Annive h rs t 2001-2016 a 5 r 1 y

January to June 2016 Feeling Fitter 30 part of Walking Network

Wednesday and Community Walks around Renfrewshire

In association with Why Should I Go Walking?

Walking is a great way to stay healthy and benefits are plentiful. Below are a few of the benefits that you can expect to gain by maintaining a level of walking which suits your ability.

• Helps control weight • Builds and maintains healthy bones, muscles and joints • Improves the function of your heart and lungs • Relaxes you • Reduces signs of stress and anxiety • Gives you more energy • Reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol • Increases self confidence • Keeps the brain active Why not build up your walking programme If you are starting out on your first walk build up your fitness gradually and join one of the many health walks in your local community, meet lots of new friends and chat while the miles disappear and before you know, its time for a well earned cuppa, whilst reflecting on your morning’s exercise. Next on the programme is level 1A which is slightly longer than your health walk but you know you are ready for the challenge! Moving on to Level 1B which is slightly more adventurous than the last level, incorporating more inclines and walking for a slightly longer distance. Last level on the Renfrewshire Walking Network programme is Level 2 which incorporates all levels adding in rougher ground, longer time and distance walking but just as enjoyable with lots of company along the way! So whatever level you start at there is a walking group in Renfrewshire for you. Welcome

Hi everyone, let me introduce you to Feeling Fitter 30, and our 15th Anniversary campaign which includes another exciting programme which hopefully will give you hours of happy walking. At The Renfrewshire Walking Network we take pride in our working partnerships which have strengthened through the years and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved: The fantastic Volunteer Walk Leaders who give up their valuable time and without whom we wouldn’t have a successful programme. The Renfrewshire Walking Network Committee who work behind the scenes securing funds to enable the programme to operate Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers who are a long standing partner who share their wealth of knowledge and experience with us Forestry Commission who guide us and share their experience and are a valuable partner within our team Not forgetting the many organisations and partners who have funded us through the years and support the walking programme in its many forms from low level walks to community events. I hope you enjoy Feeling Fitter 30 and watch out for special events throughout the year.

Happy Walking Everyone Senga McLeod Thank you Community Activity Officer Renfrewshire Leisure Sports Services

3 Walking Groups In Your Local Community

LOCHWINNOCH Every Monday meeting at McKillop Centre at 10.30am FERGUSLIE Every Monday meeting at St Ninians Church, at 11.00am GLENBURN/ Every Tuesday meeting at Glenburn Church at 10.30am Every Tuesday meeting at Bargarran Community Centre at 10.30am BARSHAW PARK Every Thursday meeting at the middle entrance (café) at 10.30am Every Thursday meeting at Johnstone Centre (next to bandstand) at 10.30am. Every Thursday meeting at Robertson Park Gates on Inchinan , at 10.30am. LOCHFIELD Every Thursday meeting at Lysleland Church in Rowan Street at 10.30am. STROLL IN THE PARK Every second Tuesday at Town Hall at 11.00am (for more information on this walk pattern please call Senga McLeod on 0141 842 3000)

All walks last approx. 1 hour and are suitable for everyone

Look out for new walks starting in a community near you !

4 Level 1(A)

13th January PAISLEY BRIDGES (CIRCULAR 3.1MLS/5.0KM) Join us today as we enjoy our first walk of the year. Today we will cross some of Paisley’s bridges, the walk today will be flat and suitable for everyone, Please dress for the weather Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall 27 January PAISLEY MYSTERY WALK (CIRCULAR 2.8 MLS/4.9KM) Join us today as we embark on a mystery walk around the historical town of Paisley, although this walk is a mystery it will be on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall 10 February PORTERFIELD ROAD - (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.5 KM) Today we will take a walk through the historic town of Renfrew winding our way through Roberston Park on route. After leaving the park we head towards Braehead along the Clyde pathway. Returning by a slightly different route through the town. Route will be flat. Comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 10.30am at Robertson Park at the junction of Paisley Road and Porterfield Road Renfrew.

5 24 February WALK (CIRCULAR 3.1 MLS/5.0 KM) Come and join us for fun, laughter, and song as we meander through the on our annual tartan walk. The walk is suitable for all levels of walker, and everyone walks at their own pace. The village loves to hear about auld Scots songs which we perform along the route. A tartan tammy or scarf worn will enrich the feel of a guid Scots’ day oot! Walk starts at 11.00am at Visitor Centre, 9 March HOUSTON (CIRCULAR 3.1MLS/5.0KM) Join us today as we visit this lovely Renfrewshire village of Houston as we skirt around the lovely houses and buildings. The walk today is mainly flat and on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at the Carrick Centre, Main Street Houston. 23 March LINWOOD RIVERSIDE & WOODLAND (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Today we will take a wander through the community woodland and beyond. The paths are generally flat and surfaced. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Clippens Road bus stop. 6 April FOUNTAIN GARDENS (CIRCULAR 2.5 MLS/4.0 KM) Join us today as we visit the beautifully renovated Fountain which sits within the oldest park in Paisley. If it is a nice day stop

6 for a paddle or just admire the workmanship of this fantastic piece of art. This walk is on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 10.30am outside the Town Hall, Paisley 20 April MYSTERY TOUR (CIRCULAR 3.1 MLS/ 5.0KM) We are following some of the village trails around Howwood today. The walk is mainly flat but with a few uphill sections. The walk is mainly on pavements and comfortable shoes should be worn. Walk starts at 10.30am at Howwood Railway Station. 4 May STANDING STONES (LINEAR 3.1MLS/4.1 KM) Today we take a stroll through the conservation village of to reach the cycle track which we follow past the standing stones to reach Morrison’s and Johnstone town centre. The walk is mainly flat on pavements and cycle track but there may be mud on the track. Walk starts at 10.30am from the Weavers Cottage in Kilbarchan 18 May WHITE CART WANDER (CIRCULAR 4.0MLS/ 6.4KM) This walk will take us along the White Cart and over the boundary into . Hopefully we will see some wildlife on the way. The route is flat and on surfaced paths and we will return by the same route. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30 am Meet at the Old Dobbies car park, off Hawkhead road, Paisley.

7 1 June POUND & PACE (CIRCULAR 7.9MLS/14.9KM) Join us today as we put on our charity and walk the Cut. This annual event is raising funds for local hospices and hospitals. Entry fee £1 please bring a friend. Walk starts at 11.00 am Meet at Greenock Cut Visitors Centre, Greenock Registration starts at 10.15 am 15 June BRODIE PARK (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Join us today as we start our walk at the entrance to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, from there we will make our way to the outdoor gym where if the weather allows we shall have a go on the equipment before completing our circle back to the hospital Walk starts at 10.30am. Meet at the entrance to the RAH 29 June JENNY’S WELL (LINEAR 2.9MLS/4.6KM) We shall start this walk by exploring Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve by the White Cart. We will then follow the path to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, this walk has a few moderate slopes and is mainly on paths but there may be muddy sections in the reserve. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am. Meet at the entrance to Jenny’s Well on Hawkhead Road

8 Level 1(B)

13th January LINWOOD MOSS (CIRCULAR 5.5KM/ 3.5MLS) Today our walk is a flat terrain walk which takes us past the Linwood Moss to the River Gryffe. We will mainly be on country but there will be farm and some commercial traffic to contend with. Walking shoes or boots are recommended. Walk starts at 1.00 pm Meet at Napier St. Bus stop

27th January ERSKINE – (LINEAR 8.2 KM/5.1 MLS) Today we will start our walk in the grounds of and enjoy excellent views of the upper Clyde Estuary. We will then join the pathway which takes us along the Forth & Clyde Canal where we will hopefully see a variety of wildlife. We will finish the walk at Clydebank shopping centre where we will return to Paisley by public transport. This walk is a surfaced path along its entire length. Walk starts at 1.00pm Meet at Erskine Garden Centre Car Park.

10th February BLAIR ESTATE (CIRCULAR 4.5 KM/ 2.8MLS) Starting at Dalry Station we walk the outskirts of Dalry and then around the Blair Estae. View the aristocratic pile and parts of the garden. This walk is mainly on country roads and footpaths though these may be slightly muddy. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 1.00pm at 9 24th February TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 5.0 KM/3.1 MLS) Come and join us for fun, laughter, and song as we meander through the village on our annual tartan walk. The walk is suitable for all levels of walker, and everyone walks at their own pace. The village loves to hear about auld Scots songs which we perform along the route. A tartan tammy or scarf worn will enrich the feel of a guid Scots’ day oot! Walk starts at 11.00am at Castle Semple Visitors Centre, Lochwinnoch

9th March OH TO BE A HABBIE! (6.4KM/4.0MLS) Join us today as we ramble around the village of Kilbarchan, which is steeped in in its own special history. Our walk is mainly on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended Walk starts at 1.00pm meeting at the Kilbarchan Steeple

23rd March FAIRLIE WANDER (LINEAR 5.3 KM/3.3 MLS) Today we are walking along the coast mainly on paved pathways, with a bit of a beach pathway thrown in. There are views of Arran, The Cumbraes and Penninsula. The route passes samples of anchors used by different types of ships that used the of Clyde, then Yacht Marina, The “Pencil” and finally arrives in with its range of suppliers of liquid refreshments- coffee and tea! Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. Walk starts at 1.00pm meeting at Fairlie Railway Station 10 6th April ERSKINE BRIDGE (CIRCULAR 8.0 KM/5.0 MLS) Today our walk takes us over the highest point in Erskine where the views if a clear day will be fantastic, after we leave the bridge we will visit the basin of the canal. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Erskine Garden Centre Car Park

20th April BISHOPTON (CIRCULAR 7.8 KM/4.6 MLS) Join us today as we take in breathtaking views over the . Our walk will take us along country roads and paths, returning via Mar Hall and Course. Sturdy shoes should be worn Walk starts at 1.00pm at Bishopton Railway Station

4th May QUARRIERS (CIRCULAR 8.1 KM/5.0 MLS) Today we walk along the cycle path from heading towards where we will utilise the pathway which leads us into the heart of the village. Once there we can admire the stunning buildings and learn of its fascinating history. Walk starts at 1.00pm Meet outside Co-operative on Main street, Bridge of Weir

11 18th May EGLINTON PARK (CIRCULAR 8.0 KM/5.0 MLS) Come and join us today as we visit North and the town of Kilwinning where we will make our way to the hidden treasure of Eglinton Country park. Once htere we will enjoy a short walk around the park and return to the railway station Walk starts at 1.00pm at Kilwinning Railway Station

1st June POUND AND PACE (CIRCULAR 14.9 KM/7.9 MLS) It’s that time of year again as we don our charity boots and descend on the Greenock cut. This annual event raises funds for worthwhile charities. So come along and join us by putting your best foot forward and help make this event a success. The cost is £1.00 and raffle tickets will be on sale. Registration starts 10.15am. Walk Starts at 11.00am at The Greenock Visitor Centre

15th June LARGS NOODLE BURN (CIRCULAR 5.0 KM/3.1 MLS) Today we walk head for the coast at Largs and a bracing walk along the prom where we will follow a circular route alongside the Nodsdale Water before returning to the prom and back to the start. Most of the walk is on paved paths but depending on the weather it may have muddy sections. Walk starts at 1.00pm. Meet at Largs Pier. 12 29th June ROSS HALL PARK (CIRCULAR 9.0 KM/5.5MLS) Today our walk will take us over the boundary to Glasgow and to get there we will walk along the White Cart till we reach Ross Hall Park, where we will make use of the frisbee course if the weather allows. This walk is totally flat and comfortable shoes should be worn. Walk starts at 1.00pm. Meet at The old Dobbies car park on Hawkhead road

13 Level 2

13 January THE KELVIN & THE BOTANICS (LINEAR 10.8KM/6.8ML) Today’s weather permitting will take us along the Forth & Clyde Canal to where it crosses the . We then follow the river back to the Botanic Gardens before returning to the river to reach Road at Kelvingrove Art Galleries. The route is mainly flat with some inclines on made up paths and tarmac but may be muddy in places. Walk starts at 11.00am from the passenger entrance to Buchanan Bus Station

27 January - (LINEAR 9.6 KM/6.0MLS) The Walk today starts at we will Cross the Expressway at the pedestrian bridge and bypassing the Tall Ship and the heliport before reaching the Clyde near the SECC and the hydro and the Armadillo and the Glasgow Science Centre on the opposite bank,past the Finniestion Crane, one of Glasgow’s tallest landmarks, on to the Broomielaw and and the Peoples Palace and finishing at Dalmarnock. Walk starts at 10.30am at Partick Station

14 10 February ALEXANDER GREEK THOMSON ARCHITECTURE (LINEAR 11.0KM/7.0MLS) Today we are going to take a walk from the West End to the centre of Glasgow with views of some of the architecture left to the by one of its most eminent architects, Alexander “Greek” Thomson. We will start with a circular walk round the Botanic Gardens before going on to the famous 60 Steps and other examples of the Thomson work. We will gradually make our way to Kelvingrove Park and eventually to station where the walk shall finish. Mainly paved conditions. Walk starts at 11.00am at Main Gate Botanic Gardens, Glasgow West End. 24 February TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 5.0 KM/3.1MLS) Come and join us for fun, laughter, and song as we meander through the village on our annual tartan walk. The walk is suitable for all levels of walker, and everyone walks at their own pace. The village loves to hear about auld Scots songs which we perform along the route. A tartan tammy or scarf worn will enrich the feel of a guid Scots’ day oot! Walk starts at 11.00am at Castle Semple Visitors Centre, Lochwinnoch. 9 March – FAIRLIE (LINEAR 9.4KM/6.0 MLS) Today we are starting our walk at West Kilbiride Railway Station. This demanding walk climbs steadily to Crosbie Reservoir (200m in height) before following a rough track along the foot of the Crosbie Hills. Easier walking descends to the finish at Fairlie Station. There are two stream crossings and one awkward stile on this route walking boots are essential. Walk starts at 10.30am at West Kilbride Railway Station

15 23 March CESSNOCK TO POLLOK AND BELLAHOUSTON PARKS (CIRCULAR 11.5KM/7.2ML) On our walk today we visit two familiar places but from different direction. After crossing the Motorway we join the cycle track to Pollok Park. After a meander through the park past the Burrell & Pollok house we follow the White Cart to Corkerhill Road to pass through Bellahouston Park and return to the start. The route, which has some inclines, is on pavements and tarmac paths although there may be muddy paths within the park. Walk starts at 11.00am from Cessnock Underground Station on Paisley Road West 6 April GREENOCK TO (LINEAR 6.38MLS/10.3KM) We start at Fort Mathilda Station climbing up towards the Free French Memorial before heading towards Tower Hill taking in Coves Reservoir en route. Hopefully we should get some outstanding views along the River Clyde. This walk is mainly on pavements and footpaths which may be muddy. There are some steep climbs throughout the route. Walk starts at Fort Mathilda Station at 11.00am 20 April CRAGS PATH (CIRCULAR 12.8KM/8.0MLS) A visit to the Craggs path in Dumbarton. There will be some fairly steep and probably muddy paths so boots are essential. A bus (340 Wilson’s of Rhu) leaves from RAH Paisley at 10.15am. Please check with Traveline in case times and routes have changed. Return journey by train to Glasgow. Walk starts at 11.00am from Dumbarton East Railway Station. 16 4 May (CIRCULAR 8.0 KM/ 5.0MLS) Today we join our local Community ranger for a walk in the Kilpatrick Hills. A chance to explore the open hill, take in the sights and surrounds of Gavinburn Loch Humphrey and around the Slacks. Please bring food and drink and wear appropriate clothing Walk starts at 10.30am at Kilpatrick . 18 May LOCHWINNOCH/BELLTREES (CIRCULAR 12.5 KM/8.0MLS) Join us today as we start our walk at Lochwinnoch where we will walk along surfaced cycle ways, country roads and muddy tracks. Our route will take us through Belltrees and Howwood and back to Lochwinnoch for a well earned cuppa! Comfortable boots are advised Walk starts at 10.30am 1 June POUND AND PACE (CIRCULAR 14.9 KM/7.9MLS) It’s that time of year again as we don our charity boots and descend on the Greenock cut. This annual event raises funds for worthwhile charities. So come along and join us by putting your best foot forward and help make this event a success. The cost is £1.00 and raffle tickets will be on sale Registration Starts at 10.15am. Walk Starts at 11.00am

17 15 June CLEEVES COVE (CIRCULAR 8.6 KM/5.4MLS) Starting and ending at Dalry Railway Station this route explores the quiet country roads of , A visit is made to the Limestone caves in the area and the walk finishes with with a meander through the lovely paths of the Blair Estate. Walk starts at 11.00am at Dalry Railway Station

29 June CORLIC HILL (LINEAR 12.3KM/7.6MLS) Starting at Whinhill station we climb up Auchmountain Glen to the golf course. We head cross country over boggy ground towards Corlic Hill. We cross over the causeway of Gryfe Reservoir and return to the road from the Garshangan track. We continue along the road then head over rough ground to the Overton track before heading down towards Drumfrocher Station. This is a route that involves uneven and steep ground. Walk starts at Whinhill Station at 11.00am

18 Health and Safety

Health & Safety plays a huge part in the Renfrewshire Walking Networks programme and we strive to keep you safe and well at all times, below are a few guidelines that we must insist are adhered to. This will enable us to deliver a safe walking environment for you to enjoy. • Walkers are responsible for carrying water to every walk • Walk descriptions must be read and appropriate footwear worn • Walkers may be refused to join the walk if not adequately dressed • Medication is the responsibility of the walker but must be close at hand if required during the walk • ALL health forms MUST be completed before walking • Walkers are walking at their own risk and leaders reserve the right to change route of walk due to weather/path conditions

All walks are led by qualified volunteer walk leaders who are working in partnership with Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers *All walk enquiries should be directed to: Senga McLeod (Community Activity Officer) on 0141 842 3000 The Renfrewshire Walking Network are actively looking for volunteers to join their team of walk leaders anyone interested please speak to a leader on a walk or contact Senga on the above number. For all travel enquiries call: 0871 200 22 33 (Travel Line Scotland) Annive h rs t 2001-2016 a 5 r 1 y

www.renfrewshireleisure.com

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