Gryffe Valley Way part 1 - Loch Thom to Kilmacolm

Designated as an Ancient Monument, The Greenock Cut is an aqueduct built in the 1820s to supply water from Loch Thom to Greenock. The 11.5km route is full of interesting features which is probably why it has been rated one of the top 50 walks in Scotland! It is an easy walk along surfaced minor roads, gravel tracks and grassy footpaths. You will be rewarded with fantastic views to Greenock, Gourock, the River Clyde and the southern Scottish mountains.

Family-friendly woodland walk. A haven for many birds and animals this lovely circular offers a chance to walk part of the historic Kelly and Greenock Cuts as well as taking in a semi ancient woodland.

Circumnavigate Inverclyde’s largest loch with fine views across the Parks moorlands and hills. First known as the Great Reservoir or Little Caspian, it was later renamed in honour of the engineer who designed the Greenock Cut, Robert Thom.

Good trails take you along to Corlic Hill summit (303 m / 994 ft) on the north-eastern perimeter of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, less than an hour's drive from Glasgow. On a clear day you will enjoy exceptional views down into the Clyde Valley, across to the Cowal Peninsula and over towards the southern Highlands. The return section takes you past the ancient ruins of Burnhead and Glenbrae farmsteads and between the tranquil Gryfe reservoirs. 

Strone Hill overlooks the village of Strone and offers superb views over the Firth of Clyde and its sea lochs. On a clear day, it is possible to see over to Arran, the Arrochar Alps and down the Clyde to Inversnaid Tarbet Glasgow.

By combining the High and Low route options of the Ayrshire Coastal Path at Largs, you can create this circular route to the top of Knock Hill (268m / 879 ft) and back again. Enjoy panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Cowal Peninsula, southern Highlands, Isle of Cumbrae and Arran, as well as down into the town of Largs itself.

This walk connects the highlights of Toward on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyle and Bute. It includes a coastal walk, ruins, a lighthouse and small quay. The views along the coast are breath-taking.

Starting at the ferry slip on the Isle of Cumbrae, you will head uphill to the Glaid Stone, the island’s highest point, before descending into Millport. From here you walk back via the quiet Ferry Road. Along the way enjoy the views across to the Isle of Bute, Isle of Arran, Little Cumbrae and the hills of Ayrshire. You will pass several small lochs, a mineral well and the Cathedral of the Isles (Britain’s smallest cathedral). Not forgetting the famous Crocodile Rock!