Walks 2024:
Short Walk: Newarthill Circular
Date 17th May
Walk Leaders Janette Bryce & Jeanette Swann
Distance 3 miles Grade C Circular
Walking boots essential poles optional.
There is parking behind the community centre and also on the road up to the school. Local 254 bus from Motherwell Station.
We will meet at Newarthill Community Centre at 10.30 where (if open) we should be able to use facilities. There is a little deli cafe across the road from Community Centre for tea and coffee if required.
We will commence the Walk at 10.45
We walk from the centre past the school and enter Newarthill Woods. The paths are a bit rough in places with a few serious potholes. Care will need to be taken. We carry on round the woods with (if the weather is good) some stunning views across the valley and into Glasgow. We then leave the woods and make our way on a short section of a main road until we enter back into a park. We continue through park and enter back into woods. The walk will end at the community centre.
For those wishing lunch or tea/coffee and toilets Greenside Garden Centre is a few minutes drive.
Recce completed by: Janet Bryce & Jeanette Swann Date: 26 April 2024
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Long Walk: Loch Leven Heritage Trail
Date: 3 May 2024
Walk Leaders: Patrica Clark & Irene Brownlie
Distance: 8 Miles Grade “C” Linear
Terrain: A good level path, hard core and firm mud around Loch Leven.
Boots & poles recommended.
Map Ref: O.S Explorer 369.
We start the walk at Kinross Pier. We turn left at the loch side and follow the path, passing a swing park on our left and then Kinross House comes into view on our left. We leave the loch side and continue along the path between fields and trees. At the junction we keep right and then on our left we pass a habitat hedge which is made out of twisted willow. Unfortunately a bit worse for ware now. We cross Pow Burn and then back to the loch side where the path veers left over a board walk and we then follow the path to the right through some trees. At Loch Leven Larder sign we keep to the right. Again we walk through some trees and a gliding airfield comes into view. If we are lucky we may see some gliders. Along this stretch is our lunch stop. We continue along the path and cross a metal bridge over the River Leven Cut where ,we believe, when the water is clear, it is possible to see oyster and mussel beds. We follow the road to the right and just before Sluice House we turn left and then sharp right and continue with the loch on our right. We come to a short incline and continue till we reach a tunnel on our left. This takes us under the road and then up some steps to arrive at Vane Farm RSPB.
This walk has woodlands, farmland and panoramic views across the loch and the Ochill Hills. , plus a wide variety of birds.
The terrain is very flat so poles not required unless your choice. Walking shoes/boots recommended.
Please note there are toilets at the beginning of the walk but no tea or coffee available.
At the end of the walk at Vane Farm there are toilets and a cafe.
Recce done on 24th April 2024 by Patricia Clark and Irene Brownlie
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Short Walk : Garrion Bridges to Cambusnethan Priory
Date: Friday 19th April 2024
Meet at Garrion Bridges at 10am.
Walk Leaders : Wilma Stewart and Joan Brown
Terrain: Pavement, Tracks and Rough Road. Paths could be muddy.
Distance: 4.9 Miles Grade C Circular OS Ref 343
Please note : If you are parking your car at Garrion Bridges, we have been requested to use the high level car park.
Boots and poles are recommended.
As the walk is slightly longer than usual, drinks and snacks are suggested
Our walk starts at Garrion Bridges. Walk along the exit road and turn right onto the pavement.
Cross at the pedestrian crossing and turn left onto rough road. Follow this road, pass East Lodge on left
and take next left, cross wooden bridge down to Clyde. Follow this path till we pass farm on right. At metal
gate take right leaving the Clyde Walkway. Pass the farm on right then up past Wilbert’s Legacy. Take right
towards Cambusnethan Priory where we will have a short break. After leaving the priory take first right.
Follow this track to road end. Cross at pedestrian crossing and head back to Garrion Bridges.
Recce completed 22nd March 2024 by Wilma Stewart, Joan Brown, Janice Donaldson and Janis Whitefield.
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Long Walk: Bowling to Maryhill
Date: 5th April 2024
Walk leaders: Grace Gentles and Pamela Colligan
Terrain Canal: Paths and level walkways
Distance : 8 Miles Grade C+ Linear .OS Ref 342
Poles are only necessary for walkers who like them in all conditions
The walk will be reversed so we will start at Tesco Maryhill for our toilet stop before the walk.
The bus will then take us to Anniesland cross where the coach will drop us off. We then cross at the lights and follow Crow Road until we reach the Forth and Clyde Canal at loch 27, we turn left and make our way along the path. At one point we will have to leave the canal path for a short time due to work being carried out. Once back on the canal path we follow the path until we reach Clydebank Shopping Centre. This will be the lunch stop. There is ample seating and toilet facilities.
After lunch we pick up the canal path again and after a short time we cross the road at traffic lights. A busy road so care is needed. We rejoin the canal path and make our way to Bowling Basin. On the way we might be lucky to spot some wild life. Care is needed as this is a popular Cycle Path. On reaching Bowling Basin we have arranged with a lovely Coffee and Cake cafe who will be delighted to accommodate the group. Overlooking the harbour , the area has been regenerated and if the weather is dry is a lovely spot to end the walk.
Recce completed: Friday 29 March by Grace Gentles and Pamela Colligan.
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Short Walk: Glasgow Murals, Town Walk.
Date of Walk: 15th March 2024
Walk Leaders: Jeanette Swann and Janette Bryce
Distance: 3 miles Grade: C LINEAR
Time to Complete: 1.5 - 2 hours
Terrain: - Main Road Pavements and cobbled lanes
Footwear: Good Walking Shoes required. Walking Poles: Optional
Underfoot conditions are in the main good but this is dependent upon the weather. Risk of slipping.
MEETING POINT: - Buchanan Street Bus Station Glasgow at 10:30 on Friday 15th March.
This is a linear route using roads and public footpaths
Details of any features of the route that require any special caution: Busy Roads Slippery Surfaces etc.
GREAT CARE MUST BE TAKEN WHEN CROSSING ALL ROADS
There are some inclines to negotiate in order to view some of the murals.
THE PATHWAYS ARE OPEN TO BOTH PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS
Meeting Arrangements and the route:
The initial meeting point is as stated on the published programme. The walk is advertised as a circular walk, however following the recce the walk will finish at St Enochs Centre in the city centre where there are toilets and various eating places. Anyone unsure of the route back to the Bus Station please see myself .
There will be no planned toilet stops during the walk. Please take advantage of the facilities within the bus station. To accommodate this, the walk will commence at 10.45.
Initially we will make our way to High Street. From High Street we go towards George Square and then the Clyde Walkway via various roads. From the Clyde walkway we return to the central part of Glasgow.
Recce completed by Jeanette Swann and Janette Bryce on 23/02/2024
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Long Walk: Culross Vallyfield Woodlands
Date: Friday 1st March 2024
Walk Leaders: Patricia Clark and Alison Mochrie
Distance: 6.5 Miles Grade C+ Circular
Terrain: Tarmac roads, hardcore and grassy paths, muddy or very muddy in places.
Boots and poles necessary.
MAP REF: OS EXPLORER 367
From Culross East Car Park follow the Fife Coastal Path Route eastwards alongside the railway line which you will cross at a level crossing. Although it is a quiet line, it is used by freight trains so take care. At the path junction take the right hand path staying close to the shoreline and follow the path for a short distance. This reclaimed land of Preston Island is now the site of ash lagoons for Longannet Power Station now closed. We retrace our steps and at the path junction go right and follow the path along until we reach a footbridge on the right hand side. Cross the footbridge over the railway and turn right and down some steps into a car park and turn right. When this path joins a public road, turn right for a short distance to reach a road junction. Take care when crossing this road. There is an information board at the entrance to Valleyfield Woods and this is our lunch stop. Take the path into the woods and follow the path above the river which will take you under the A985 road bridge. The path continues on the other side of the bridge now at river level. Stay on this side of the river until you reach an obvious junction with a core path sign (purple arrow). Bear right at this junction to stay close to the river and cross the river at a bridge. Continue along the path until you reach another junction and turn left to cross back over the river over a stone bridge. Follow the path as it goes uphill slightly and continue on through more open ground until you go under the A985 via an underpass. Stop and look at the murals. After the underpass stay on the same path until you reach a path on your right hand side leading into a new housing estate. Take this path and walk through the houses to reach the B9037 road. Take care in crossing the road and on the opposite side, slightly left, take another path. This path goes gently uphill with open stretches giving views over the Forth. At the end of the path you will join a quiet road. Follow the road (in the same direction as you were walking) until you reach a junction where you turn left onto another quiet road. These roads are narrow so care is needed. This road goes downhill into Culross. On your left is the Abbey and immediately after the Abbey take the narrow grassy path which takes you back to the main road in Culross. This path is quite steep downhill and care should be taken especially if the grass is wet.
There are 2 short gentle uphill stretches and 1 downhill stretch at the end of the walk.
Please note this walk is shorter than on the programme due to flooding on the path.Toilets but no tea facilities at beginning of the walk. Cafes at the end of the walk.
Recce completed on 17th February 2024 by Patricia Clark and Alison Mochrie
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Short Walk: Strathclyde Circular
Date: 16th Feb 2024.
Distance: 4miles Grade C Circular.
Walk Leaders: Harry Corbet & Alan Nicholson.
Terrain : Good paths throughout with some road walking ( single file on left)
There are steps early on the walk with wet leaves to be aware of. Recent weather has caused paths to be muddy
In places which be might frozen on the day.
Walking poles and boots are advised.
Good public transport from Hamilton and surrounding area.
Meet at car park at 10:30am.
The walk starts at The Watersports Centre at Strathclyde Park.
Toilet facilities and drinks at Watersports Centre.
Recce completed by: Harry Corbet and Alan Nicholson Date: 5 feb 2024
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Long Walk : Mugdock Country Park
Date: Friday 2 February 2024
Walk Leaders: Wilma Stewart and Janis Whitefield
Distance: 6.5 miles Grade C Circular
Ref : OS Explorer 348
Terrain : Pavements, tracks and roads.
Boots and poles are recommended.
**Please note walk starts and finishes at Mugdock**
Bus will take us to the Visitors’ Centre where there are toilets and facilities for takeaway tea or coffee.
Our walk starts from the Visitors’ Centre. We leave from the front and take the path for Gallowhill and play area. At Craigend Castle take a right turn. At the end of this path turn right again. At Kyber Car Park turn left onto a tarred road going downhill.
Keep on this road till the sign for West Highland Way and Milngavie. Turn left and follow this path. Turn left when we come to a path for Drumclog Avenue. Walk along Drumclog Avenue till Mugdock Road is reached. Cross the road and go through metal gates and walk up to Mugduck and Craigmaddie Reservoirs.
This will be our spot for lunch.
Walk past the Old Water Works and follow the path around Craigmaddie Reservoir. Cross the Causeway and turn right and walk along this path till a second causeway is reached. ( Please note this could change because part of the path could be closed off.)
Turn left out of the reservoir then cross the road and turn right. Walk up narrow pavement. Take left at the footpath opposite two metal gates. This path climbs gently up to South Lodge Car Park. Here take a left turn then right past Mugdock Loch and Mugdock Castle. Just past the castle turn right. Follow signs for the Visitors Centre. Walk up past Craigend Castle back to Centre.
Toilet facilities and tea/ coffee available at the Visitors’ Centre or Garden Centre.
Recce completed: Fri 10 Nov and 20 Jan 2024, by Wilma Stewart, Liz Meikle and Janis Whitefield.
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Short:Walk: Buchanan Bus St to Botanic Gardens
Date: 26th January 2024
Walk Leaders: Robin Stewart & J Strang
Distance: 3 miles Grade C Linear
Map: OS Exp 242
Terrain: Mostly Pavements & Paths, busy roads to cross, care required.
Walking poles are always helpful. warm boots & clothing are essential at this time of year.
Meet at Buchanan Bus Station at 10:30am
From the bus station we will walk along some city streets until we reach Charing Cross, We will then walk uphill through Park Circus & then proceed through Kelvinegrove Park. After leaving the park, we will walk through Kelvin Bridge & follow the river Kelvin until we reach the Botanic Gardens.
Recce completed by: Robin Stewart & J Strang Date: January 2024
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Long Walk: Castle Semple
Date of walk - Friday 12th January 2024.
Walk leaders. - Elinor Bones and Alison Mochrie.
Distance - 6 miles Circular C+
Terrain - loch side paths, woodland paths and tarmac cycle path.
Some very muddy paths. Some downhill paths could be slippery.
One or two fairly steep climbs. We will take our time on those.
BOOTS and POLES necessary,
Map - OS 341
We begin the walk at Castle Semple visitor centre where there are toilets.
From there we take the path past the sailing compound and walk along the shore path
turning L at the junction, crossing the cycle path and passing through a kissing gate to enter Parkhill Wood. Here we follow the path alongside the burn before turning L at at the first junction to cross a footbridge. After about 600m this path reaches a small pond and a stone grotto with seats.
Just beyond the grotto the path reaches a T-junction where we turn L then in a short distance L again to head uphill to the summit of Park Hill. Here we have views of 3 lochs - Castle Semple, Barr Loch and Kilbirnie Loch.
From the summit we continue along the path with the fence on the L before turning R and re- entering the woods. We take the LH path at the next junction as it climbs to offer views over the valley. At the RH fork the path heads downhill to cross a footbridge where we cross and take L at the junction to enter a section of dense canopy rhododendron beneath a small Yew covered hill. After crossing a footbridge we continue straight ahead to reach a T-junction next to a gate at the edge of the woods. We pass through a kissing gate and carry on along a farm track.
Soon the ruins of the Collegiate Church, founded in 1504 can be seen on the right.
The path continues towards an ornate former railway bridge. We don’t pass through this but turn R and proceed up a tarmac ramp to the cycle path.
On reaching the cycle track we turn L and walk along to view the temple before heading back along the cycle track then the shore path to the visitor centre.
Recce completed on 2nd January 2024 by Elinor Bones and Alison Mochrie.
END of 2024 ===========
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Walks 2023:
Short Walk: Greenhead Moss
Date: 15th December 2023.
Walk Leaders: Harry Corbet and Janet Bryce.
Distance: 3.5 miles Grade C Circular
Terrain: Good paths throughout walk, could be muddy in places, fallen leaves could be slippy, steps, depending on the weather, rain, ice or snow, could be slippy, use the path down around the steps.
Boots required, poles optional.
*If possible, arrange car share*.
Public Transport: take the LANARK No 41 bus from Hamilton/Motherwell/ Wishaw, which passes Creamery Road.
If car drivers require toilets or coffee, before the walk, they could stop at:
Tesco Wishaw, Bellhaven Road, ML27NZ
or Morrisons Wishaw, Kirk Road ML2 7BJ.
Meet at the small layby/carpark on Creamery Road, ML2 8AY, opposite the Greenhead Moss entrance, at 10:45, walk will start at 11:00am.
For Route Map refer to attachment sent on the email, for this walk.
**Please Note: Change of walk leaders and the Meeting Place.**
Recce completed by: Harry Corbet, Janet Bryce, Hugh Atkinson & Jeanette Swann. Date: 20 December 2023
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Long Walk: Edinburgh, Calton Hill to Holyrood Park
Date: Friday 1st December 2023
Walk Leaders: Grace Gentles / Pamela Colligan
Distance: 7.5 Miles Grade C+ Linear
Terrain : Pavements and Grassy Paths
MAP: OS Exp 350
Walking poles recommended
We travel to Carlton Hill in Edinburgh where the bus will drop use in Regent Road
We cross the road carefully and go up the steps to Carlton Hill where their are toilets
and carry out coffee ,and splendid views of Edinburgh and the Forth .
The walk then starts we descend the steps back to Regent Road cross the road again carefully and turn left down hill this is a pavement walk we reach the traffic lights at
Abbey mount we cross over and head down the road within a short distance we take some steps down on the left crossover the road and follow the narrow lane ahead called Craft an Righ .
We are now entering Holyrood Park crossover a grassy area and turn left to join Queens Drive .
We pass St Margarets Loch and then torn right uphill for approx 30 minutes to reach the top
once there the surrounding views are amazing we then walk on to reach Dunsapie Loch
This will be our lunch stop.
After lunch we head on taking in the views around Duddingston Loch beneath us and Arthur's Seat on our right
We then take a path to the right uphill for a few minutes then a path goes down n your left
this is a narrow path at the beginning so care is needed , this path takes use back to Holyrood Palace .
Here is our coffee stop /toilet stop before heading back to Regent Road where we board the coach back home.
Recce Completed: 8 November 2023 :Grace Gentles ,Pamela Colligan.
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Short Walk: Pollok Country Park
Date: 17/11/2023
Walk leaders: Robin Stewart / Alan Nicolson
Distance: 2.5 miles Grade C Circular
Meet at: Pollok House, car park @ 10:30 am, Pollok Ave, Bellahouston, Glasgow
Boots recommended, poles optional.
Public transport: Train to Pollockshaw Station, then bus to Pollock Park
At the end of the walk we will visit The Burrell Collection Exhibition Centre, cafe and toilets available and you can visit the Collection (free of charge) if desired.
Recce completed by Robin Stewart and Alan Nicholson Date: Oct 2023
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Long Walk : Burn Anne,Cessnock Woods and River Irvine
Date: Friday 3rd November 2023
Walk leaders: Liz Meikle and Wilma Stewart
Distance : 6.5 miles Grade C Circular. Map Reference : OS Explorer 334
Terrain : Pavements, Country roads, Woodland paths and Cycle Path.
Boots and poles are advised.
Bus from Chatelherault to Tesco, Galston where there are toilets and takeaway coffee and the walk begins here.
Leave car park,take left onto Polwarth Street,cross River Irvine, cross Barrmill Road with care, then cross at lights at Henrietta Street and again cross Wallace Street, pass Barr Castle on the left, and the Galston Coal Mining Memorial on the right. Cross the Burn Anne(locally pronounced Burnawn)Bridge and take left at junction, past Grants Haggis Factory,along Cemetery Road before crossing the Burn Anne again to reach the B7037. We cross this road carefully and walk on pavement until a blue sign directs us through a gate into Burnhouse Brae Wood. Follow the path between 2 fences, watching out for tree roots and fallen branches,before the path opens out in woodland and climbs above the Burn Anne.We have 2 short steep ascents and descents which we will take slowly. We continue until a kissing gate and minor road are reached. Turn Right, cross burn and take path on left into Cessnock Woods. Go up steps and stay on main path through woods. At a fork in path bear right,continuing down to a wooden boardwalk and large footbridge which we cross,turn right and continue uphill and through a gate to another minor road. Take left, and continue, with care,on minor roads. At junction, take right, then straight ahead on Windyhill Road until it descends to Greenholm. Take left, at seat and Newmilns sign, down the track to Riverbank Mill, where we take left, following the Irvine Valley Trail sign. Take right at the Strath Path sign and continue until we come to the Recreation Grounds where we take left to exit past the Basketball Court. Straight ahead then right on riverside path behind EGM Motors,and then right onto Barrmill Road.
We cross the road to The Balmoral Mill shop where there is a café for teas,scones and cakes and also toilets.NB Café only takes cash.The bus will pick us up at Tesco across the road.
Recce completed 29.09.2023 by Liz Meikle and Wilma Stewart
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Short Walk: Kittochside
Date: 13 October 2023
Walk Leaders: Robin Stewart & Janette Bryce
Distance: 3.5 miles Grade: C Circular
Terrain: Mainly footpaths (could be muddy in places) but some Tarmac roads(where there is no footpath, walk in single file, take care with passing traffic)
Boots required, poles might be helpful.
Meet at 10;30am at the entrance to the National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Route: Follow paths to the farm, then Tarmac road uphill to the start of Carmunnock Village, follow roads and paths around the village including part of The Heritage Trail.
Retrace your steps back to the Museum .
Recce completed by Robin Stewart Date: 22 September 2023
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LONG WALK :- LUNDERSTON BAY to INVERKIP and WEYMSS BAY.
DATE OF WALK :- 6th October 2023.
WALK LEADERS :- Elinor Bones and Patricia Clark.
DISTANCE:- 6 miles. Linear. Grade C. Map ref.- OS Explorer 341
TERRAIN :- Pavements, woodland paths. Paths may be muddy and slippery with wet leaves depending on the weather conditions.
This is a fairly flat walk with one or two short inclines.
BOOTS and POLES recommended.
Care needed when crossing a busy road and on a narrow stretch of pavement beside a busy road.
The walk starts at LUNDERSTON Bay where there are toilets - no catering facilities. Bring your own coffee.
The path from LUNDERSTON Bay follows the shore line past fields and then through Ardgowan woods to reach INVERKIP marina. We then take the path past houses, then round the perimeter of the marina itself to reach a footbridge which goes across the main road to the village.
After a stroll around the old part of the village, we go back over the footbridge and rejoin the coastal path going past the Yacht Club and reaching INVERKIP War Memorial park where we will stop for lunch.
The pavement south from here has a narrow section next to a busy road. The path then dips down to the entrance road to the now demolished power station. It rises again to follow the main road to reach Weymss Bay housing estate.
We follow Ardgowan Road past the Primary School and go a short distance uphill before heading down to the shore with views over the bay. We continue along Weymss Bay road then rejoin the footpath beside the main road, go under the bridge and turn into Weymss Bay railway station. Here the bus will pick us up and take us to Cardwell Garden Centre where there are toilets and a coffee shop.
This is a lovely, scenic walk . Keep your fingers crossed for a dry, clear day!
Recce done 18th September by Elinor Bones and Patricia Clark.
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Short Walk: Partick to Glasgow Green.
Date of Walk: 15.09.23
Distance: 4miles (Grade C) along the Clyde Walkway Linear.
Terrain: Paved throughout with one flight of steps
Poles are optional.
Train to Partick, 09:17am at Motherwell/ 9.25am at Hamilton, arriving at Partick 10.05am. The walk will start from Partick Station at approximately 10:35.You can get a takeaway coffee at Costas and there is toilets in the station. We will meet at the GI BRIDE statue at the entrance to the station to commence the walk at 10.35 approx. The walk will finish at the People’s Palace. The nearest train station for returning to Hamilton is Argyle Street Station on Argyle Street. The People’s Palace is currently open as normal for a light lunch, however, there is a nearby alternative, namely the WEST Brewery and Restaurant adjacent to the Templetons Carpet Factory Building. Alternatively there are many coffee and food shops within the centre of Glasgow and St. Enochs Centre.
Recce completed on Tuesday 22nd August by Jeanette Swann and Janette Bryce, accompanied by Hugh Atkinson and Harry Corbett.
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Long Walk: The Three Brigs plus One at Muirkirk
Date : 1st September 2023
Walk Leaders : Wilma Stewart and Liz Meikle
Distance : 6.5miles Grade C
Circular Map Ref : OS Explorer 328
Terrain : Pavements, Tracks, Roads. If wet, boots advised. Poles also advised
Bus will take us to the Caravan Park at Muirkirk where there are toilets. No facilities for takeaway tea or coffee.
During our walk at Muirkirk we follow the River Ayr Way as well as finding out about the village’s rich history.
Upon leaving the Caravan Park take right and walk on the pavement till we reach the Walkers’ Car Park. Turn left into the car park, pass the information board and take first right along the path. Follow this path till it meets up with the main path. Continue till we come to Sanquhar Brig passing Mcadams Cairn on the way. This is the old drovers’ road to Sanquhar. Here we will have a short stop, before retracing our steps. We pass Mcadam’s Cairn again then take left and continue on River Ayr Way till Tibby’s Brigg is crossed. Both of these brigs are over the Garpel Water. This is a lovely tranquil spot for lunch.
Follow the path back but instead pass the front of the sadly abandoned Kames Institute enroute for the car park. Here we take the path signed River Ayr Way straight ahead. Follow this path. Come to a gate marked keep shut and walk along grassy path parallel to fence. Go though the second gate. Veer left. Path goes through a farm steading and keep left past a black shed. At the end of the road turn left down to Crossflat Brig. This brig crosses the River Ayr. Here you will notice the change in landscape from the other two brigs.
Turn around and take right at Auldhouseburn Farm sign and right at the fingerpost signed River Ayr Way. Follow the arrows through the gate and up steps. Turn right at the end and return to car park where the coach will pick us up.
Look out for the plus One - Furnace Brig- which we cross on the coach!
The coach will take us to Cairn Lodge for toilets, coffee etc at the end of the walk.
Recce completed by Wilma Stewart and Liz Meikle on 11/08/23
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Short Walk: Forth
Date: Friday 18 August 2023
Walk Leaders: Hugh Atkinson & Harry Corbet
Distance: 4 miles Grad C Circular
Terrain: pavements, grassy trails, stoney/gravel paths, some moderate inclines.
Hazards: tree roots, uneven surfaces, some muddy parts, roads to cross, care required.
Boots required, walking poles optional.
Meet at Forth, ‘The Willie Waddell’ Sport & Community Centre, Main Street, at 10:15 am, postcode ML11 8AA, toilets available.
Bring your own drink/snack, if you need one, before we start walk.
The Inns Restaurant is at 50 Main Street, an option for lunch, after walk.
Walk will start from the Sports Centre at 10:45 am,
(Refer to the route map attachment on the e-mail)
Leave Sports Centre, go R and R again down the side of the SC, go down the steps and cross the playing field and exit through the gate to the road, go L,
walk along the pavement until you reach the T junction, cross the road, with care,
go R then next L onto a grassy path, follow route map (e- mail attachment), The Glen/ Peat Pond/ Heathland Forest/ Wilsontown Ironworks, then retrace your step back to the Sports Centre.
Recce completed by: Hugh Atkinson & Harry Corbet.
Date: 20 July 2023.
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Long Walk: Linlithgow via Bo'ness
Date: 4 August 2023
Walk Leaders: P Colligan & G Gentles
Distance: 6.5 miles Grade: C + Circular
Coach Chatelherault 9:15 am
The Coach will drop us off at the Sainsbury’s Store on Falkirk Road where there are toilet facilities
available.
We leave Sainsbury’s, turn right up to first set of traffic lights, and turn right again into Mill Road and
follow Mill Road over the motorway to Fisher’s Brae. Cut straight uphill by path and track.
At the crest of the ridge take the road right for 250m. Then go left at the steel gate and proceed
through a grove of trees arriving at Crawfield Road, Bo’ness. (Fine views of Firth of Forth from here).
Turn right and proceed along Crawfield Road to the A706, turn downhill towards the town. Part way
down, turn left into grassy area where we will have lunch.
After lunch stop, we will retrace our steps back down Fisher’s Brae with fine views across the valley
of the Avon Valley, Cockleroy and the Pentlands.
*After crossing over the Motorway on Mill Road we take first left into Avalon Road, Mill Lade, St.
Ninians Road past St. Ninians Road Car Park and follow the signs to arrive at Linlithgow Loch. We
follow the path round the Loch to Linlithgow Palace and proceed past the Palace to the main street
square where there are plenty of cafes.
Recce Completed by : P Colligan & Grace Gentles Date: 28 July 2024
*This is an adapted walk as when we reached Bo’ness, we discovered that a huge development of
new houses was being built. We discovered that the Farm, where we should have taken the road
past it towards the old Golf Course, had been completely cut off by the new development. So,
instead of reaching the Loch on the East side we are now reaching the Loch on the West side.
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Short Walk: Lanark Loch
Date: 21 July 2023
Walk Leaders: Harry Corbet & Alan Nicolson
Distance: 4 miles Grade C Circular
Terrain: Pavements, roads, tarmac paths, gravel paths through wood (could be muddy)
Boots required, poles optional
Meet at Lanark Bus Station 10:30am.
Toilets at Morrison’s and the loch.
We start the walk at 11 am at the entrance to Morrisons. We go right towards Whitelees Road, bear left and go along the footpath on the left in a single file. At some point the footpath ends and we cross to the other side of the road. It is important to maintain a single file and watch out for traffic.
At the bend in the road we go right and up onto a path overlooking the park.
The path ends at a car park where we go left and towards a children’s play area. We join the loch path and go clockwise around the loch. At a sign displaying details of the Cycle Track we go left uphill (slight gradient).
We enter the woods where we see a blue marker on a tree and go along path to the right.
At a junction we turn right and go uphill to join path where we turn left.
Where the path narrows we continue and leave the wood where we turn right and continue alongside the race track.
Eventually rejoining the loch path and returning to Bus Station.
Recce completed by: Harry Corbet & Alan Nicolson Date: 11 July 2023
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Long Walk : Burns Trail
Date: Friday 7th July 2023
Walk Leaders : Liz Meikle and Wilma Stewart
Distance: 6.5 miles. Grade C Circular. Map Reference: OS Explorer 326.
Terrain : Pavements, Cycle Paths, Tracks which may be muddy. If wet,boots advised. Poles optional.
Bus from Chatelherault to Robert Burns Museum, Alloway where there are toilets and takeaway coffees.
Take left out of Museum,left again, passing Alloway Auld kirk. Take left passing through Burns Monument Gardens.To exit ,go right,down steps,cross road and walk over the old Brig O’Doon. Straight ahead on the narrow path, under bridge to main road (B7024). Cross carefully, going over the grass and left into Longhill Avenue. At end of traffic calming, cross the road and take right down steps with handrail, onto the Cycle Path,taking left under the bridge. The cycle path continues, soon reaching the newly opened Burton Underpass and Doonfoot Sensory Garden, before ending at a T-junction and 2 cottages as we take right , joining the Ayr Coastal Path, then we pass Greenan Castle and have a panoramic view of Ayr ahead. Just past a white house on the left we take 2nd path through the dunes for a lunch stop on the beach.Return to car park and follow path till we cross a footbridge over the River Doon.Take right,follow the riverside path till a minimarket at A719.Cross at lights,right into Greenfield Avenue and then cross over at entrance to Belleisle Park. We go through the Walled Garden, pass the Conservatory and ruins of Belleisle Hotel.We take the path to the right, through the Golf Course,watching out for golf balls and exit right into Monument Road. Cross with care and enter Rozelle Park, where we walk round the duck pond, passing the Willow Sculptures of the Story Stroll on the way. We pass Rozelle House, take 2nd left on path then right at Bridle Path sign to exit the estate. Straight ahead into Wellpark, right at Clochranhill Road and left onto Alloway Main Street with Burns Cottage on the right.We cross Doonholm Road and walk down the Poets Path which returns us to the Museum where we stop for toilets and coffees.
Recce Completed by: Liz Meikle and Wilma Stewart Date: 19/06/2023.
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Short Walk : Lesmahagow and Birkwood Estate
Date: Friday 16th June 2023
Walk leaders: Liz Meikle and Wilma Stewart
Distance : 4 miles Grade C Circular Map reference : OS Explorer 335
Terrain : Pavements, Farm Roads and Paths
Poles Recommended
Toilets Available at Tesco. Buses from Hamilton . Anyone travelling by bus who requires toilet please contact Liz in advance and someone will give them a lift from Tesco to start of walk (07761136880)
Walk starts at 10.30 from Fountain Car Park,behind Bank of Scotland in Lesmahagow village.
From the car park,take left and walk along to the supermarket,cross over and go up Baker’s brae.At top, cross over new Trows road , continue up Garngour road,passing New Road and Elmbank on the left. Follow the pavement and single file where none are present. This the steepest part of the walk but we will stop and admire the views of Blackhill, the Differick and Tinto on the way. On the right we pass the Round House, then continue round a left hand bend passing the Hare Krishna Temple and Eco farm. Bear right on a farm track. At a junction, go straight on to tarmac road,past Birkdale on the right, to New Trows Road. As this is a busy road we take care crossing it and take left into Birkwood Estate, past houses and then take right over old bridge for a snack stop.
Return over the bridge, straight ahead at crossroads, going round piles of earth to continue down towards the ruined Birkwood Castle. We pass the castle on our left and follow the track downwards to the left till we cross the River Nethan and leave the estate.
Crossing the road, we climb the hill slowly till we enter the old Railway Embankment Path, on the left between 2 posts. There are views to the left between the trees over the village and the Old Parish Church and Lesmahagow High school. Continue to the end at Craighead Park,home of Lesmahagow Juniors F.C. Take left, cross the river Nethan, and down to Glebe Park, site of Lesmahagow Highland Games. Continue parallel to the river along to Mc Kirdy Park, which we cut through on the way to Abbeygreen Road, where there are 2 cafes and 2 chip shops .Also a café at the Truck Stop across from Tesco.
Recce Completed: 9.05.2023 by Liz Meikle, Wilma Stewart, Janice Donaldson, Janis Whitefield
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Long Walk: Dunblane to Bridge of Allan
Date: Friday, 2nd June 2023
Walk Leaders: Wilma Stewart & Liz Meikle
Distance: 6.5miles Grade C+ Circular
Terrain: Pavements, roads, paths – some stony and some rough with tree roots. Could be muddy.
Boots and poles strongly recommended
Map reference: OS Explorer 366
Our walk starts in the town of Dunblane. Here we walk along the top of the golf course up onto Glen Road. This takes us on to Bridge of Allan and we return via the Darn Road.
At Marks and Spencer there are toilets and carry out drinks if required.
We leave Marks, turn right and walk along the pavement. Just past the Police Station on left, we climb up the concrete steps which lead to Dunblane New Golf Course .We pass the golf shop on our left and take the path that follows the perimeter of the golf course. After about 1km turn left through a metal field gate, before the green hut, and follow the track up to a crossroads, after a house on the left.
We turn right along a tarmac road. This is Glen Road. Cross Wharry Bridge and turn right into Wharry Glen. Follow this road all the way to Bridge of Allan and bear right into Blairforkie Drive.
Turn right at a footpath signed Darn Road. This leads to a walk along by the Allan Water where we will stop for lunch.
After lunch we continue along the river path, take left down steps to the burn and cross over a small bridge. Further along the path there is a cave on the right – Stevenson’s Cave. Robert Louis Stevenson was inspired to write Treasure Island at the cave.
Follow the path carefully and cross the second bridge on left. Here we climb up a stony path between two stone walls and continue on this path. We walk along to the bottom end of the Golf Course and on to Dunblane.
Recce completed by: Wilma Stewart & Liz Meikle Date: May 2023
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Short Walk: Moffat
Walk Date: 19th May 2023
Distance: 4 miles - circular - grade C
Walk Leaders : Robin Stewart & Harry Corbet
Terrain: Pavements (where pavement ends, walk on right hand side of road, single file) , river paths (stoney, some large stones & tree roots sticking up, large fallen tree branch) care required.
Boots & poles required.
Meet at: Hamilton Bus Station 9:25 am take the X74 bus to Moffat. Arrive at Moffat at 10:45 am.
Start the walk from the Ram Statue at 11:00 am.
Head up high street, at the junction turn right onto Academy road A701, when you reach the roundabout go right onto Beechgrove (old Academy building on your right). Continue for about ¾ mile until you see sign on you right `1 ¼ Moffat / waterside walk`.
Follow the track down, go through the `kissing gate` and turn left and follow the path back to Moffat. On reaching the road A701 cross, with care, into `Station Park`. Do a half circle of the park and come back out onto A701 road.
Turn right, walk on past the ESSO station and take the next right into `The Woollen Mill`, walk ends here.
Plenty of places in Moffat for lunch, etc..
X74 bus leaves Moffat at 25 minutes past the hour.
RECCE completed by: Robin Stewart & Harry Corbet Date 10 May 2023
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Long Walk: Peebles, Tweed Walk to Lyne
Date: Friday 5May 2023
Distance: 7.8 miles Grade C Circular
Terrain: Mostly good paths .Some stretches tree routes and a few rabbit holes on path
Boots and poles recommend
Walk Leaders: Grace Gentles, Pamela Colligan
The walk starts in the car park over the bridge in Peebles toilets available cost 30pence
No coffee available.
We cross the road and head down to Greenside Car Park where we join the riverside path through Hay Lodge Park continue passed Neidpath Castle we will take our time as this part of the path has a few tree routes and some stones to navigate. We will continue alone the path until we reach some steps at the side of a bridge we climb the steps this takes you on to a former railway line.
Go alone the railway line to the Manor Valley Road cross the road carefully as cars use this road ,take the steps and continue alone the old railway line ,we will reach Lyne Station this will be our lunch stop .
After Lunch we go down. the steps at the left side of the bridge onto a lane again looking out for cars then right alone the lane ,continue past the houses and on to a path to a footbridge over the Tweed .Turn left and follow the path through the wood to Millbraehead,then join the path past Barns Tower .
Follow the path till you reach a fingerpost turn left over a stile and follow the path to a second stile then the path leading down to the river ,follow this path untill you reach Manor Bridge ascend the steps onto the road then turn left and go back onto the path alone the river which leads use back to Peebles.
Recce completed on the 21 April by Pamela Colligan ,Grace Gentles
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Short Walk: Glasgow Maryhill Canal, Lock 21 to Lock 28
Date of walk: 21st April 2023
Walk Leaders: Jeanette Swann & Hugh Atkinson
Distance/Grade: 4 miles C grade Linear
Terrain: Good Flat Tow paths
Meet: Buchanan Street Bus Station at 10.00am.
Walking Boots/shoes required poles Optional.
We meet at Buchanan Street Bus Station and then make our way to Hope Street where we get the Number 60 bus to Tesco Extra on Maryhill Road. There we will have our toilet stop and a short coffee break There are a number of busy roads to cross so care must be taken and we will remain together.
After leaving Tesco we turn right and make our way up to the pedestrian crossing where we cross the busy road, then turn right towards the Mackintosh Church and then onto the canal tow path.
We continue on the path passing through Lock 21 and then walk until we reach Lock 27 which is at Anniesland, we will continue walking until we reach Westerton and then Lock 28. This is where we will turn around and walk back to Lock 27 where we will finish our walk.
Coffee and lunch can be taken at the Lock 27 Restaurant.
To return to Glasgow City Centre we will walk down onto Great Western Road at Anniesland Cross where there are a number of buses that can be taken to return to the City Centre and the Bus Station.
Recce completed on 10th March 2023 by Jeanette Swann, Janette Bryce, Hugh Atkinson & David Swann.
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Long Walk: Prestwick to Troon
Daye: Friday 7th April 2023
Walk Leaders: Pamela Colligan & Grace Gentles
Distance: just under 6 Miles Grade C Circular
Terrain: The Walk consists of Pavement, Promenade, Sand Dunes and Beach.
Walking Boots required,pole optional
Note: The walk has been changed to “Prestwick Loop”
Unfortunately, the Walk has had to be adapted as we came across a landslide at the beginning of Troon Beach. A Risk Assessment was done, and we decided it would be too dangerous to attempt crossing over the “Cages filled with black rocks” especially with our number of walkers on the day.
Due to a “Low Bridge” on the way to Prestwick Beach, the Walk will either start at Prestwick Station or, if the Coach can fit under the Low Bridge, we will start the Walk at the beach. The driver will decide if he can drive under the bridge.
There is a Café at the start of the Walk and Toilets, however, THE TOILETS CAN ONLY TAKE CARD PAYMENTS, so please bring your cards with you.
From the Café and toilet stop we walk along the Promenade and after passing a Children’s Party building we walk through a car park which has rather a lot of potholes so please be careful. We then join the paths through the dunes and walk past Prestwick Golf Course until we reach the estuary where we follow the river upstream until we reach a bridge and cross over to the Caravan Park. We walk around the Caravan Park and follow the path to the landslide part of the Walk to show you why we decided not to try to walk over it. We will either have our lunch stop there or, alternatively we will retrace our steps and have our lunch at the start of Prestwick beach. The beach has hard packed sand to walk on and we continue along the beach until we reach our starting point and join the coach. As the café at Prestwick beach is small and closes early most days, the coach will then take us to Troon to have our tea, coffee, cake stop.
Recce completed by: Pamela Colligan & Grace Gentles Date: March 2023
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Short Walk: Rouken Glen
Date: 17th March 2023
Walk Leaders: Robin Stewart & Hugh Atkinson
Distance: 4 miles grade C Circular Duration: 2 Hrs approx.
Terrain: (Risk assessment sheets completed).
Pavements, Tarmac and riverside paths (muddy in places, uneven surfaces, exposed tree roots). May need to alter the route if the weather is very wet, to avoid muddy areas. Main road to cross( with controlled traffic lights), other minor roads, care required when crossing,(some have no pavements, single file by walking group, mandatory),moderate inclines (will stop for rests).
Boots and poles required..
Walk will start at 10:30am from the Rouken Glen Garden Centre (Restaurant and Toilets inside).
Exit Garden Centre and turn right, walk straight ahead to the T junction and you will see the Visitors Centre and children’s play area straight ahead, take the path on the left and walk between the Centre and play area. Turn next left and walk through the East Lodge gate onto the main road. Turn right and walk along to the traffic lights, go left and cross the road to the other side, turn right then left into Woodfarm Road, when you come to a white building on your right (Glen Family Centre) take the next right turning into Eastwood Park, do the circular of the park returning to this start point (Glen Family Centre) and retrace your steps back to Rouken Glen entering through the East Lodge gate. Go straight ahead and follow the sign post for the boating pond and when you reach the pond go clockwise around the pond and at the far side take the left path that passes waterfall, continue on this path for approx ½ mile until you reach the B769 road, turn right and walk down to meet the roundabout at the A727 road, turn right, walk on until you get to the Rouken Glen Park entrance on your right, you are now back to the Garden Centre, end of walk,
Recce completed by: Robin Stewart & Hugh Atkinson Date: 24th Feb 2023
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Long Walk: Balloch Castle Country Park & Whinny Hill Woods .
Distance:: 7 Miles C+ Linear.
Date: 3rd March 2023
Walk Leaders: Patrica Clark & Alison Mochrie
Terrain: Tarmac roads, hardcore paths, quite steep sections both uphill & downhill.
Maps: O.S. LANDRANGER 56
Boots and poles required.
The walk starts at Balloch Park entrance across the road from the bus station. This is a busy road so care must be taken when crossing the road. We follow the tarmac path slightly uphill till we come to the Castle. We follow a path left round the front of the castle then northwards till we reach a T-junction. Turn left and continue to reach a small gravel area. Turn right to follow path out of the woods and along a grassy way through a small meadow. Bend gradually left to reach Balloch Burn and a T junction with the burnside path. Turn right and go uphill on the path through the woodland of Fairy Glen, with the burn on your left. Duck under a fallen tree and go up some steps to emerge through a gate onto a minor road. Cross the road and go through another gate opposite onto a stony path. Follow this path as it winds uphill with a wall on your right hand side. The path bends left and drops down slightly to meet a forest track at a T junction. After a lunch break we will retrace our steps back to the point where we turned right uphill to the Fairy Glen. At this junction we turn right and follow a downhill path till we come to the loch shore. We continue following the lochside path till we come to the main road in Balloch. Turn right and cross the River Leven using the road bridge. Before the Tourist Office, turn right and head towards Lomond Shores where the walk finishes.
The uphill parts are quite steep but we'll take our time.
Toilets at the start of the walk are in the Coop. A Costa Coffee vending machine is located in the Coop.
There are toilets and cafes at Lomond Shores
Recce done on 23/02/2023 by Patricia Clark and Alison Mochrie
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Short Walk: David Livingston Centre to Bothwell Castle
Date: 17 February 2023
Walk Leaders: A. Mochrie & E. Bones
Distance: 3.5 miles Grade C Circular
Boots & Poles required.
Walk starts from David Livingston car park at 10.30am (Note: different meeting point & time from original walk program)
Train from Hamilton or 266 bus then walk down Station Road to centre.
Toilet to the right of the building through shop.
We turn left out of the car park over bridge ,turn left through gate ,turn right up to the top of wood could be muddy in place's.go through gate right cross road to walk along pavement. Cross over to the other side ,turn right for short walk along path at end we turn right then left back along pavement until we reach sign for Bothwell castle ,after a stop here we walk along the front of the castle, some steps (11) which take's us down to the path back along the river Clyde, at fork in the path we turn left down hill back to the path along the river and back to the centre, end of walk .
Recce completed by: A. Mochrie & E Bones Date: 27 January 2023
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LONG WALK: HELIX PARK TO FALKIRK WHEEL
Date of Walk: 3rd February 2023
Walk Leaders: Kathleen Hunter & Pamela Corrigan
Distance. : 5.5 miles - Grade C Linear
Terrain. : Tarmac Paths
Map Ref. : OS Landranger 65
Our walk starts at Falkirk Football Stadium where there are toilets and carry-out coffees, if required.
We leave the Stadium, crossing the main road at a pedestrian crossing and following the signpost to Helix Park. We reach the Plaza Cafe, then turn right following the path around the Lagoon - on our return, we join the path which takes us to the Kelpies where we will stop for lunch.
After our lunch break, we continue along the canal path to the Falkirk Wheel. This walk is mostly flat with two up and down sets of steps along the way. As this is a tarmac path and flat walk, poles are not necessary - but take if you wish- I did!
On reaching the Falkirk Wheel, we can enjoy the Visitors Centre and the cafe before returning to Chatelherault.
Recci done on Friday, 20th January by: Kathleen Hunter, Pamela Corrigan, Grace Gentles
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Short Walk:Ravenscraig
Date: 20th January 2023
Walk Leaders: Liz Meikle and Wilma Stewart
Distance: 4miles Grade C Circular Map Reference Explorer 343
Meet at the entrance to Ravenscraig Sports Centre at 10.15. Walk will begin at 10.30.
Terrain: Tarmac/woodland paths and pavement. Paths could be muddy.
Boots and poles are recommended.
There are toilet facilities and a café as well as vending machines.
A half hour bus service runs between Motherwell and Ravenscraig. Service 341 leaves from West Hamilton Street( beside Aldi) at 10am.
Our walk sets off from Ravenscraig Sports Centre and through the birch woods. It follows the River Calder, reaching the ruins of Wishaw House, then along the boundary fence of Wishaw Golf Club and back to the Sports Centre.
Upon leaving the Sports Centre take left and follow the cycle/footpath. At a break in a wooden fence turn left onto a woodland path, then left again at a crossroads. Take right at the start of the wood and walk under the Calder Carfin Viaduct. The River Calder is on the left.
Turn left, then right at a fork and straight through at a crossroads. Pass the ruins of Wishaw House on the left. There’s also the ruin of an ice house and pets’ graveyard. Just past the ruin turn right then left at a fork.
Walk alongside the railings which form the boundary of Wishaw Golf Club. Go under the railway bridge turn right onto Meadowhead Road then right between two seats. This leads back to the cycle/footpath and we return to the sports centre.
Recce carried out on 9th December by Liz Meikle and Wilma Stewart.
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Long Walk: Strathclyde Park to Chatelherault
Date: Friday 6th January 2023
Walk Leaders: Patricia Clark & Grace Gentles
Distance : 7 Miles Grade C+ Circular
Terrain: Tarmac, hard core and woodland paths muddy in places. Walking shoes/boots recommended. Poles optional.
O.S. MAP: 64
Meet at Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre at 10 am, Please note there is no coach for this walk.
Leave the car park, turn right and then left across the bridge. Turn left after the bridge and follow the path with the river on your left hand side. Continue along the path, crossing a small bridge on your left hand side. The path continues to your left and after some distance you come to a minor road leading to Old Avon Bridge. Cross the bridge, keeping watch for vehicles, and continue along the path up a short incline till you come to Chatelherault. At the hard core path you can either climb the steps or follow the path around to your left and then right to the entrance to the Visitor Centre. This is the lunch stop and there are some seats here.
After lunch we leave by the main entrance to the centre and take the 1st path on the right. We continue on a gentle downwards path and take the 4th path on the left hand side and proceed up a short incline. Continue along the path till we come to a path on the left hand side, S P Old Avon Bridge . We go down 2 lots of steps which can be slippery- take care. At the bottom of the steps we turn right and continue along the path with the River Avon on our left hand side. On reaching a minor road we turn left and cross the Old Avon Bridge again. Over the bridge we turn right and retrace our steps back along the river to Strathclyde Park.
There are toilets in the Water Sports Centre and also at Chatelherault.
There is also a cafe at the Water Sports Centre
Recce by Patricia Clark & Grace Gentles on 28/12/2022
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