Look out for events celebrating food and drink in Scotland’s largest Regional Park.

Walks & Talks Volunteering Our Countryside Rangers co- If you would like to get involved with ordinate most events and are conservation activities or countryside management, have fun and learn available to give advice on walks, new skills, you can! wildlife or any countryside issue. Contact them at Centres. Thursdays 12.30 – 15.30 hrs at Castle Semple. Saturdays 10.30 – 14.30 hrs with Greenock Cut Ranger Team. Lochwinnoch Community Walk takes Sundays 10.00 - 12.00 hrs Youth Group place every Monday - meet 10.30 hrs at the (12-18). Castle Semple. More details of McKillop, Lochwinnoch, allow 1.5 hours. group and individual opportunities available can be found on our website.

Outdoor Activity Courses Semple Trail such as kayaking, sailing, Heritage archery, map and compass Project (STHP) skills run all season primarily at WATERSPORTS Castle Semple. Look at the back pages, The STHP aims to involve online for course dates or contact the communities in the natural & built Centre for group bookings. Castle heritage of this area and the ancient Semple is an RYA Sailability Centre of Excellence fully equipped to help Semple clan. Download the 12km budding sailors with disabilities, contact route guide from our website. Look us to discuss your needs. out for new seats, signage and interpretation this season!

Please NOTE • All events, walks and activities must be booked in advance unless otherwise stated. Bike Hire at Castle Semple • For walks and land based activities you should Mountain, comfort and children’s always have warm clothing, waterproofs, walking bikes plus tandems and trailers. boots or sturdy shoes. Hires available all summer every • For all water based activities bring a complete weekend, public and school holiday. change of warm clothes including shoes and Contact Martin of RT Cycles on shower equipment. 07867 790 889. to arrange hire out with these times. • Children must be accompanied by an adult for all events and family fun sessions. • Numbers can be limited and age restrictions apply for others - to avoid disappointment, always contact the Centre in advance to check. SPRING/SUMMER 2015 MAR 2015 APRIL 2015

Sun 22 Mar Spring Hide & Seek Has spring arrived? Are the woods waking up after their winter sleep? Come & explore Shielhill Glen and find the emerging woodspirits marking their locations with a GPS. WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs COST: £2 per person includes hot drink and biscuits MORE INFO: tel 01475 529 543 & bookings

Mon 23 – Sun 29 Mar Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Photography Exhibition ʻLochwinnochʼ is the theme for the first display of landscapes, portraits and wildlife by local photographers. Signed prints will be for sale. Fri 3 Apr WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre Open for Summer WHEN: 10.00 – 16.00 hrs open daily Summer hours begin, join a Ranger-lead event or stop MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 for a coffee and admire the beautiful countryside. Bike hire summer hours begin at Castle Semple. WHERE: All Visitor Centres WHEN: Castle Semple 10.00 - 17.00 hrs daily Muirshiel and Greenock Cut 11.00 - 16.00 hrs daily

Fri 3 – Mon 6 Apr Easter Weekend Entertainment See the Visitor Centre Staff at Muirshiel & Greenock Cut for your Easter Quiz Sheet when visiting this weekend! Or have a go at the Castle Semple Easter Competition in the lochshore field! WHERE: All Centres WHEN: Castle Semple 10.00 - 17.00 hrs daily Muirshiel and Greenock Cut 11.00 - 16.00 hrs daily

Sun 5 April Wed 25 Mar The Great Greenock Cut Howwood to Castle Semple Eggstravaganza Join the Rangers and Feeling Fitter crew for a Level 2 Bring the family along to decorate walk. an egg, indulge in tea and hot MEET: Howwood Train Station cross buns before taking part in a WHEN: 11.00 hrs, allow 2 hrs. traditional egg rolling competition. MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs Sat 28 Mar COST: £1 per egg, £3 for tea & hot cross buns. MORE INFO: tel 01475 529 543 & bookings Paracycling at Glasgow Green CMRP staff will be there with their new range of handbikes with event partners Blazing Saddles and Mon 6 – Fri 10 & Mon 13 – Fri 17 Apr Glasgow Riderz cycling club. Come and try! Junior Multi Activity Weeks A full week of sport for 8 - 15 yr olds to get active, learn Sun 29 Mar new skills and make new friends, on land and water! Week 1 full day sessions available, week 2 AM or PM Butterfly ID & Transect Training sessions. Get 6 or more children together and book your Join us and our friends at Butterfly Conservation for a own course. morning of identification tips and tricks plus learn how to WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre run your own transect. COST: 5 FULL DAYS £160 or 5 HALF DAYS WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre £98 WHEN: 10.00 – 13.00 hrs MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 & bookings MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 & bookings 1 APRIL 2015 MAY 2015

Sat 11 & Sun 12 Apr Big WoW Weekend Find out about all the animals we have been filming - weasels, badgers, roes and more. Ringing demonstrations throughout the day, weather dependent. WHERE: Muirshiel Country Park WHEN: 11.00 - 16.00 hrs both days MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20

Sun 26 Apr Pedal the Park: Cycling Festival Join Ride 63 Community Cycle Club and the Park Staff for a fun day out pedalling in the Park! There is a ʻRoad Rideʼ, ʻMt Bike Rideʼ plus family friendly ride, prizes and activities. Event village with lots of entertainment including a ʻRollapaluzaʼ! No bike?! Hire one from RT Cyclesʼ Martin. WHERE: Castle Semple Centre. Road and Mt Bike ride info on Ride 63 facebook page WHEN: From 10.00 hrs MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 21

Fri 15 – Sun 24 May Volunteer Arts Week Art takes many forms, keep a look out for a ʻCraft Bombʼ at your Regional Park this week. WHERE: Any Visitor Centre WHEN: Castle Semple 10.00 - 17.00 hrs daily Muirshiel and Greenock Cut 11.00 - 16.00 hrs daily

Sat 2 & Sun 3 May Big WoW Weekend Find out about all the animals we have been filming - weasels, badgers, roe deer and more. Ringing demonstrations throughout the day, weather dependent. WHERE: Muirshiel Country Park WHEN: 11.00 - 16.00 hrs both days MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20

Thur 7 May Beachwatch Help with the Marine Conservation Societyʼs beach survey work, by collecting and recording sea debris, to make a national report. WHERE Lunderston Bay WHEN: 10.00 hrs onwards MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 & bookings 2 MAY 2015 JUNE 2015

Fri 15 May Marvellous Moths As night time arrives it brings with it a colourful array of moths. See and find out about some of these attractive and curious insects. WHERE: Barnbrock Campsite, Park HQ WHEN: 21.30 hrs onwards MORE INFO: tel 01505 614 791 & bookings

Fri 22 – Sun 31 May Scotland’s Nature Festival Get out and celebrate our amazing selection of wildlife in Scotland. Muirshiel Centre will be showing hen harrier footage and Castle Semple will have WoW Project highlights in the Sempill Room. Sat 23 & Sun 24 May WHERE: Castle Semple & Muirshiel Visitor Centres IOM Yachting Championship WHEN: 10.00 – 17.00/11.00 – 16.00 hrs each day Watch the International One Metre Yachting elite as they Sun 24 May race along the shores of Castle Semple Loch. WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre - TBC Seed Balls WHEN: 10.00 – 16.00 hrs approx daily Create & lob your very own green grenades! Bomb on MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 site or to take away. WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre Sat 30 May WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs COST: £2.50 per child Castle Semple Rowing Club Regatta MORE INFO: tel 01475 529 543 & bookings One of the biggest rowing events in the Scottish calendar! There will be lots of boats and plenty of Sun 31 May spectator viewing available. Please consider public Build a Bird Box or Feeder transport as the car park will be very busy. WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre Take advantage of the knowledge and skills of the WHEN: All day Rangers and build your very own to take home or leave MORE INFO: www.castlesemplerc.co.uk around the Visitor Centre. WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre Wed 3 June WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs COST: £2.50 per box & £1.50 per feeder made Pound and Pace MORE INFO: tel 01475 529 543 & bookings The annual circular walk raising funds for local charities. Donate a pound to join the walk and remember your raffle money! WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre WHEN: 10.15 registration, walk starts 11.00 hrs, allow 3 hours MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458

Sat 6 June RYA Honda Ribs Scottish Final Watch the fast boats on the water and enjoy a bouncy castle, face painting, country walks or refreshments on dry land! WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 10.00 – 15.00 hrs approx MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20

Sun 7 June Classic Cars Cruise into Greenock Cut Come and take a look at the pride and joy of the Scottish Western Thoroughbred Vehicle Club, lovely scenery, refreshments, walks and wildlife also on hand! WHERE Greenock Cut Visitor Centre WHEN: 11.00 – 16.00 hrs MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 3 JUNE 2015 JULY 2015

Fri 12 June Marvellous Moths As night time arrives it brings with it a colourful array of moths. See and find out about some of these attractive and curious insects. WHERE: Barnbrock Campsite, Park HQ WHEN: 22.00 hrs onwards MORE INFO: tel 01505 614 791 & bookings Sun 14 June Sun 28 June WoW @ Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue’s Open Day Butterfly Walk For one day every year, Hessilhead opens its doors to Join the local Butterfly Conservation Glasgow and South the public. WoW will be hosting regular ringing West Scotland Branch for an informative walk on the demonstrations throughout the day. local species. WHERE: Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue, Gateside, Nr Beith WHERE: Muirshiel Visitor Centre WHEN: 12.00 – 16.00 hrs WHEN: 11.00 – 15.30 hrs MORE INFO: tel 01505 502 415 MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 803 Ex 20 & bookings Sat 20 & Sun 21 June The Scottish Multi-Class Regatta A legacy event of the hugely successful ʻRace 2 the gamesʼ 2014. Participants from all over the UK and West Central Scotland special schools compete! Get involved and sponsor or support your nearest school, accessible club or individual with additional support needs. Sailing at Castle Semple is a great spectator sport if youʼre about! There will also be training days for competitors on 18 & 19 June.

WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre

WHEN: 10.00 – 15.30 hrs both days MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 When I’m out on the water I don’t“ “ feel like someone in a wheelchair, itit isis suchsuch aa goodgood feeling.feeling. Sun 5 July Windy Hill Wildlife Stroll Sun 21 June Join us at Muirshiel Country Park for a wander around the varied habitats that the area offers as homes for Solstice Night Walk Night Walk butterflies, bumblebees birds and plants. Join the Rangers for a walk to the top of Dunrod Hill to WHERE: Muirshiel Visitor Centre watch the sun set at the end of the longest day of the WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs year. Suitable foot wear required. MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 803 WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre WHEN: 20.30 – 23.00 hrs Mon 6 July COST: £5 per person includes hilltop hot drinks. Junior Multi-Activity Weeks – Summer MORE INFO: tel 01475 529 543, booking essential Season Starts! Sat 27 June A full week of sport for 8 - 15 yr olds to get active, learn new skills and make new friends, on land and water! Full Dine in the Park day and half day AM or PM sessions available. Get 6 or Make your own fire and bake more children together and book your own course. traditional bannock bread. Option to bring some of your WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre own food too. Cooking on a real camp fire. COST: 5 FULL DAYS £160 or 5 HALF DAYS £98 WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 & bookings WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs COST: £5 Adult/£3 Concession MORE INFO: tel 01475 529 543 & bookings Sun 19 July Lochwinnoch Community Event Improve the local biodiversity by helping us remove invasive species like himalayan balsalm. Very therapeutic! MEET: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 & bookings 4 SUMMER HOLIDAY EVENTS 2015

Get yourself and the family out in the fresh air and learn something new at the same time. All events are £5 per child (adults are free!) or you can buy a season ticket for £25 and attend as many of the events as you like! Event Start Time: 13.00 hrs unless stated otherwise, and last 2 hrs. Contact a Centre for details.

Fri 24 July Seamill Hydro - Rockpooling 11.00 hrs

Tues 28 July Greenock Cut - Greenman Summer Mask Making

Wed 29 July Muirshiel - Greenman Summer Mask Making

Tues 4 August Greenock Cut - Fab Flutterbies Walk & Crafts

Wed 5 August Castle Semple - Fab Flutterbies Walk & Crafts

Tues 11 August Greenock Cut - Fire Lighting and Den Building

Wed 12 August Muirshiel - Fire Lighting and Den Building

Tues 7 July Greenock Cut - Rockets, Planes, Parachutes & Kites.

Wed 8 July Castle Semple - Rockets, Planes, Parachutes & Kites.

Fri 10 July Largs, Pencil Pools - Rockpooling 12.30 hrs

Tues 14 July Greenock Cut - Leathercraft

Wed 15 July Muirshiel - Leathercraft

Tues 21 July Greenock Cut - Environmental Art

Wed 22 July Castle Semple - Environmental Art 5 AUG 2015 SEP 2015

Fri 14 Aug Sat 19 Sept Marvellous Moths Beachwatch Big Weekend Find out about these attractive and curious insects, see Join us for the annual big clean up! Help record data and Fri 12 June for details. protect our coastline by contributing to the national survey. WHERE: Barnbrock Campsite, Park HQ WHERE: Lunderston Bay WHEN: 22.00 hrs onwards WHEN: 13.00 hrs onwards MORE INFO: tel 01505 614 791 & bookings MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 & bookings

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Sept Dates for your Diary! Doors Open Days: Renfrewshire Come to the ancestral homeland of the clan Sempill and Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct get the best view of it from the Visitor Centre Tower! Junior Multi Activity Week WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre Get the kids active with their friends during the school WHEN: 10.00 – 16.00 hrs –anytime, regular holiday week! Last chance of the season. tours MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 & bookings Sun 18 Oct Sat 12 Sept Classic & Custom Car Show Greenock Cemetery Bat Walk An opportunity to admire a dazzling array of beautiful Hear the un-hearable and learn about these amazing classic cars. Fancy joining us? Email Jane on flying mammals. A short presentation then weʼll be out [email protected]. Early booking essential for making use of bat detectors. classic cars! WHERE: Greenock Cemetery WHEN: 19.45 – 21.45 hrs COST: £5.00 Adult/ £3.00 Concession MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 & bookings

Sun 13 Sept Doors Open Day Inverclyde Why was Robert Thom asked to design the Greenock Cut? How was it built? How does the current Visitor Centre get itʼs water? Come for a behind the scenes tour to find out. WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre WHEN: 13.00 – 14.30 hrs MORE INFO: 01475 529 543 & bookings

6 Activity Courses Summer 2015

Are you a thrill seeker? Juniors Learn a new outdoor activity or improve RYA Dinghy Stage 1 6 & 7 Apr your skills to safely be a thrill seeker at 29 & 30 June Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. 20 & 21 July More information and extra dates are 12 & 13 Oct available online or contact David or Willie tel RYA Dinghy Stage 2 01505 842 882 Ex 21 to organise your own 13 & 14 Apr group booking (4 people min). 6 & 7 July 27 & 28 July

Sailing RYA Dinghy Stage 3 Adults 13 & 14 July RYA Dinghy Level 1 3 & 4 Aug 28 & 29 Mar Kayaking & Canoeing 18 & 19 Apr Adults 16 & 17 May BCU 1 Star 6 & 7 June 5 Apr 11 & 12 Jul 2 May 1 & 2 Aug 30 May 22 & 23 Aug 5 Jul 11 & 12 Sept 1 Aug 29 Aug RYA Dinghy Level 2 27 Sept 4 & 5 Apr 25 & 26 Apr 23 & 24 May 13 & 14 June 18 & 19 July 8 & 9 Aug 29 & 30 Aug 19 & 20 Sept 10 & 11 Oct

RYA Dinghy Level 3 21 & 22 Mar 11 & 12 Apr 30 & 31 May 4 & 5 July 15 & 16 Aug 5 & 6 Sept

RYA Level 2 Powerboating 21 & 22 Mar 4 & 5 Apr 18 & 19 Apr BCU 2 Star Training 3 & 4 Oct 11 & 12 Apr 17 & 18 Oct 9 & 10 May 6 & 7 June 11 & 12 July RYA Start Racing 8 & 9 Aug 9 & 10 May 5 & 6 Sept 27 & 28 June 3 & 4 Oct 26 & 27 Sept 7 Activity Courses Summer 2015

Juniors BCU Paddle Power Passport 9 & 10 Apr 16 & 17 Apr 2 & 3 July 9 & 10 July 23 & 24 July 30 & 31 July 15 & 16 Aug

BCU Paddle Power Discover 16 & 17 July 6 & 7 Aug

Training for Coaching BCU UKCC Level 1 (2 Star & FSRT) Coaching Certificate 4 Days 25 - 28 May BCU 2 Star Assessment 28 Mar Training for Coaching 26 Apr BCU UKCC Level 2 23 May (One 3 Star) Coaching Certificate 4 Day 28 June 23 & 24 May AND 25 July 6 & 7 June 22 Aug 19 Sept BCU Foundation Modules: 17 Oct Disability Module 13 June BCU 3 Star Kayak Training White Water Fundamentals 11 & 12 April 18 July & Assessment Outdoor Education 17 May 16 May 24 Sept Junior BCU 3 Star Sea Kayak Training & Multi Activity Assessment 5 half days AM OR PM 13 – 17 Apr 25 & 26 April 29 June – 3 July 13 – 17 July BCU 3 Star Open Canoe Training 20 – 24 July 6 & 7 June 27 – 31 July 3 – 7 Aug BCU 3 Star Open Boat Training & Assessment 28 & 29 Mar 9 & 10 May Assessment 3 May

Foundation Safety & Rescue Training 22 Mar 19 Apr 31 May 14 Aug 6 Sept 17 Oct

8 Activity Courses Summer 2015

Junior RYA Seamanship Skills Multi Activity Cont’d 5 full days RYA Essential Navigation & 6 – 10 Apr Seamanship Theory 29 June – 3 July 6 – 10 July RYA Day Skipper Shorebased 13 – 17 July 3 – 7 Aug 12 – 16 Oct RYA 3 Day Sail

RYA 4 Day Sail

Single hander Clinic

Zero to Hero Kayak/Sail

BCU Foundation Modules: Coaching Young Paddlers Mentoring

BCU UKCC Level 2 (Paddlesport) Coaching Certificate Map and Compass 16 May Paddle Your Own Canoe! 19 Jul 22 Aug

Other Courses Available: No scheduled dates but can be organised on demand.

Leave No Trace Training

Adventure Birthday Parties

Go Mountain Bike!

Mountain Bike Maintenance

Archery

First Aid

RYA Safety Boat

9 Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Tel 01505 842 882 www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk email [email protected]

clydemuirshielregionalpark clydemuirshiel

The Great Escape… for a healthy family day out or outdoor activities in Scotland’s largest Regional Park It is right on your doorstep, just 20 minutes west of Glasgow or north of Irvine.

Why not leave the car at home and visit the Regional Park by public transport? Visit www.travelinescotland.com or phone 08712 002 233 for details.

Castle Semple Visitor Centre Muirshiel Visitor Centre Greenock Cut Visitor Centre Park HQ, Barnbrock Lochwinnoch Near Lochwinnoch Loch Thom Near Kilbarchan PA12 4EA PA12 4LB PA16 9LX PA10 2PZ tel: 01505 842 882 tel: 01505 842 803 tel: 01475 521 458 tel: 01505 614 791

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