January - June 2020

Feeling Fitter 38 part of Renfrewshire Walking Network

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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, it’s 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 your level of fitness there is a walking group in Renfrewshire for you. Welcome

Hi, let me introduce you to Feeling Fitter 38, another exciting programme which hopefully will give you hours of happy walking. A special thanks to the Volunteer Walk Leaders who give up their valuable time so everyone can enjoy their walk safely. The Renfrewshire Walking Network Committee who work behind the scenes securing funds to enable the programme to operate. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers and Gleniffer Braes Country Park Rangers who guide us and share their experience with us. The Community Mental Health Team who help us to make a difference. Forestry Commission who bring an important partnership to the group. Paths For All who support the walking programme on a national level. I would also like to thank Renfrewshire Leisure and Senga McLeod in particular for all her help throughout the years in producing the booklets.

Happy Walking Everyone. Thank you Stephen Davison

Stephen Davison

Secretary Renfrewshire Walking Network

3 Health 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/FOXBAR Every Tuesday meeting at Glenburn Parish Church at 10.30am ERSKINE Every Tuesday meeting at Bargarran Community Centre at 10.30am BARSHAW PARK Every Thursday meeting at the middle entrance (café) at 10.30am JOHNSTONE Every Thursday meeting at Johnstone Town Centre (next to bandstand) at 10.30am. Every Thursday meeting at Robertson Park Gates on Inchinan Road at 10.30am. BARSHAW PARK Every Thursday 10.00am at the middle entrance car park This walk is designed for people who have been affected by cancer STROLL IN THE PARK Every second Tuesday, at Paisley Town Hall at 11.00am, (For more information on this walk pattern please call Senga McLeod on 0300 300 1362) All walks last approx. 1hour and are suitable for all abilities All Community walking groups are Macmillan Cancer Friendly

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

4 Level 1(A)

15 January OOR WEE TOON (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS, 4.0KMS) Our first walk of the 2020’s remembers some of Paisley’s inspirational characters as we embark on a journey back in time and visit some of their legacies. The walk is mainly flat and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall

29 January PAISLEY MYSTERY TOUR (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.5KMS) Join us today as we venture around our historical town. This walk will be on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended. Please come dressed for the weather. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall

12 February TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 2.0MLS/3.2KMS) Come and join us for fun, laughter and song as we meander through the village of Lochwinnoch dressed in tartan. This walk is suitable for all abilities and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. Walk starts 11.00am at Castle Semple Visitors Centre

5 26 February PAISLEY ALONG TO ELDERSLIE (LINEAR 2.8 MLS/4.5KMS) Today we start our walk in Paisley and wander along the national multi use path towards Elderslie where we will be steeped in the local history of William Wallace. This walk is flat, please wear comfortable shoes and come dressed for the weather. Walk starts at 10.30am at Canal Street Station Restaurant

11 March PAISLEYS WEE HILLS (CIRCULAR 3MLS/5KMS) Today we will visit one of Paisleys hidden treasures as we look for the weather to behave so that we can see amazing views over the town to the hills beyond. We will then visit the local nature reserve and hopefully be lucky to see a kingfisher as it glides along the river. Mainly paved underfoot with a slight incline, comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall.

25 March PARK LIFE (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KMS) Today we will visit one of Paisleys unsung parks where we will discover some of the town’s history. From there, we will wonder through the grounds of the old RAI as we make our way back to the start. Walk starts at 10.30am at the Charleston Centre, Neilston. Road

6 8 April BARSHAW AND THE ABBEY, LINEAR 2.5MLS, 4KMS Our walk today will be slightly different from our usual outings as we are firstly visiting Barshaw Park where we will enjoy all it has to offer, from there we will head towards Paisley where we will visit the Abbey. This walk is on paved surfaces throughout and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 10.30am at the Lagoon Centre

15 April EASTER BONNET PARADE, CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4KMS Get dressed up in your finest for an enjoyable and fun walk in the Park, prizes on offer for imaginative bonnets, enjoy yourselves! Walk starts at 1pm at Glen Lodge, Glenfield Road, Gleniffer Braes Country Park

22 April DISCOVER THE AULD PAISLEY (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.5KMS) Today take a step back in time and visit places to discover what they used to be in times gone by. Paisley was once a bustling town full of industry, churches and prominent family houses. This walk has a few inclines but time and care will be given to them. Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall

7 6 May PORTERFIELD ROAD – BRAEHEAD. (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.5KMS) Today we walk through the historic Royal Burgh of Renfrew winding our way through Robertson Park. We head towards Braehead along the Clyde pathway returning to town by a different route. Walk is flat on paved surfaces, comfortable shoes advised. Walk starts at 10.30am at Robertson Park entrance on Paisley Road

20 May ACROSS THE BORDER (LINEAR 2.5MLS/4.0KMS) Join us today as we walk from Glenburn to neighbouring Foxbar where we will visit the paths surrounding Durrockstock dam. The walk is on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at the Braehead Road shops, Glenburn

3 June WEST END RAMBLE (LINEAR 2.5MLS/4.OKMS) Today our walk takes us to the West End of Paisley where we will visit a park and a garden. Hopefully we will see some local wildlife along the way. Most of the walk is on surfaced paths and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 10.30am outside the Museum, Paisley

8 17 June UNDER THE ARCH (LINEAR 2.2MLS/3.5KMS) Today we start our walk at Phoenix Retail Park from where we will wonder. Along the cycle track to Ferguslie Gardens and will finish the walk at Maxwellton Park. Walk starts at 10.30 beside the taxi rank outside Asda

9 Level 1(B)

15 January LINWOOD MOSS (CIRCULAR 3.5MLS/5.5KMS) Today our walk is on flat terrain and takes us past the Linwood Moss to the River Gryffe. We will mainly be on country roads and will meet some farm and commercial traffic. Walking shoes or boots are recommended. Walk starts at 1pm at Napier Street bus stop.

29 January RENFREW HERITAGE TRAIL (CIRCULAR 3.2MLS/5.1KMS) Today we will walk in and around the historic Burgh of Renfrew, taking in a number of interesting buildings and parks. Flat walk and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 1pm at Inchinnan Road entrance to Robertson Park

12 February TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 2.0MLS/3.2KMS) Come and join us for fun, laughter and song as we meander through the village of Lochwinnoch dressed in tartan. This walk is suitable for all abilities and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. Walk starts 11.00am at Castle Semple Visitors Centre 10 26 February EGLINTON COUNTRY PARK (CIRCULAR 5MLS/8KMS) Today we will visit the town of Kilwinning and make our way to the hidden treasure of Eglington Country Park. Once there, we will enjoy a short walk around the park before heading back for a well earned rest on the train. Walk starts at 1pm at Kilwinning Railway Station

11 March OH TO BE A HABBIE! (CIRCULAR 4MLS/6.4KMS) Join us as we ramble around the village of Kilbarchan which is steeped in it’s own special history. Our walk is mainly on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 1pm at Kilbarchan Steeple.

25 March FAIRLIE WANDER (LINEAR 3.3MLS/5.3KMS/ Today we are walking along the coast on paved pathways with a bit of beach walking thrown in. There will be wonderful views, weather permitting, of the Firth of Clyde with Arran and the Cumbraes featuring. We will pass Largs Yacht Marina, the Pencil before reaching Largs. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. Walk starts at 1pm at Fairlie Railway Station

11 8 April QUARRIERS (CIRCULAR 5MLS/8KMS) Today we walk along the cycle track from Bridge of Weir heading towards Kilmacolm then take the pathway leading to Quarriers Village. Once there, we can admire the stunning buildings and learn of it’s fascinating history before heading back to Bridge of Weir. Walk starts at 1pm at the Co-operative, Bridge of Weir

15 April EASTER BONNET PARADE, CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4KMS Get dressed up in your finest for an enjoyable and fun walk in the Park, prizes on offer for imaginative bonnets, enjoy yourselves! Walk starts at 1pm at Glen Lodge, Glenfield Road, Gleniffer Braes Country Park

22 April ROSS HALL PARK (CIRCULAR 5.5MLS/9KMS) Today our walk will take us over the boundary to and to get there we will walk along the White Cart till we reach Ross Hall Park where we will use the frisbee course, weather permitting. This walk is on flat terrain and comfortable shoes should be worn. Walk starts at 1pm at the Scottish War Blinded (the old Dobbies car park) on Hawkhead Road.

12 6 May PARK LIFE (CIRCULAR 3MLS/5KMS) Join us today on a visit to Paisley’s oldest park. We shall then walk over to Saucel Hill where we will get views over Paisley and the Clyde Valley. This walk is on pavements, but comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 1pm outside Paisley Town Hall

20 May DISCOVER ELDERSLIE (CIRCULAR 3MLS/4.9KMS) Today’s walk is a mixture of ancient and modern, the former being the birth place of William Wallace, the latter being all the new houses being built in the village. The route is mainly paved but may include a rough stretch. Walk starts at 1pm the Wallace Monument on the Main Road, Elderslie

3 June THE OLD RENFREW AIRPORT (CIRCULAR 3.5MLS/5.6KMS) This route takes us in areas whose activities, people and history have been linked with Paisley, Renfrew and beyond from medieval times to the present day. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 1pm at middle gates to Barshaw Park, Glasgow Road, Car Park

13 17 June WALK THE BODEN BOO (CIRCULAR 3.1MLS/5KMS) Today we visit the town of Erskine where we will follow the walkway along the Clyde to Erskine beach. We will climb the hill into the Boden Boo Community Woodland before returning along the waterfront to the start of the walk. The walk is mainly on surfaced paths except in the Boden Boo where paths may be slippery. Walk starts at 1pm at Bridgewater Shopping Centre bus terminus

14 Level 2

15 January WOODSIDE HERITAGE TRAIL (CIRCULAR 5MLS/8KMS) Today we will explore what could be described as the North West end of we will see areas fringing on Maryhill, Garscube Road and the Cowcaddens. A part of the walk takes in a section of the Forth and Clyde Canal and we may see some wildlife. A gentle walk to start 2020, mainly flat on good surfaces. Walk starts at 10.30am at St Georges Cross underground station

29 January BACK IN THE DAY! (CIRCULAR 7.7MLS/12.3KMS) Today we follow in the footsteps of the Abbey monks on their route to Neilston over Hunters Hill to reach the Thornly Park campus of UWS. We leave the monks route at this to head over to Glenburn and Foxbar before returning to the Abbey via the cycle track. Some sections of the walk will be muddy, appropriate footwear is essential. Walk starts at 10.30 at Paisley Abbey

12 February TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 2.0MLS/3.2KMS) Come and join us for fun, laughter and song as we meander through the village of Lochwinnoch dressed in tartan. This walk is suitable for all abilities and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. Walk starts 11.00am at Castle Semple Visitors Centre 15 26 February INVERKIP/ARDGOWAN ESTATE TO LUNDERSTON BAY (CIRCULAR 8MLS/13KMS) From the station down around the marina along the coast to Lunderston Bay, returning through the Ardgowan Estate and a wonderful display of snowdrops, can be very muddy, boots recommended. Walk starts at 11am at Inverkip Railway Station

11 March LOCHWINNOCH TO GLENGARNOCK (CIRCULAR 10MLS/16.6KMS) We head along the cycle track to the lochshore at Glengarnock before winding our way through Beith back to Lochwinnoch. Walk is generally flat and on paths and roads which could be muddy in parts. Suitable footwear is recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Lochwinnoch Railway Station

25 March INVERKIP TO WEMYSS BAY VIA LEAPMOOR FORREST (LINEAR 8MLS/13KMS) From Inverkip we will go into Leapmoor forest before heading for Wemyss Bay via Kelly Mains Farm. Hopefully we will get some lovely views of the lower Clyde Estuary. Walk starts at 11am at Inverkip Railway Station

8 April LAND OF BURNS HERITAGE TRAIL (CIRCULAR 8.3MLS/13.2KMS) Today our walk is on good surfaces and is flat. We will go through Belleisle Park and the into the Land o’Burns where we will visit the Experience Centre, Poet’s Path, Memorial Gardens and the Auld Brig where Tam’s horse, Meg, lost her tail! Comfortable footwear recommended. Walk starts at 10.45am at Ayr Railway Station

16 15 April EASTER BONNET PARADE (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4KMS) Get dressed up in your finest for an enjoyable and fun walk in the Park, prizes on offer for imaginative bonnets, enjoy yourselves! Walk starts at 1pm at Glen Lodge, Glenfield Road 22 April THE KNOCK (CIRCULAR 8MLS/12.8KMS) Today we are revisiting an old favourite where hopefully the weather will be kind to us. There will be fantastic views over the Firth of Clyde from the top of the Knock. The walk is over public roads and farm tracks followed by rough moorland. Terrain is varied and there may be muddy sections, appropriate footwear is essential. Walk starts at 10.30am at Largs Pier 6 May TO CUNNINGAR LOOP, (LINEAR LINEAR, 8.0MLS/ 13.0KMS) Today’s walk starts at the Riverside Museum on the Clyde Walkway, Glasgow. The route is mainly flat on firm surfaces, so comfortable shoes may be worn. The route essentially follows the Clyde Walkway. The final section takes us into the Cuningar Loop which showcases the gardens developed for the Commonwealth Games. Walk starts 11am at Riverside Museum 20 May PAPPERT HILL, BONHILL (CIRCULAR 6.0MLS/9.4KMS) Today we are returning to Pappert Hill where we will climb to the summit which will afford us great panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde as well as the Vale of Leven and Ben Lomond. Suitable stout footwear is recommended. Walk starts at. 11am at Alexandria Railway Station 17 3 June MACDONALD TRAIL (CIRCULAR 7.0MLS/11.2KMS) Today our walk starts with a fairly steep climb to the top of Gleniffer Braes where we follow the route of Hugh MacDonald in his “Rambles round Glasgow”. As we wander across the top of the Braes we hopefully get good views across the Clyde Valley. Walk starts at 10.30am at Glen Lodge, Glenfield Road, Gleniffer Braes Country Park

17 June HELENSBURGH TO RHU VIA THE DUCHESS WOODS. (CIRCULAR 7.0MLS/11.3KMS) This is a lovely route linking Mackintosh’s Hill House in leafy Helensburgh with Glenam Gdns. and Rhu Marina via a high path (partly the Highlandman’s Road track). We should get great views over the Clyde estuary to the Roseneath Peninsula and hills beyond. The route back takes us along the promenade from Rhu where we have the option to return to the start via the Duchess Woods nature reserve (up a well defined but in parts steep path) or continue along the promenade to central Helensburgh. The walk includes some pavement and brief road walking, but also footpaths and tracks which may be muddy. Comfortable walking boots are recommended. Walk starts at 11.00am at Helensburgh Central Station

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 and Renfrewshire Council Environment and Infrastructure Team. *All walk enquiries should be directed to: Stephen Davison tel 0141 561 9902. 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 Stephen Davison on the above number. For all travel enquiries call: 0871 200 22 33 (Travel Line ) 19 www.renfrewshireleisure.com

In association with