The Greenock Cut Walk
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 10.5 kms | 04:00 (hrs:mins) | 80 metres | Explorer 341: Greenock, Largs & Millport |
Description
This level walk is definitely best walked anti-clockwise for the best views of the Clyde, Loch Lomond, Cowal and Greenock.
Starting at Cornalees the track heads along the side of the compensation reservoir to Loch Thom Cottage, before rising slowly as it heads over Scroggy Bank and goes down hill, passing a number of reservoirs to Overton. The walk joins the Greenock Cut path, passing waterfalls, bridges & bothies as it contours along the hillside for 6.5km to Cornalees.
Access Info
By car: It is best to park at Cornalees Visitor Centre, Loch Thom, near Greenock. From the A78, south of Greenock (at the IBM factory) or north of Inverkip, follow the signs for Cornalees/Loch Thom going 3 miles up a minor road in Shielhill Glen.
Public Transport: It is best to start at Overton. (Parking is very limited)
By train: Drumfrochar Station (Wemyss Bay line from Glasgow Central) and walking 1km up hill past Overton Primary School and taking a left after the school.
By Bus: A local bus service operates from Greenock Town Centre to Overton.
Additional Info
The Greenock Cut is a 6.5km aqueduct that carried water from Loch Thom to the town of Greenock to provide people with drinking water as well as power for the industries. It was built by Robert Thom in 1825-27 and is now a designated ancient monument. The Cut did have 23 bridges, some of which have been restored, plus sluices and bothies along it's length. It also provides access onto Dunrod Hill (298m).
The Long Dam still exists at what was the end of the journey for the Loch Thom water. The water was then diverted along a line of falls to the factories of Greenock.
Cornalees Visitor Centre at either the start/end or midway point on the walk provides a useful stopping point with light refreshments, gifts, toilets, a meeting room and a Countryside Ranger Service. (Check Regional Park website for Visitor Centre opening times, toilets generally open daily all year round)
Wildlife: Birds of prey, foxes, a vast number of different plants & plenty of water life in The Cut.
