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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