Shielhill Glen, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

Start: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre (PA16 9LX) Grid ref. 247 721

(S/E) From the Visitor Centre cross the road to join ‘Greenock Cut Trail’. You’ll cross over a modern reconstruction of the sluice gate used to control water going into the Greenock Cut. Follow the path for 500m and you will see a junction and steps down to the Nature Trail.

(1) Follow the path as it winds its way down the hill and through the woods until you get to a wooden gate. From the gate continue on the raised board walk to climb the steps up onto the Kelly Cut.

(2) At the top of the steps turn left and follow the Kelly Cut all the way along to the road and the Visitor Centre.(S/E)

Start: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre (PA16 9LX) Grid ref. 247 721
Route description is anti-clockwise and follows black and white waymarkers.

Waymarkers: Waymarked with black and white arrows.

Terrain: On whin dusted trail, board walk and gravel path. Parts of the Kelly Cut are very muddy in wet weather, with 228 wooden steps and five gates.

Maps: OS Map 1:25000 Explorer 341 or 1:50000 Landranger 63

Find more walks and information at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park website here.

The area is a semi ancient woodland and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is filled with birch, oak, ash and rowan. Look out for ancient oak trees, estimated to be 300 - 400 years old!

Flora includes species such as pendulous sedge, opposite-leaved golden saxifrage and great horsetail. The grass of parnassus can be found in many parts of the site.

Fauna: The glen is home to roe deer, foxes, badgers, buzzards and stoats.

Handy hint : Walk clockwise to go down the 228 steps. Look out for the hidden “woodspirits”.