Parkhill Wood, Castle Semple Country Park

Start : Johnshill car park, Lochwinnoch (What3Words: slurs.disarmed.extend) NS Grid ref NS 353 589

(S/E) Start in Johnshill field carpark and head East through the gate into Johnshill field. Follow the path East, keeping left at the fork. You will come to a gap in the stone wall, continue through the gap into the woodland and continue to follow the path down a gentle slope then over the wooden bridge. Continue left as you cross the bridge and carry on straight (North-North-East), by passing the path up the hill.

(1) At the Junction (waymarked by a boulder with red triangles) continue on the right-hand path (East-North-East).

(2) At the next junction turn right for the first pulse raiser, walking up the steep slope (South). Take a moment to catch your breath whilst taking in the views over Castle Semple and Barr Loch's at Parkhill. Continue down the slope keeping right.

(1) Keep right as you once again pass the boulder-waymarked junction.

(2) Pass the second junction for the second time, take the left path this time (East-North-East) and continue, keeping left.

(3) After 540m, pass through the 'H-shaped' crossroads, keeping left. Where the path splits, take the right path and continue up the slope for a short distance. Turn right heading South-West. Carry on a short distance until you reach a fork.

(4) At the fork keep left to continue up the slope for the second pulse raiser. Keep right (any left turns on this path will take you into Courtshaw maze with its 50 passages), eventually walking down the slope. Please note that the path is narrow with a steep drop to the right. At the base of the slope turn left and continue for just a few paces.

(5) Cross the second wooden bridge right. Continue past the Grotto and carry on up the slope turning left at the junction.

(2) Carry on, keeping to the right at this junction.

(1) At the junction (waymarked by a boulder with red triangles) keep left. Continue, keeping right as you by-pass the path up the hill. Carry on (South-South-West) back over the first wooden bridge, through the gap in the stone wall, and eventually back to the car park.(S/E)

Start : Johnshill car park, Lochwinnoch (What3Words: slurs.disarmed.extend) NS Grid ref NS 353 589

Parking: Parking is free

Transport: Lochwinnoch train station is approx 1.2 miles from the start point. The closest bus stop is on Crawfurds View approx 0.1 miles from the start point.

Facilities: Castle Semple Country Park visitor centre is approx 0.5 miles from the start (https://clydemuirshiel.co.uk/about/park-...) and is open daily 10am-5pm with coffee, light refreshments, ice cream and snacks. Outdoor Toilets open 9am-4pm daily. Lochwinnoch town centre is approx 0.3 miles from the start and has a variety of shops and cafes.

Terrain: Whilst the paths are well maintained this is a typical woodland track so be prepared for some slippery conditions. Walking boots or shoes are recommended.
The paths are suitable for walking and cycling.

Additional: The woodland is maintained by Clydemuirsheil Ranger Service. There are waymarker posts throughout. There are few seating places to rest.

Alternative : There are opportunities for extending your walk. https://clydemuirshiel.co.uk/wp-content/...

Dog policy: This walk is dog friendly.

Nearby Castle Semple Loch has various water sporting opportunities.

The site is good for wildlife watchers.

The Ranger Service offers regular events and volunteering opportunities (https://clydemuirshiel.co.uk/visit/thing...).