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Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch

This straightforward loop climbs to a viewpoint giving superb views over Castle Semple and Barr lochs en route to the beautifully situated ruins of a collegiate church.

Terrain

Aggregate footpaths, narrow woodland paths and metalled cyclepath

Public Transport

Bus to Lochwinnoch. There is a rail station on the far side of Castle Semple loch.

Start

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.25km / 4 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 92m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS358590

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park, walk along the loch shore in front of the visitor centre and proceed along the obvious path past the sailing club compound, keeping the loch on your right and watching the various watersports taking place along the length of the loch. At the next path junction turn left uphill and cross the cyclepath (you'll be returning to this later), and then pass through the kissing gate to enter Parkhill Wood. Follow the path alongside the trickling burn before turning left at the first junction to cross a footbridge. After around 500m this narrow path reaches a small pond and stone grotto with seats.

Stage 2

Just beyond the grotto the path reaches a T-junction, turn left along this and in a few metres turn left again to head uphill towards the summit of Park Hill. Once out of the trees there are superb views across three lochs - the nearest is Castle Semple Loch, just beyond Barr Loch, and far in the distance is a glimpse of Kilbirnie Loch.

Stage 3

From the summit of Park Hill continue along the path with the fence on your left before turning sharply right and re-entering the woods. Take the left-hand path at the second junction as it climbs to offer views over the valley. Take the right fork to head down the hill towards a footbridge, cross this and turn left at the T-junction to enter a section of dense canopy of rhododendrons beneath a small yew-covered hill. After crossing a footbridge continue straight ahead ignoring the path to the right to reach a T-junction next to a gate. Turn left, through this gate, to a kissing gate at the edge of the woodland. Pass through the kissing gate and carry on along the farm track.

Stage 4

Eventually the ruins of the Collegiate Church, founded in 1504, will be encountered on the right and can be accessed via a gate. The church is a well-preserved example of Early Gothic apart from the missing roof, and enjoys a beautiful setting. Continue along the track towards an ornate former railway bridge - do not pass through this, rather turn sharply right and proceed up a tarmac ramp towards the cycle track encountered earlier.

Stage 5

This cycle track runs along a former railway, and is therefore particularly flat and popular with both cyclists, joggers and walkers. Turn right and proceed along this track for around 1.5km until the crossing point in paragraph 2 is reached. It is possible to retrace your steps from this point back to the car park, otherwise continue along the cycle path, both are the same distance. If the cycle path is followed, eventually the visitor centre will come into view on the left, immediately followed by a ramp down to the car park.

Walk description and photos: Phil Turner

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Coronavirus pandemic

Stay at home

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Maps, App and GPS

Get route in Viewranger - the
Walkhighlands app for offline use

WANT TO SPONSOR THIS ROUTE?

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Walk description and photos: Phil Turner

Enjoyed this walk route or find Walkhighlands useful?

Route Profile

Coronavirus pandemic

Stay at home

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Maps, App and GPS

Get route in Viewranger - theWalkhighlands app for offline use

WANT TO SPONSOR THIS ROUTE?

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Walk description and photos: Phil Turner

Enjoyed this walk route or find Walkhighlands useful?

Route Profile

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Get route in Viewranger - the
Walkhighlands app for offline use