Locherwood and Lady Muir Woodland, Clyde Muirshiel

A rough country and forestry route to the source of the Locher Water

Terrain

Mostly grassy paths, aggregate forestry roads but some extremely boggy sections. These may be caused by forestry works and if improved let us know!

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Car park on B789 between Lochwinnoch & Kilmacolm. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.5km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 126m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS352640

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There have recently been significant changes to the paths and roads in the vicinity of this walk due to forestry work - even the latest maps may not reflect these changes. Leave the car park along the obvious metalled road and follow this as it leads towards a private house. After a sharp left turn watch for a grassy path leading off the right up a short steep slope then down to a small stone footbridge over a surprisingly attractive rocky stream. From this point the route can be confusing due to a profusion of small paths, they all tend to reach the same path eventually, so don't despair! Continue along the path, crossing some small bridges.

Stage 2

After the second of these bear right towards a ruinous stone dyke, cross this and then up a steep (but short) slope to a T-junction with a wide track, where you should turn right. Follow this path to a waymarked junction directly beneath massive electricity pylons, turn left and follow the grassy path as it leads uphill through immature trees and two stone dykes. Just after the second, turn sharply right onto a narrower path. Ignore the next path on the right and cross the footbridge. The path leads between dense forestry and a wall and can be boggy in places, especially after rain. Follow the path as it turns left, then after a boggy 200m turn right to follow the burn. Pass a footbridge on the left (don't cross this) and keep the burn to the left.

Stage 3

Cross the next footbridge to continue in the same direction on the left bank of the burn before reaching a picnic bench slightly uphill. Suitably refreshed, follow the path past another footbridge on the right, but take the next bridge after around 800m and maintain the same heading on the right bank. Eventually a wooden bird hide will be reached, with a great view over a large clearing. This clearing contains the source of the Locher Water.

Stage 4

From the hide continue along the path as far as possible, if the path disappears keep to the right of the clearing and follow the forest ride as it leaves the clearing to the right. After 100m the path reaches a wide forestry road running right to left, cross this and head towards the wall and stile at the edge of the forest. From this point it is possible to cross the pathless moorland towards Windy Hill and end the walk at the Clyde Muirshiel Visitor Centre, or simply ascent Windy Hill and retrace your steps back to this point. Return to the crossroads and turn right along the wide aggregate road.

Stage 5

This section is reasonably straightforward, simply follow the wide road until it eventually funnels into a more familiar narrow grassy path. Follow this until a sharp left turn by a gap in the trees - investigate this to find another bird hide with a bench, a good spot to watch for black grouse and roe deer. Return to the path and follow the forest ride for around 1.5km. Recent forestry work has lead to poor drainage in this area and some particularly nasty quagmires that must be negotiated. Wet feet are a certainty without wellies or high boots.

Stage 6

Just before the forest ride ends at a gate, turn left and follow the path down to the footbridge passed earlier. Cross this and turn right to retrace your steps. When you reach the waymarker passed in paragraph 2 (where you took a sharp right turn) proceed straight ahead to join with another path from the left. Turn right and follow this towards a private house. Turn right where indicated (away from the house) then turn left after 30m and eventually rejoin the metalled road from the car park.

Walk description and photos: Phil Turner

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