Wednesday and Community Walks around Renfrewshire

Feeling Fitter32part of Renfrewshire Walking Network

January - June 2017

In association with

Walking is a great way to stay healthy and benefits areplentiful. Below are a few of the benefits that you can expectto gain by maintaining a level of walking which suits your

ability.

• Helps control weight• Builds and maintains healthy bones,

muscles and joints• Improves the function of your heart and lungs

• Relaxes you• Reduces signs of stress and anxiety• Gives you more energy• Reduces high blood pressure andcholesterol

• Increases self confidence• Keeps the brain active

Why not build up your walking programmeIf you are starting out on your first walk build up your fitnessgradually and join one of the many health walks in your localcommunity, meet lots of new friends and chat while the milesdisappear and before you know, it’s time for a well earned cuppa,whilst reflecting on your morning’s exercise.

Community Health Walks Low Level Flat Walks - lasting up to 1 hour.

Next on the programme is Level 1A which is slightly longer than your healthwalk but you know you are ready for the challenge!

Moving on to Level 1B which is slightly more adventurous than the last level,incorporating more inclines and walking for a slightly longer distance.

Last level on the Renfrewshire Walking Network programme is Level 2 whichincorporates all levels adding in rougher ground, longer time and distancewalking but just as enjoyable with lots of company along the way!

So whatever level you start at there is a walking group inRenfrewshire for you.

Why Should I Go Walking?

Let me introduce you to Feeling Fitter 32! I am delighted to offer you another exciting programme which hopefully willgive you hours of walking and chatting with your friends. I hope you enjoyedthe anniversary celebrations on the last campaign and it was great to catch upwith you all. As always, please look out for and support the special events asthey happen throughout the year. At The Renfrewshire Walking Network we are proud to work with ourpartners and the links have strengthened through the years and I would like totake this opportunity to thank everyone involved: The fantastic Volunteer Walk Leaders who give up their valuable time andwithout whom we wouldn’t have a successful programme. The Renfrewshire Walking Network Committee who work behind thescenes securing funds to enable the programme to operateClyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers who share their wealth ofknowledge with usForestry Commission who are a valuable partner to the NetworkThe Community Mental Health team who help us make a difference!Paths For All who support the walking programme on a national level andfinally ...Not forgetting the many organisations and partners who have fundedus through the years and supported the walking programme in itsmany forms from low level walks to community events. The Renfrewshire Walking Network is supportedby Renfrewshire Leisure.I hope you enjoy Feeling Fitter 32Happy Walking Everyone Thank you for your continued support

Senga McLeodRenfrewshire Leisure CommunityActivity Officer

Senga McLeod

Welcome

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LOCHWINNOCHEvery Monday meeting at McKillop Centre at10.30am

FERGUSLIEEvery Monday meeting at St NiniansChurch at 11.00am

GLENBURN/FOXBAREvery Tuesday meeting at Glenburn ParishChurch at 10.30am

ERSKINEEvery Tuesday meeting at Bargarran Community Centre at 10.30am

BARSHAW PARKEvery Thursday meeting at the middle entrance (café) at 10.30am

JOHNSTONEEvery Thursday meeting at Johnstone Town Centre (next to bandstand) at 10.30am.

RENFREWEvery Thursday meeting at Robertson Park Gates on Inchinan Road at 10.30am.

LOCHFIELDEvery Thursday meeting at Lysleland Church in Rowan Street at 10.30am.

STROLL IN THE PARKEvery second Tuesday at Paisley Town Hall at 11.00am starting on 17 January andfortnightly thereafter (for more information on this walk pattern please callSenga McLeod on 0141 842 3000)

All walks last approx. 1 hour and are suitable for everyone

Look out for new walks starting in a community near you !

Health Walking Groups In Your Local Community

11 JanuaryELDERSLIE JOLLY (CIRCULAR 6.2KM/3.9MLS)

Join us today for a stroll around the historicvillage of Elderslie, the birthplace of

William Wallace. The walk is ontarmac pavements & cycle trackexcept for one short trackwhich may have puddles andthere are some gentleslopes. Comfortable shoesshould be worn.Walk starts from the

Wallace Monument inElderslie at 10.30am.

25 JanuaryBREDILAND & THE CANDREN BURN (CIRCULAR 4.1KM/2.5MLS)Join us today as we venture around the Foxbar area where there is a lot ofhistory for us to discover and enjoy. Our walk is mainly flat but as Foxbar sitson a hill we may encounter a slight incline. Comfortable shoes are advised. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Foxbar Community Centre

8 FebruaryANNUAL TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS)Come along and join us on this popular annual event,where you are in for a morning of fun, laughter and song!The walk is suitable for everyone and walkers will beencouraged to walk at their own pace. The village willresound with Scots songs which we will sing along theway. Everyone is encouraged to wear a piece of tartanto get into the spirit of the event!Walk Starts at 11.00am at Castle SempleVisitor Centre

Level 1(A)

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22 FebruaryGLENBURN MEANDER(CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS)Join us today as we wander throughthe streets of Glenburn. Learnabout the local history as wemeander our way through thestreets. This walk is mainly on

surfaced paths and comfortable shoesare advised but there may be a few inclines

to negotiate and time and care will be taken. Walk Starts at 10.30am at the LDS Church on

Glenburn Road, just beyond the speed cameras.

8 MarchGARDEN DANDER (CIRCULAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS)Today we will visit a few gardens one of which was gifted to the people ofPaisley by one of the town’s most prominent families. The walk is mainly onpaved surfaces and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk Starts at 10.30am at West Primary School

22 MarchALL PARKED OUT! (LINEAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS)Today our walk will take us through a couple of Paisleys parks as wee wanderfrom one end of Paisley to another. This walk is flat for the most with a smallincline to negotiate near the end of the walk but time and care will betaken. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall

5 AprilPARK LIFE (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS)Today we will visit one of Paisleys unsung parkswhere we can discover some of the towns historyfrom there we will wander through the grounds ofthe old RAI as we make our way back to the start.Walk Starts at 10.30am at the CharlestonCentre, Neilston Road

19 AprilFOUNTAIN, RIVER & WALKWAY DANDER (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS)Today we will visit the white cart as it flows through the centre of Paisley we

will follow it in parts as we meander our way to visitthe newly refurbished fountain in one of

Paisleys oldest parks!Walk Starts at 10.30amoutside Paisley Town Hall

3 MayEAST END AMBLE(CIRCULAR5.0KM/3.0MLS)Today we will venture in to the

east end of the town and visitMansion House Road where the

dignitary back in the day used to live!!From there we will visit another place of interest

before making our way back to the start. This walk is on surfaced paths and socomfortable shoes should be worn. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall

17 MayDISCOVER THE AULD PAISLEY (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.8MLS)Today take a step back in time and visit placesto discover what they used to be in timesgone by. Paisley was once a bustlingtown full of industry, churches andprominent family houses. This walkmay have a few inclines to negotiatebut time and care will be given tothem.Walk Starts at 10.30am atPaisley Town Hall

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31 May HOUSTON SAUNTER (CIRCULAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS)Today our walk will visit the tranquil village of Houston where we will explore

the quiet streets and green spaces, finished off with alovely cuppa in the centre. This walk is on

surfaced paths and comfortable shoes areadvised.Walk starts at 10.30am at theCarrick Centre Houston

14 June ANNUAL POUND & PACE(CIRCULAR

14.9KM/7.9MLS)Today its all about charity as we put our

best foot forward and venture around thefamous Greenock Cut. This walk is on track and

comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended. This annual event raisesfunds for local charities and if you have one thats special to you then pleaselet us know! Entry fee is £1 please spread the word and bring along a friend. Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Cut Visitors Centre

28 June OOR WEE TOON (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS)Today our walk remembers some of Paisleys inspirational people as weembark on a journey back in time and visit some of their legacies. This walk ismainly flat although may involve a slight incline and comfortable shoes arerecommended.Walk Starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall

11 JanuaryMICHAELS MURAL ADVENTURE

(PART 1) (5.0KM/3.0MLS)Glasgow has a fantastic array of streetmurals. We will visit the 1st half ofthese impressive creations. These works are ephemeral bynature they are created,recreated and lost as buildingsmove into and out of use someof the murals may change or beremoved in the future. We will end the 1st part of this

trail at Cowcaddens. This walk is onpaved surfaces and comfortable

footwear is recommended.Walk starts at 1.00pm at Glasgow Central

Railway Station low level

25 JanuaryMICHAELS MURAL ADVENTURE (PART 2)(5.0.KM/3.0MLS)Glasgow Murals Trail part deux the 2nd half ofthis mural walk visits many of the moreimpressive creations within the city centre;the artworks give great focus to anexploration of the city on foot. Thewalk will end today at Glasgow CentralRailway Station and comfortablefootwear is advised.Walk starts at 1.00pm atCowcaddens Underground

Level 1(B)

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8 FebruaryANNUAL TARTANWALK (CIRCULAR5.0KM/3.0MLS)Come along and join us onthis popular annual event,where you are in for amorning of fun, laughter andsong! The walk is suitable foreveryone and walkers will beencouraged to walk at their ownpace. The village will resound with Scotssongs which we will sing along the way. Everyoneis encouraged to wear a piece of tartan to get into the spirit of the event!Walk Starts at 11.00am at Castle Semple Visitor Centre

22 FebruaryACROSS THE BORDER (LINEAR 6.4KM/4.0MLS)Join us today as we meet at the library in town centre, from there we willwalk along the Clyde Walkway to the local nature reserve as we continue ourjourney to the village of Inchinnan, to the viewpoint overlooking the airportand old airship factory, continue on towards Renfrew. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Erskine Library, Bridgewater ShoppingCentre.

8 MarchPARKHILL WOODS POTTER (CIRCULAR 5.5KM/3.5MLS)

A stroll round Parkhill woodland from one end to theother.Visiting the viewpoint on top of Park Hill

itself, Highland and Hunter's paths beforeexiting at East End gate and joining thecycle track and returning to thecentre along the loch shore path.Walk starts at 1.00pm atCastle Semple VisitorsCentre, Lochwinnoch

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22 MarchLINWOOD WANDER(CIRCULAR5.5KM/3.5MLS)Today our walk will take us to thevillage of Linwood and a flat terrain

walk will take us through the LinwoodMoss and on to the River Gryffe We will

mainly be walking on country roads wherethere maybe farm traffic to contend with. Walking

shoes/boots are recommended.Walk starts at 1.00pm at Napier Street bus stop.

5 AprilRENFREW RAMBLE (CIRCULAR 5.5KM/3.5MLS)Walking today in the historical Royal Burgh of Renfrew where we will wanderthrough the park and meander along the old railway line making our way tothe Clyde View Park before we return to our starting point Walk starts at 1.00pm at the Craigielea Road entrance, Robertson Park, Renfrew

19 AprilTHE CASCADES &THE ICE HOUSE (CIRCULAR 4.5KM/2.8MLS)Today our walk will take us on a visit to the site wheresome of the work was carried out to conserve thehistoric features of the Castle Semple Estate. Inparticular the Catagory B listed cascadecomplex and the old ice house and cavewhich used to service the 'big house'.Thiswalk may be muddy in places andcomfortable footwear is advisedWalk starts at 1.00pm at CastleSemple Visitor Centre,Lochwinnoch

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3 MayDAMPTON PAD(CIRCULAR5.5KM/3.5MLS) Our walk today takes usalong quiet countrysideroads , grassy trails and cycletrack. This walk gives us excellentviews over the Renfrewshire countryside.Some steep slopes and styles are to be negotiatedand time and care will be taken. Stout shoes or boots are advisedWalk Starts at 1.00pm at The Steeple in Kilbarchan

17 MayDOON THE LYNN GLEN & PEDEN’S PULPIT (CIRCULAR 4.8 KM/3.0ML)Today we head to the town of Dalry where after a stroll through part of thetown we will wander through the delightful wooded Lynn Glen with itsdramatic waterfalls, ruined mill and a place in Covenanting history. The route ison tarmac and well surfaced paths so comfortable shoes should be worn.Walk Starts at 1.00pm at Dalry Railway Station

31 MayALONG THE TWO RIVERS

(CIRCULAR 9.0KM/6.0MLS)Come along and test yourself today on this slightly longer

walk there are plenty of leaving points so walk thedistance your most comfortable with! Headingdown to Irvine today to visit the towns twomain rivers The River Irvine and the AnnickWater! The route is on mainly pavedsurfaces but maybe muddy in placesdepending on the weather. Comfortablefootwear is advised.Walk starts at 1.00pm TheTownhouse in the High Street

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14 JunePOUND & PACE(CIRCULAR14.9KM/7.9MLS)Today its all about charity as weput our best foot forward andventure around the famousGreenock Cut. This walk is on trackand comfortable walking shoes/boots arerecommended. This annual event raises fundsfor local charities and if you have one thats special toyou then please let us know! Entry fee is £1 please spread the word andbring along a friend. Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Cut Visitors Centre

28 JuneBRIDGE OF WEIR ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 6.4KM/4.0MLS)Today our walk will concentrate on the Gryffe Valley and the village of BridgeOf Weir home of the leather works. Our walk will take us through paved andcountry paths which may be muddy in places and suitable footwear is advisedWalk starts at 1.00pm at the Co-operative Store in Bridge of Weir

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Level 211 JanuaryBG’S GREEK MYSTERY TOUR (LINEAR 11.0KM/7.0MLS)Today we are going to take a walk from the WestEnd to the centre of Glasgow with views of someof the architecture left to the city by one of itsmost eminent architects. Our walk will include awalk around the renowned Botanic Gardens beforegoing on to the famous 60 steps and other examplesof this architects work. We will finish our walk atGlasgow Central Railway Station. This walk is mainlypaved and comfortable shoes are recommended Walk starts at 11.00am at the main Gate BotanicGardens, Glasgow, West End

25 JanuaryBACK IN THE DAY! (CIRCULAR 12.3 KM/7.7ML)Today we follow the footsteps of the Abbey monks on their route to Neilstonover Hunter’s Hill to reach the Thornly Park Campus of UWS where we leavethe monks’ route to head over to Glenburn & Foxbar before returning to theAbbey via the new & old cycle tracks. Most of the route is on tarmac but aretwo grassy sections one of which will be muddy so boots are recommended.Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Abbey

8 FebruaryANNUAL TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 3.0MLS/5.0KM)

Come along and join us on this popular annual event, where you are infor a morning of fun, laughter and song! The walk is suitable

for everyone and walkers will be encouraged to walk attheir own pace. The village will resound with Scotssongs which we will sing along the way. Everyone isencouraged to wear a piece of tartan to get intothe spirit of the event!Walk Starts at 11.00am at Castle SempleVisitor Centre

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22 FebruaryGLASGOW MURALS TRAIL(CIRCULAR 9.0KM/6.0MLS)Glasgow has a fantastic array of street murals.

These impressive creations decorate blank endwalls and vacant buildings and help to transform

otherwise less attractive corners of the city into strikingpublic art works. This walk visits many of the most impressive creations withinthe city centre; the artworks give great focus to an exploration of the city onfoot. These works are ephemeral by nature; they are created, recreated andlost as buildings move into and out of use; some of the murals may change orbe removed in the future Walk starts at 11.00am at Glasgow Central Railway Station lowlevel

8 MarchGREENOCK TOWN WALK (CIRCULAR 9.0KM/6.0MLS APPROX.)We start heading towards the docks before taking a dander along theesplanade by the River Clyde. We make our way through the town looking at Greenock's industrial past before visiting a couple of cemeteries, parks and encountering various statues along the way. This walk is mainly on pavements and tracks, with some hills en-route. Wear comfy shoes.Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Central Station

22 MarchLADYLAND & COCKSTON (CIRCULAR 12.8KM/8.0MLS)For our walk today we head for Kilbirnie where we head along the cycle trackbefore ascending the road to Ladybank and the track toCockston farm. After the farm we descend overrough possibly muddy ground along theMaich Water past the former dam toreach the road which takes us backto the start. Boots arerecommended. Walk starts at 11.00am fromthe Tesco store in Kilbirnie.

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5 April AYRSHIRE COASTALPATH AYR ALONG TO TROON(LINEAR 15.0KM/9.5MLS)The coastal path north of Ayr becomesincreasingly busy as the farmlands and rollingCarrick Hills give way to the once proud seaside resorts and industrialendeavour. This section leaves the historic port and county town of Ayr tofollow the sandy bays past the airport at Prestwick to the ferry terminal atTroon, both responsible for drawing tourists away from their surrounding areasin the clamour for cheap holidays abroad!Walk starts at 11.00am at Ayr Railway Station

19 AprilAYRSHIRE COASTAL PATHTROON ALONG TO IRVINE (LINEAR 11.2 KM/7.0MLS)Today our coastal adventure will take us along an easy route which follows thepromenade out of Troon before a stroll along the sandy Irvine Bay (don’t forgetyour bucket and spade!) and into the Irvine harbour where we will returnhome by public transport. Comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 11.00am at Troon Railway Station

3 MayAYRSHIRE COASTAL PATH IRVINE ALONG TO ARDROSSAN (LINEAR 14.5KM/9.0MLS)This section of the Ayrshire Coastal path has an industrial air. It leaves Irvine topass through the Three Towns of Stevenson, Saltcoats and Ardrossan. The route

follows the national Cycle Network 7 and 73for much of the walk. The walk is

mainly on surfaced roads, cyclepaths, promenades and sandybeaches.Walk starts at 11.00amat Irvine RailwayStation

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17 May AYRSHIRE COASTALPATHARDROSSAN ALONG TOWEST KILBRIDE (LINEAR14.0 KM/8.5MLS)

Leaving the industrial Three Townsbehind this section of the coastal path

rejoins the relative tranquillity of the sandy shorebeneath farmland and the Craft Town of West Kilbride. The

route is on surfaced paths, cycle paths, promenades and sandy beachesWalk starts at 11.00am at Ardrossan Railway Station.

31 MayAYRSHIRE COASTAL PATH WEST KILBRIDE ALONG TO LARGS (LINEAR 14.5 KM/9.0MLS)Good paths lead along the shore from Portencross before the coastal pathskirts beneath the massive hulks of Hunterston Power Station whichdominates this area. It then leads onwards to the huge marina south of Largs.Farm tracks, surfaced paths and promenades are the orderof this final day “Doon The AyrshireCoast”!Walk starts at 11.00amat West KilbrideRailway Station

14 JunePOUND & PACE(CIRCULAR14.9KM/7.9MLS)Today its all about charity as we put our bestfoot forward and venture around the famous Greenock Cut. This walk is ontrack and comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended. This annualevent raises funds for local charities and if you have one thats special to youthen please let us know! Entry fee is £1 please spread the word and bringalong a friend. Pick up can be arranged from the station to the centre. Pleasecall 0141 842 3000 to book a seat. Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Cut Visitors Centre

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28 JuneREDISCOVERING THEGLENIFFER BRAES(CIRCULAR 12.8KM/8.0MLS)Our walk today will take us fromthe Glen Lodge around theperimeter of the Gleniffer BraesPark taking in several of thereservoirs and high spots of the Park.

We will get fantastic views over theClyde Valley and up to the Arrochar Alps to

the the north and the Clyde estuary to the west.We may even see a few highland coo's! Footwear

appropriate to rough path walking is required. Walk starts at 11.00am Gleniffer Braes Glen Lodge. GlenfieldRoad, Glenburn

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Health & Safety plays a huge part in the Renfrewshire Walking Networksprogramme and we strive to keep you safe and well at all times. Below are afew guidelines that we must insist are adhered to. This will enable us to delivera safe walking environment for you to enjoy.

• Walkers are responsible forcarrying water to everywalk

• Walk descriptionsmust be read anda p p r o p r i a t efootwear worn

• Walkers may berefused to join the

walk if not adequatelydressed

• Medication is the responsibility of thewalker but must be close at hand if required during the walk

• ALL health forms MUST be completed before walking

• Walkers are walking at their own risk and leaders reserve theright to change route of walk due to weather/path conditions

Health and Safety

All walks are led by qualified volunteer walk leaders who are workingin partnership with Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers andForestry Commision*All walk enquiries should be directed to:Senga McLeod (Community Activity Officer) on 0141 8423000The Renfrewshire Walking Network are actively looking for volunteersto join their team of walk leaders, anyone interested please speak to aleader on a walk or contact Senga on the above number.For all travel enquiries call: 0871 200 22 33 (Travel Line Scotland)

www.renfrewshireleisure.com

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