This fine circuit explores the native deciduous woodland of the Shielhill Glen, a site of Special Scientific Interest. It then climbs to return along a section of the Kelly Cut with views out over the Firth of Clyde.
Bog Factor
Waymarked paths; long sections of wooden boardwalk with steps.
Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
None to start.
NS247721
Park at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, where there are public toilets and refreshments. Begin by turning right back along the entrance track to the road junction, then keep straight ahead onto the path opposite and go downhill and through the gate and over the bridge before turning right to follow the north bank of Kip Water. The path maintains a straight course as the river valley deepens, offering excellent views through the thickening deciduous woodland to the river below. At a junction the main path turns right to join the Greenock Cut; for our route, take the path straight ahead, passing to the left of small picnic area to descend into the Shieldhill Glen.
The glen is a site of Special Scientific Interest for its remnant of semi-ancient broadleaf woodland. The path soon crosses a whole series of wooden boardwalks as it continues down the attractive glen.
Deep in the woodland the walker is surrounded by native silver birch, oak, ash and rowan. Three footbridges are crossed before the path turns left through a gate, now ascending many boardwalks which climb with steps out of the glen and onto the open moor.
The path emerges at a t-junction with the footpath which follows the Kelly Cut - a 19th Century aqueduct supplying Loch Thom that today links the loch with the Kelly Reservoir above Upper Skermorlie. Turn left along the path by the cut - there are old sluices to be seen, and several benches for enjoying the excellent views, which include a view over the Firth of Clyde. The path soon leads back to the visitor centre at the start of the walk.
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