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

July to December 2016 Feeling Fitter 31 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, 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

Let me introduce you to Feeling Fitter 31! I’m thrilled to offer you another exciting programme which hopefully will give you hours of happy walking and socialising. As always please look out for and support the special events as they happen through the year. 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 to programme to operate Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers who share their wealth of knowledge with us Forestry Commission who are a valuable partner to the Network The Community Mental Health team who help us make a difference! 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. The Renfrewshire Walking Network is supported by Renfrewshire Leisure. I hope you enjoy Feeling Fitter 31. 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/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. LOCHFIELD Every Thursday meeting at Lysleland Church in Rowan Street at 10.30am. 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 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 Come and join us as we Walk About A Bit on Saturday 20th August 2016. This free event is a 10 mile walk from Paisley to the village of Lochwinnoch which has been divided into approximately 2 mile sections and people are encouraged to walk as far as they feel able to. There are staffed water stations along the route and you can start and leave the walk at any of these points. This event is suitable for all ages and abilities as the route is totally flat. This walk is led by qualified walk leaders and is in partnership with Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Start and Exit Points Information below:- No pre- registration required just turn up on the day! Walk Starts at 10.00am at Paisley Canal Street Station 9.30am Registration – Outside Canal Station restaurant (just off Causeyside Street) Walk starts at 10.00am Approx times Station 1 – Elderslie – 10.40am Station 2 – Johnstone (toilets are available at Morrisons Supermarket ) – 11.20am Station 3 – Kilbarchan – 12.10pm Station 4 – Howwood (last water station – 12.50pm) Station 5 – Lochwinnoch – Castle Semple Finish Line

For more information call the Sports Services Team on 0141 842 3000

5 Level 1(A)

13 July A WEE DAY OUT! (CIRCULAR 8.0KM/5MLS OR 16.0KM/10MLS) Join us today as all the groups will meet for a wee day out to Millport where people will be encouraged to walk at their own pace and a distance which suits them. Everyone meet to register at Largs Pier at 10.45am (Costs will be incurred to travel on the ferry!).

27 July A TRIO OF PARKS (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS) Today we are visiting 3 of Paisley’s least well known parks, wee gems hidden out of sight from passing traffic. This walk is on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk Starts at 10.30am at the bus stop on the main road at the RAH.

10 August DYKEBAR TO THE SWINGS (LINEAR 4.6KM/2.9MLS) Today we will make our way towards Brodie Park to play on the swings and outdoor gym, we will be looking out for wildlife along the way. Most of the walk will be on paved paths and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at the bus stop in Dykebar Hospital.

6 24 August LOCAL FOXTROT (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS) Today we will visit a local Nature Reserve as we make our way around the Foxbar area. This walk is mainly on paved and gravel surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk Starts at 10.30am outside the old Stanely Firs on Amochry Road, Foxbar.

7 September A VISIT TO SAUCEL HILL (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS) This circular route follows the cycle track starting at Canal Street and following it through Saucelhill Park before heading towards Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve. This walk is mainly flat with a small incline in the park, comfortable shoes are advised. There may be an opportunity to walk to the top of the hill (which has a flat entrance from the street!) if weather permits. We will finish our walk back at Canal Street. Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Canal Street Station Restaurant just off Causeyside Street.

21 September PAISLEY RAMBLE (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS) Come and join us today as we enjoy an adventure around our lovely town. Paisley is steeped in history and culture and today we will embrace some of what is on offer. This walk will be on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall.

7 5 October ELDERSLIE TO PAISLEY SAUNTER (LINEAR 4.5KM/2.8MLS) Join us today as we start our walk with some history we will then venture along the cycle track towards Paisley where we will visit a local park. This route is flat and on surfaced paths. Walk starts at 10.30am at The Wallace Monument, Elderslie.

19 October GALLOWHILL ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) Today we go back in time and visit the site of the old Renfrew Airport. Our walk will take a circular route as we explore Gallowhill. This walk is flat and on surfaced paths and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Gallowhill Community Centre, Paisley.

2 November BARSHAW JAUNT (CIRCULAR 4.9KM/3.0MLS) Today we will visit Barshaw Park where we will enjoy the tranquillity of the walled garden and take in views of around Paisley. This walk is mainly flat but will have a slight incline within the park you will have the option to stay on the flat paths and cut across the middle of the park. Comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall.

8 16 November ABBEY AND MUSEUM ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.0MLS) Join us today for a walk of a difference as we visit Paisley Abbey and the Local Museum to enjoy our local history, this walk is ideal if the weather is not being kind! This walk is flat and totally paved although comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall.

30 November RENFREW JAUNT (CIRCULAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) Today we are visiting the Royal Burgh of Renfrew. We will wander through the park visit the sight of the old railway line whilst making our way a along past Ferry village towards the Park. This walk is flat and suitable for all. Walk starts at 10.30am at the Craigielea entrance to Robertson Park, Renfrew.

7 December TINSEL WALK (CIRCULAR 4.0KMS/2.5MLS) Come along and enjoy the festivities as we venture through the village of Lochwinnoch singing a few Christmas songs and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This walk is a level which is suitable for all levels of walkers and people are encouraged to walk at their own pace! Walk Starts at 11.00am at Castle Semple Loch Visitors Centre.

9 Level 1(B)

13 July A WEE DAY OUT! (CIRCULAR 8.0KM/5MLS OR 16.0KM/10.0MLS) Join us today as all the groups will meet for a wee day out to Millport where people will be encouraged to walk at their own pace and a distance which suits them. Everyone meet to register at Largs Pier at 10.45am (Costs will be incurred to travel on the ferry!).

27 July FAIRLIE ADVENTURE (LINEAR 5.9KM/3.7MLS) Today we are walking along the coast mainly on paved pathways with a bit of beech pathway thrown in. The route passes samples of anchors used by different types of ships that used the Firth of Clyde, we will walk through the yacht marina and take time to look around the pencil before heading along to Largs for a well-earned cuppa! Walk starts at 12.45pm at Fairlie Railway Station.

10 August DALRY BLAIR ESTATE (CIRCULAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) Starting at we will make our way to the outskirts of Dalry where we will wander around the Blair Estate and admire the lovely gardens. This walk is mainly on road and paths although if the weather is unkind these may be muddy so suitable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Dalry Railway Station.

10 24 August BRODIE PARK ALONG TO SMA SHOT (LINEAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) Today we will start our walk at the bottom entrance to Brodie Park (next to the tennis courts) from there we will explore the park and make our way down to the Sma Shot Cottages. This walk is mainly flat apart from the small incline in the park. The paths are paved and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk Starts at 1.00pm at Brodie Park (next to the tennis courts).

7 September BARSHAW ALONG TO HAWKHEAD (LINEAR 8.0KM/5.0MLS) Today our walk will take us through Barshaw Park from there we will meander our way along Hawkhead Road and visit the newly built houses on the site of the old Hawkhead hospital and return to the start. Walk Starts at 1.00pm at the main entrance of Barshaw Park (next to the swing park).

21 September BELLAHOUSTON ADVENTURE (LINEAR 4.9KM/3.0MLS) Today we will visit one of ’s most well know parks, where we will stroll around the grounds and take in the views this lovely park has to offers as well as enjoy the tranquillity of the walled gardens. Walk Starts at 1.00pm at the entrance to Bellahouston Park (Sports Centre). 11 5 October 4 PAISLEY PARKS (LINEAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) Join us today as we visit a few of Paisley’s parks we will start where the workers rallied in Brodie Park and finish where the factory owners once lived. This walk is a mixture of flat and small inclines and walkers will be encouraged to walk at their own pace. Although all the paths on this walk are paved comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 1.00pm at the entrance the Brodie Park (next to the tennis courts).

19 October DYKEBAR – BRODIE PARK (LINEAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) On our walk today we will meander our way through the hospital grounds looking out for the deer and listening for birds singing. We will then make our way to Brodie park where we will enjoy the swings and outdoor gym. The route is mainly flat but may have a small incline. Parts of this walk may not be paved so maybe wet underfoot depending on the weather, please wear suitable footwear for the climates. Walk Starts at 1.00pm at the bus stop at the main entrance inside Dykebar Hospital.

2 November STATION – STATION ACROSS THE BORDER (LINEAR 8.4KM/5.0MLS) Today we will cross the border from Renfrewshire over to Kilbirnie in North . We will start at one station and finish at the other. This route is flat and comfortable shoes are recommended. The walk will finish at Glengarnock. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Lochwinnoch Railway Station.

12 16 November ERSKINE WATERFRONT (CIRCULAR 8.4KM/5.0MLS) Today we will wander around the town of Erskine with its winding forestry paths and waterfront views. The route is mainly flat but may include a small incline where time and care will be taken and walkers are encouraged to partake at their own pace. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk Starts at 1.00pm at Bridgewater Centre Library.

30 November ERSKINE OVER & ALONG TO BOWLING (CIRCULAR 7.2KM/4.5MLS) Join us today as we start and finish our walk at the Erskine Hospital 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. Today we will hopefully enjoy the winter wild life and see the area in a different light from the summer as the ducks may skid on the ice! This walk is mainly flat and on paved and gravel surfaces. Walk Starts at 1.00pm at Erskine Hospital Garden Centre.

7 December ANNUAL TINSEL WALK (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS) Come along and join us for fun, laughter and song as we meander through the village on our annual Tinsel walk. The walk is suitable for all levels of walker and everyone will walk at their own pace. The village will resound with Christmas Carols which we will perform along the route. To get into the spirit of the walk please wear a piece of tinsel! Walk Starts at 11.00am at Castle Semple Visitor Centre.

13 Level 2

13 July A WEE DAY OUT! (CIRCULAR 8.0 KM/5MLS OR 16.0KM/10.0MLS) Join us today as all the groups will meet for a wee day out to Millport where people will be encouraged to walk at their own pace and a distance which suits them. Everyone meet to register at Largs Pier at 10.45am (Costs will be incurred to travel on the ferry!).

27 July BAIDLAND HILL ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 13.0 KM/8.0MLS) Join us today as we offer you this testing walk on pavement, roads and gravel tracks to the Baidland Hill Wind Farm which will reward us with fine views over the North Ayrshire countryside. As this walk involves rough tracks sturdy footwear is recommended. Walk Starts at 11.00am at Dalry Railway Station.

10 August BURNS HERITAGE WALK (CIRCULAR 13.2KM/8.25MLS) The walk is generally level but with a few slopes, utilising pavements, cycle tracks and other surfaces. There are photogenic views to be enjoyed. Swot up your Burns, we will visit the Experience Centre, the Memorial Gardens and the Auld Brig where Tam’s horse Meg lost her tail! Comfortable, sensible footwear is advised as some parts may be muddy! Walk starts at 10.45am at Railway Station.

14 24 August WALLS HILL FORT RAMBLE (CIRCULAR 8.0KM/5.1MLS) Join us today as we walk from the railway station at Howwood to gradually climb up the valley using quiet roads. We will be passing through a variety of habitants including fields and woodlands to commercial coniferous plantations. Part of the route is steep, rough and may be wet and muddy in places and suitable boots should be worn. Walk Starts at 11.00am at Howwood Railway Station.

7 September THE LONG LOCH (CIRCULAR 14.5KM/9.0MLS) Our walk today will start from Neilston Station from there we will proceed past the Neilston Pad, where we will soon be over moorland with a number of stiles to cross. After reaching Lochend Hill and its cairn our route is largely downhill till we reach Neilston. The route is a mix of paved road and hard track and rough moorland which may be muddy. Boots are essential for this walk. Walk starts at 10.30am at Neilston Railway Station.

15 21 September CNOC HILL WANDER (CIRCULAR 12.8KM/8.0 MLS) Today we are heading down the coast to Largs where we will climb The Cnoc where we will be afforded spectacular views from the top. This walk is over public roads and farm tracks followed by rough moorland where we will pass areas of historical and architectural interest. If the weather is wet then the ground may be muddy and sensible footwear is advised. Walk starts at 11.00am at Largs Pier.

5 October DARNLEY DAMS (CIRCULAR 11.2KM/7.0MLS) Our walk today takes us through and uphill to the paths beside the three dams. Hopefully we will get fantastic views over the Campsie Fells, Kilpatrick Hills and Arrochar Alps. As the route is on paved roads and paths comfortable footwear is advised. It is possible to shorten the walk by stopping at Nitshill Road and taking a bus or train back to Barrhead. Walk starts at 11.00am outside Tesco, Barrhead.

19 October ALONG THE COAST TO ARDROSSAN (LINEAR 10.0 KM/6.4MLS) Today our walk will take us through the Three Towns in North Ayrshire utilising the Coastal path we will walk station to station. Starting our walk in and finishing in Ardrossan we will enjoy a pathed and beached walk, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk starts at 11.00am at Kilwinning Railway Station.

16 2 November A TRIP ALONG TO CLYDEBANK (LINEAR 12.5KM/7.8MLS) Today we will follow the historic canal which joins West & East westwards past the Queens Cross Church designed by Rennie MacIntosh and the home of Partick Thistle as it winds its way through Kelvindale, Knightswood and Yoker to reach Clydebank. We will return to Paisley by public transport. The towpath may be muddy in places if the weather is wet so sturdy, comfortable footwear is advised. Walk Starts at 10.30am from St Georges Cross Underground Station.

16 November FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE (CIRCULAR 8.0KM/5.0MLS) Today we visit two cathedrals, the oldest house in the city and the Necropolis. (final resting place of over 50,000 souls.)This is a relatively short walk leaving plenty time to explore some of the best and most important locations near the city centre. Walk starts at 10.30am meeting in Central station at Gordon St. entrance.

17 30 November SHOVELBOARD (CIRCULAR 12.2KM/7.5MLS) Join us today as we venture along quiet roads and farm tracks with gentle slopes as we take in the pleasant Renfrewshire countryside. Before finishing our walk we will visit Killellan Church. As the walk is along roads and tracks then comfortable shoes are advised. Walk Starts at 11.00am at the River Inn, Crosslee.

7 December TINSEL WALK (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS) Come along and enjoy the festivities as we venture through the village of Lochwinnoch singing a few Christmas songs and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This walk is a level which is suitable for all levels of walkers and people are encouraged to walk at their own pace! Walk Starts at 11.00am at Castle Semple Visitors Centre, Lochwinnoch.

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 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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