Castle Semple Loch
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 8 kms | 03:00 (hrs:mins) | 70 metres | Explorer 341 - Greenock Largs and Millpport |
Description
A mix of excellent flat paths and narrower woodland paths, some muddy sections, no stiles, but some gates. From the visitor centre walk along the shore of Castle Semple Loch north eastwards.
At the path junction with a lifebuoy and sign, turn left, cross the cycle track, go through the kissing gate and follow the path into Parkhill Wood. At the first junction turn left over a footbridge. After about 500m pass a pond and grotto. Just beyond the grotto turn left at a T junction, then left again after a few metres. Follow the path uphill, out of the trees. Continue along the path, dropping downhill, back into woodland for 100 m, fork left and climb gradually along the edge of the wood - views across the valley to Howwood. After some seats fork right downhill, over a footbridge, and left at a T junction, then left along a narrower path through rhododendrons. After 500m cross a stone footbridge, go up to a T junction, turn left along the main track. Go through a kissing gate and along the farm track, past old fishponds on the left and the Collegiate church on the right - worth a visit.
Continue along the track beyond the church, then turn right through a small gate just before the old railway bridge. Go up the ramp onto the cycle track. Turn right to return to Castle Semple Centre, or left to the bridge parapet to see what remains of Castle Semple House, and then return along the cycle track to Castle Semple Centre which you will see on the left, between the track and the loch.
Access Info
Walk begins at Castle Semple Centre, 500 m from the centre of Lochwinnoch, just off the A760 Glasgow/Largs road. Signposted from the A760.
Rail - Lochwinnoch Station is 1.5 km from the start, hourly service from Glasgow through Paisley and Johnstone to Ayrshire.
Bus - Gillens/Key (no 307) between Lochwinnoch Centre and Johnstone.
Additional Info
Parkhill Wood was part of a large formal estate founded by the Sempill family. From the top of Park Hill three lochs are visible - Castle Semple, Barr Loch and in the distance to the right of Beith's church tower, Kilbirnie Loch. In good visibility you might see Ailsa Craig 70 kms away in the Firth of Clyde.
