January - June 2018 Feeling Fitter 34 part of Walking Network

WednesdayW d d andd CommunityC it WalksW lk aroundd RenfrewshireR f hi

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 level you start at there is a walking group in Renfrewshire for you. Welcome

Welcome all to Feeling Fitter 34 The walks are always packed with fun I hope I caught you walking out the door And a sense of pride when you are done To join our groups for a wee jaunt Whether its history in and around the town Out in the sunshine where you wont look gaunt! Uphill, across streams without having anyone drown! ------Its great to see you all walking around Thanks for your support once again Heads all lifted and not on the ground I hope to meet you all one day in some glen Chats and smiles are all galore But until then keep walking with your group We can’t wait for next week to offer you more! Then go back home for a big bowl of soup!!!!

A special thanks to the wonderful Volunteer Walk Leaders who give up their valuable time so everyone can enjoy their walk safely. The Renfrewshire Walking Network Committee who work with myself behind the scenes securing funds to enable the programme to operate. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers who have been a valuable partner for many years. The Community Mental Health Team who help us to make a difference Forestry Commisssion who bring an important partnership to the group Paths For All who support the walking programme on a national level The Renfrewshire Walking Network is supported by Renfrewshire Leisure Keep on walking Everyone, Thank you for your continued support to the walking programme

Senga McLeod

Senga McLeod Renfrewshire Leisure Community Activity Officer 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. RENFREW Every Thursday meeting at Robertson Park Gates on Inchinan Road at 10.30am.

NEW - PAISLEY Every Friday meeting at Paisley Town Hall at 10.30am (starting on 19th January)

STROLL IN THE PARK Every second Tuesday at Paisley Town Hall at 11.00am beginning 16th January and fortnightly thereafter (for more information on this walk pattern please call Senga McLeod on 0300 300 1362). All walks last approx. 1 hour and are suitable for everyone

NEW - PAISLEY - EVENING WALK PILOT Every Monday meeting at Paisley Town Hall at 5.30pm starting 9th April 2018

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

4 Level 1(A)

10 January PAISLEY BRIDGES (CIRCULAR 3.0MLS/5.0KM) Happy New Walking Year! Join us on our first walk of the new season. Today we will cross some of Paisleys bridges, and learn of some of the history which is attached to them. This walk is on flat surfaces and so suitable for all abilities. Please come dressed for the weather. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall

24 January PAISLEY MYSTERY TOUR (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.9KM) 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

7 February PAISLEY ALONG TO ELDERSLIE (LINEAR 2.8MLS/4.5KM) Today we start our walk in Paisley and wander along the national multie use path towards Elderslie where we will be steeped in the local history of William Wallace. This walk is flat and suitable for all levels of ability. Please come wearing comfortable shoes and dressed for the weather. Walk starts at 10.30am at Canal Street Station Restaurant

5 21 February ANNUAL TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Come and join us for fun, laughter and song as we meander through the village of Lochwinnoch dressed in our tartan scarves. This walk is suitable for all abilities and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. Walk starts 10.30am at Castle Semple Visitor Centre Lochwinnoch

7 March PAISLEYS’ WEE HILLS (CIRCULAR 3.0MLS/5.0KM) Today we will visit one of Paisleys’ wee hidden treasures as we look for the weather to behave so we can see amazing views over the town to the hills beyond. From there we will then visit the local nature reserve and hopefully be lucky to see a kingfisher as it glides along the river. Although this walk has a small incline it is mainly paved and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall

21 March BRODIE PARK ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.5KM) Join us today as we visit Brodie Park and the history which it holds, if the weather allows us we may try the outdoor gym and swings, from there we will make our way back to the RAH Walk starts at 10.30am at The Royal Alexander Hospital entrance (bottom of the hill)

4 April PAISLEY AT ITS BEST (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Today our walk will take us up a small incline where we should be afforded some lovely views if the weather permits. Time, care and support will be given to enable everyone to enjoy this walk. The walk is paved for its entire length and comfortable shoes should be worn Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall

6 18 April CONVERSATION AROUND THE CONSERVATION AREA (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Join us today as we venture around one of Paisleys’ conservation areas where the grand houses have survived the test of time from there we will have a look at the architecture around the same area. This walk is paved for its entire length and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall

2 May PARK LIFE AND SURROUNDING AREAS (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Today we are enjoying Barshaw Park and all it has to offer, we may play on the swings or have a blast with the outdoor gym, from there we will visit the area around the park. This walk is paved and suitable for all abilities, comfortable shoes are recommended Walk starts at 10.30am at café car park in Barshaw Park.

16 May LINWOOD ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Join us as we explore the community of Linwood, where we will venture in to the woodland where if we are quiet we will see local wildlife, deer, rabbits, squirrels not to mention the various birds. This route may be muddy in sections if the weather has been poor, so comfortable shoes/boots are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at the bus terminal at the top of Brediland Road

7 30 May REST & BE THANKFUL (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.4KM) Today we explore some of the history of Johnstone as we walk through the streets of the burgh. This walk is entirely on pavements or tarmac paths so sensible shoes should be worn Walk Starts at 10.30am at the Bandstand in Houston Square, Town Centre, Johnstone

13 June ANNUAL POUND + PACE EVENT (CIRCULAR 7.9MLS/14.9KM) Today it’s all about charity as we put our best foot forward and venture around the Greenock Cut. This walk is on track all the way and comfortable shoes are recommended. This annual event raises funds for local charities and if you have one that is special to you then please let us know. Entry Fee is £1.00 please spread the word and bring along a friend. Pick up can be arranged from Drumfrocher Station to the Visitor Centre. Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre.

27 June WALK THE ARTS (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Today we celebrate the arts that’s our town has to offer, we will wander through the streets looking at the street art on the end of buildings and shops. This walk is mainly flat and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall

8 Level 1(B)

10 January RENFREW HERITAGE TRAIL (CIRCULAR 3.2MLS/5.1KM) Today we will walk in and around the historic town of Renfrew, taking in a number of interesting buildings and parks. This walk is Flat and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Road entrance to Robertson Park.

24 January MERCHANT CITY ART TRAIL (CIRCULAR 2.8MLS/4.5KM) Join us today as we wander through the city visiting many of its art displays, we will enjoy what this fantastic city has to offer with its famous architecture, often above our heads.This walk although short involves a steep slope. This walk is on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended Walk starts at 1.00pm at the Gordon Street entrance to Central Station

9 7 February LOCHWINNOCH VILLAGE WALK (CIRCULAR 3.0MLS/5.0KM) Our walk today will take us around the quiet village where we will enjoy the slower pace of village life, take in the lovely scenery and admire the wildlife. This walk is mainly on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes/boots are recommended. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch

21 February ANNUAL TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Come and join us for fun, laughter and song as we meander through the village of Lochwinnoch dressed in our tartan scarves. This walk is suitable for all abilities and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. Walk starts 10.30am at Castle Semple Visitor Centre Lochwinnoch

7 March A VISIT TO BODEN BOO (CIRCULAR 3.0MLS/5.0KM) Today we start our walk at the busy shopping centre, the hub of Erskine, from there we will venture down to the waterfront and along to the Boden Boo where the Forestry Commission have made great improvements. This walk is partially on paved surfaces and tracks with some muddy sections if the weather has been unkind. Comfortable shoes/boots are recommended Walk starts at 1.00pm at Bridgewater Shopping Centre 10 21 March ELDERSLIE CIRCULAR VIA LINWOOD (CIRCULAR 4.0MLS/6.4KM) Today our walk will start and finish at the traffic lights in Elderslie, from there we will make our way to the cycle track where we will utilise old and new paths as we wind our way around Linwood and return to the start in Elderslie. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Elderslie traffic lights

4 April A WATERY WALK (CIRCULAR 4.1MLS/6.5KM) Our walk today starts with a visit to Paisleys’ VC winners before we explore the nature reserve at Jenny’s Well on the banks of the White Cart before heading along the cycle track and around Saucel Hill. Most of the route is on pavement or tarmac but the paths within the reserve may be muddy if it has been wet. Walk starts at 1.00pm at the entrance to Hawkhead Cemetery on Hawkhead Road

11 18 April HOUSTON WANDER (CIRCULAR 4.2MLS/6.7KM) Starting and finishing at the Carrick Centre, the old school in Houston Main Street, this walk is mainly flat and is on pavements and paved pathways .We take our time and enjoy this rural countryside village. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 1.00pm at the Carrick Centre, Houston

2 May PARKHILL & JOHNSHILL (CIRCULAR 4.0MLS/6.4KM) This is a circular walk where we will walk along the Semple Trail to reach Parkhill. After exploring the woodland we will continue onto the Johnshill field and return via the village. The walk is mainly on surfaced paths but it can be rough and muddy underfoot in some sections. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Castle Semple Visitor Centre

16 May ERSKINE OVER TO BOWLING (CIRCULAR 4.5MLS/7.2KM) Come and walk with us today as we as we start and finish our walk at the Garden Centre, from there we will walk over the bridge and hope for fantastic views along the Clyde from there we will join the towpath along to the basin at Bowling. This walk is mainly flat and on paved and gravel surfaces Walk starts at 1.00pm at Erskine Hospital Garden Centre

12 30 May BRIDGE ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 5.0MLS/8.0KM) Today we venture across the Clyde a few times as we utilise the bridge network and meander ourselves along the Clyde Walkway. This walk is paved all the way and totally flat and so comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 1.00pm Glasgow Science Centre

13 June ANNUAL POUND + PACE (CIRCULAR 7.9MLS/14.9KM) Today it’s all about charity as we put our best foot forward and venture around the Greenock Cut. This walk is on track all the way and comfortable shoes are recommended. This annual event raises funds for local charities and if you have one that is special to you then please let us know. Entry Fee is £1.00 please spread the word and bring along a friend. Pick up can be arranged from Drumfrocher Station to the Visitor Centre by calling 0300 300 1362 Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre

27 June GLEN LODGE ALONG TO ELDERSLIE (LINEAR 3.6MLS/5.8KM) Join us today as we start our walk in Glenburn and finish in Elderslie where we will travel back to Paisley by public transport. The route is paved paths and pavements so comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 1.00pm at the entrance to Glen Lodge on Glenfield Road, Glenburn 13 Level 2

10 January WOODSIDE HERITAGE TRAIL (CIRCULAR 5.0 MILES/8.0KMS) Today we will explore what could be described as the North West end of Glasgow city centre. 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 some wild life will hopefully be seen. A gentle walk to start 2018, mainly flat on good surfaces and comfortable footwear is recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at St Georges Cross Underground Station 24 January ALONG TO BOWLING (CIRCULAR 11.1MLS/17.8KM) Today we will start and finish our walk in Erskine at the Bridgewater Centre. We will make our way over the Erskine Bridge taking in breathtaking scenery. Our journey will then take us along the forth & Clyde Canal towpath and along to the basin. We will then make our way back towards Erskine via the Saltings. This walk is paved for its entire length and comfortable footwear is recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Bridgewater Shopping Centre 7 February IRVINE CIRCULAR (CIRCULAR 8.0MLS/12.8KMS) Today we head to the Ayrshire coastal town of Irvine where we follow the new town trail to & Eglington Country Park. After a walk through the park we will cross the A78 and make our way back to the start. The route is mainly flat & tarmaced but there could be some muddy areas within the park so boots are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Irvine Railway Station

14 21 February ANNUAL TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 2.5MLS/4.0KM) Come and join us for fun, laughter and song as we meander through the village of Lochwinnoch dressed in our tartan scarves. This walk is suitable for all abilities and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. Walk starts 10.30am at Castle Semple Visitor Centre Lochwinnoch

7 March BUCHANAN STREET ALONG TO CLYDEBANK (LINEAR 8.0MLS/13.0KM) Join us today as we walk to Sighthill henge then go on to Speirs Wharf and go along the canal path to Clydebank there will be points where you could leave the walk and get public transport back to town. Walk starts at 10.30am at Buchannan Street Bus Station (The kissing statue inside)

15 21 March LOCHWINNOCH ADVENTURE VIA BEITH (CIRCULAR 10.0MLS/16.1KM) Today we are venturing across the border to where we will utilise the new paths joining Beith and before we complete our circle and make our way back to Lochwinnoch. This walk is on country roads and paved paths and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Lochwinnoch Railway Station 4 April THE KNOCK (CIRCULAR 8.0MLS/12.8.0KM) Today we are revisiting an old Feeling Fitter favourite down by the coast, where hopefully the weather will be kind to us and we will be afforded fantastic views from the top. This walk is over public roads and farm tracks followed by rough moorland where we will pass areas of historical interest. Because of the varied terrain there may be muddy sections if the weather is wet and walking boots are highly recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Largs Pier 18 April RIVER GRYFE (CIRCULAR 12.0KMS/7.5MLS) The River Gryfe lies at the heart of this ramble between the villages of Houston and . Much of the route is on tarmac paths & pavements but there are some parts which will almost certainly be muddy so boots are essential. There are also some steep rough sections.

Walk starts at 10.30am at the Carrick Centre, Houston 16 2 May ALONG, UP & OVER (LINEAR 7.1MLS/11.5KM) Join us as we start our walk in Bridge Of Weir where we will make our way along to via the River Gryffe. There is an option to leave the walk here as the next section is a bit of a climb as we head over the hill to finish at Langbank Railway Station. Please dress for the weather, the fields will be rough and may be wet underfoot in parts so boots are essential Walk starts at 10.30am at the Co- op in Bridge of Weir. 16 May THE MACDONALD TRAIL (CIRCULAR 7.0MLS/11.2KM) Today our walks starts with a steep climb to the top of the Gleniffer Braes where we follow the route Hugh MacDonald took on his rambles. As we wander across the top of the braes we hopefully will get some good views over the Clyde Valley Walk starts at 11.00am at the Glen Lodge Visitor Centre, Glenfield Road, Glenburn 30 May FULLERTON WOODS (LINEAR 6.2MLS/9.6KM) Today we will enjoy a variety of settings from woodland to beach. Our walk today has something for everyone, gardens, history, golf and sand and even a comfort stop (I know you are feeling spoiled!!) Comfortable footwear is recommended. The walk will finish at Prestwick Walk starts at 11.00am at Troon Railway Station

17 13 June ANNUAL POUND + PACE (CIRCULAR 7.9MLS/14.9KM) Today it’s all about charity as we put our best foot forward and venture around the Greenock Cut. This walk is on track all the way and comfortable shoes are recommended. This annual event raises funds for local charities and if you have one that is special to you then please let us know. Entry Fee is £1.00 please spread the word and bring along a friend. Pick up can be arranged from Drumfrocher Station to the Visitor Centre by calling……. Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 27 June HOUSTON RAMBLE (CIRCULAR 7.7MLS/12.4KM) Today our route will take us through country lanes to reach the ruins of the Kilellan Church before returning via the shovelboard which affords views over the Clyde Valley as we travel back to our starting point. Some sections of this walk maybe wet and muddy and comfortable boots are recommended. Walk starts at 11.00am at the Carrick Centre in Houston

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 Forestry Commision *All walk enquiries should be directed to: Senga McLeod (Community Activity Officer) on 0300 300 1362. 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 ) www.renfrewshireleisure.com

In association with