cross a INFORMATION Thortonhall, journeying back into East Renfrewshire road bridge over the Earn Water, continue to visit Waterfoot before returning to Eaglesham past Waterfoot Bank until opposite Floors Ordnance Survey via Old Humbie Road. With the countryside being Explorer 334, Road. Carefully cross Glasgow Road and predominantly flat, the wide-open spaces catch the eye climb Floors Road, enjoying the peaceful Landranger 64 with superb views throughout. The route also highlights Ample parking in some idiosyncrasies of the Scottish language. The word surrounds with the views opening out Eaglesham ‘Dripps’ features on several occasions. Apparently the towards the Highlands. Start at Corner of area was granted to a Norman Barron called Le Drep, Glasgow Road and over time it was wrongly spelled as Le Drip and at a At the top of Floors Road turn L at a Holehouse Road, Eaglesham time when farmers took their surname from their farm, 4roundabout, follow a verge to reach a GR NS572524 ‘Dripps’ became a common moniker. second roundabout, turn R go underneath the A726 by an underpass and climb to a Pavement and quiet From Glasgow Road (B767) walk along Holehouse country roads third roundabout. Turn L onto Old Humbie Road to reach Eaglesham Cemetery. Here the 1 Road, descend towards Eaglesham, None pavement ends and Holehouse Road continues as a quiet crossing the Borland Burn by Humbie Ash, birch, sycamore, single-track road away from Eaglesham alongside fields. Bridge to reach a pavement. Walk along beech, buzzards, It descends past Holehouse Farm and then underneath through hedgerows passing Townhead rooks, kestrel the pavement into Eaglesham, turn R to the A726. An old ford crosses the White Cart with the of Dripps then Meikle Dripps (Meikle Accommodation finish on Glasgow Road. road then climbing gently alongside hedgerows. being Scots for large and applies here available locally to the larger of the two neighbouring Various bars, cafes and farms). As the road swings L lovely views restaurants in local area On reaching a fork turn R for Thortonhall with Countryside around Waterfoot extend over Busby and Clarkston. It then Bus: First in Scotland 2wonderful big views opening out across East Service 44 Renfrewshire. The road leads to another junction. Turn L makes its way alongside hedgerows Glasgow to Eaglesham onto a wider road, walk into Thortonhall passing by South and woodland, comprising of ash, birch Hill of Dripps and several impressive stone villas. Walk and beech, passes several large houses along the road to reach a single-track road signposted and a side road for Eaglesham. Ignore for Waterfoot. Turn L and continue along through this, instead follow the road down into charming countryside enjoying great views of Glasgow Waterfoot. Pass Dripps Mill then cross and of Neilston Pad. Once past North Hill of Dripps the a bridge over the White Cart to reach road bends tightly to the L then bears R wending its way Glasgow Road (B767). 20 21 WALK ROUKEN GLEN PARK | GIFFNOCK DISTANCE: 5km/3miles TIME: 2 hours GRADE: EASY 10

GlasgowAutumn colours, from Fereneze Rouken Braes Glen All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260 © Crown Copyright and/or database right. In a city renowned for its parks Rouken Glen holds its and follow this to turn L onto a woodland ROUTE own against some stiff competition. Although open path. Follow this to a standing stone, INFORMATION to the public since 1906, Rouken Glen’s history dates bear R down some steps and continue back to 1530 when it was presented to the 1st Earl along the peaceful path above a river. Ordnance Survey of Eglinton by James V. The park has since been Turn R down a flight of steps, cross Explorer 342; used for quarrying whilst its rivers have provided Landranger 64 a footbridge. Turn L, follow the path water for a meal mill and a printworks. The route by another waterfall and then turn L Ample parking on described reveals the wonderful diversity within the Davieland Road down another flight of steps. Cross a park following excellent paths along open parkland footbridge, turn L and continue along the Whitecraigs Railway and through wonderful woodland. Station GR NS553577 path to reach an old stone wall. Turn R, Open parkland, From Whitecraigs Railway Station ticket office turn and climb to a crossroads. Turn R onto woodland paths 1R, walk to a set of traffic lights, turn L onto Davieland a path and walk through more superb and short section of woodland. Stick to the main path as it Road, walk past first entrance to the park, and continue pavement. Suitable for all walkers to the second entrance at the boating pond. Turn L into meanders through the glen passing by two viewpoints. Cross over a footbridge None Rouken Glen, bear L past the cafe and walk clockwise around the pond. Take the second exit L to cross a and turn L back into the main park. Swans, tufted duck, chaffinch, goldcrest, oak, footbridge above a spectacular waterfall and then follow Turn R onto the B769, follow the sycamore, wildflowers the path into open parkland and descend down to a 2pavement down to Spiersbridge Walk to the end of a line of beech Accommodation wood. From here a lovely lane travels by Rouken Glen Roundabout, turn R onto Rouken Glen 4trees, turn L and follow the path available locally Golf Course through beautiful woodland. Continue to Road (A726) and walk along to re-enter through the park to a junction. Turn L Cafes available in park follow the lane reaching Rouken Glen Golf Course car Rouken Glen by turning R into a car and walk down past Birkinshaw Cottage, Train: Scotrail park and the B769 Road. park. Walk clockwise around car park to take the second R follow path past a Glasgow Central to reach an information board next to the swing-park and a pavilion to reach a Whitecraigs. Waterfall, Rouken Glen garden centre. small car park. Take the second R, pass Bus: First in Scotland by a skate-park, turn L then L again and Service 38 walk back to the boating pond. After Glasgow to Treemain Turn L then R onto open parkland, Road, Giffnock 3follow the path past Birkinshaw the cafe bear L onto a grassy ridge and (short walk to start) Cottage and the entrance to the Walled follow this back to the park’s exit. Turn R Garden. Bear R onto a narrower path to reach Whitecraigs Railway Station.

22 23 10 WALKS IN EAST RENFREWSHIRE | 3 TO 8 MILES

uNDergoiNg exciTiNg refurbishmeNT reopeNiNg Artist vision of Main Street Looking to the future The Old Bank iN summer 2011 When exploring our beautiful, historic landscape, come and “Come visit the Cafe serving meals, snacks and drinks. see what’s happening in Neilston, a community on the move. We’re only 2 minutes from the Neilston Development Trust (NDT), NDT’s activities include a community train station opposite the Co-op” founded and run by local people, is cafe, volunteering development, an part of a nation-wide movement of annual festival and other cultural Neilston is the first community in communities who want to build on programmes, a carbon reduction the Scottish Renaissance Towns movement, a new way of building our strengths and create a sustainable project and the delivery of local the future of Scotland’s small towns, future for our places. services from our base in the Old Bank. for place, work and folk. www.scottishrenaissancetowns.com www.neilstontrust.co.uk The old bank, 84 main street, Neilston g78 3eA thinking big, acting small™ T: 0141 561 1201 e: [email protected]

This document can be explained to you in other languages and can be provided in alternative formats such as large print or Braille. For further information, please contact Customer First on 0141 577 3001 or email [email protected]

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas

THIS PROJECT WAS PART-FINANCED BY THE AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY (East Renfrewshire Local Action Group) LEADER 2009-2012 Programme