Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre

Do one of the top 50 walks in Scotland - the circular 11km walk is reasonably level, with panoramic views of the Clyde. Start at Drumfrochar Station and then stop half way at the Visitor Centre for coffee and see the exhibition.

The Visitor Centre, at Loch Thom is the starting point for a range of lochside, woodland and historic walks all with wonderful scenic views and lots of wildlife watching opportunties.

Visit the interactive Greenock Cut Exhibition on arrival for a more memorable explore of the Greenock Cut itself.  The Cut is a designated ancient monument and is 5.5 miles long.  Allow half a day to enjoy a reasonably level circular walk of the Greenock Cut with panoramic views of the Firth of Clyde and islands especially if you walk anti clockwise! Those with less time can enjoy the 2.5km (allow 1 hour) Shielhill Glen nature trail which includes part of the Greenock and Kelly Cuts or climb up Dunrod Hill (298m) to admire more wonderful landscapes.

The Countryside Ranger Service run a popular activities and events programme as well as host meetings, school groups and provide information and advice on local walks and wildlife watching opportunties.  Access to the Visitor centre and exhibition is free, it is open daily in summer with a small cafe, gifts, childrens wildife activities and at weekends in winter.  Toilets are still open most days in winter.

Other popular Visitor Sites within Clyde Muirshiel - Scotlands largest Regional Park are:

Castle Semple Visitor Centre & Country Park, on the shores of Castle Semple Loch in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire. The Centre is on sustrans cycle route 7 from Paisley/Glasgow to/from Irvine and only 1 mile form Lochwinnoch Railway Station. There is seasonal aqua trike, row boat and mountain bike hire as well as walks in Parkhill Wood, the designed landscape woodlands of the Semple Clan. Ask the Castle Semple Rangers about the Parkhill Challenge a treasure-hunt style activity suitable for all the family.

Castle Semple is the only Outdoor Activity Centre in the area, it is recognised by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority to deliver water sports such as RYA sailing and power boating, BCU kayaking and canoeing. Other outdoor adventure activity courses and group taster sessions include mountain biking, archery, navigation and raft building. Contact tel 01505 842 882 for details.

Muirshiel Visitor Centre & Country Park, is only 4 miles from Lochwinnoch in the heart of the Regional Park with easy access to great walking in Hen Harrier country - the moors are home to one of Britains rarest Birds of prey.  These amazing bird nest in the heather moors of Clyde Muirshiel - they can be seen on live TV during the breeding season if there is a technically suitable nest site.  Recorded highlights and an exhibition on their special protection area can be seen at any time.

The wonderful scenery includes the heather hills of Misty Law and Hill of Stake (522m) or moorland views and walks to the now disused Barytes mine. The child friendly walk to the volcanic plug of Windy Hill (316m) has great views over the Clyde and towards Glasgow. Or stay in the woods of the Country park and follow a way marked trail, they vary in length from the 2km (1 hour) country, 1km (20 min) habitat or 500m (20 min) waterfall trail, looking out for wooden art works and the poetry trail.