January - June 2017 Feeling Fitter 32 part of Renfrewshire Walking Network Wednesday and Community Walks around Renfrewshire In association with
Why Should I Go Walking? Walking is a great way to stay healthy and benefits are plentiful. Below are a few of the benefits that you can expect to 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 and cholesterol Increases self confidence Keeps the brain active Why not build up your walking programme If you are starting out on your first walk build up your fitness gradually and join one of the many health walks in your local community, meet lots of new friends and chat while the miles disappear 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 health walk 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 which incorporates all levels adding in rougher ground, longer time and distance walking but just as enjoyable with lots of company along the way! So whatever level you start at there is a walking group in Renfrewshire for you.
Welcome Let me introduce you to Feeling Fitter 32! I am delighted to offer you another exciting programme which hopefully will give you hours of walking and chatting with your friends. I hope you enjoyed the anniversary celebrations on the last campaign and it was great to catch up with you all. As always, please look out for and support the special events as they happen throughout the year. At The Renfrewshire Walking Network we are proud to work with our partners and the links have strengthened through the years and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved: The fantastic Volunteer Walk Leaders who give up their valuable time and without whom we wouldn t have a successful programme. The Renfrewshire Walking Network Committee who work behind the scenes securing funds to enable the programme to operate Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers who share their wealth of knowledge with us Forestry Commission who are a valuable partner to the Network The Community Mental Health team who help us make a difference! Paths For All who support the walking programme on a national level and finally... Not forgetting the many organisations and partners who have funded us through the years and supported the walking programme in its many forms from low level walks to community events. The Renfrewshire Walking Network is supported by Renfrewshire Leisure. I hope you enjoy Feeling Fitter 32 Happy Walking Everyone Thank you for your continued support Senga McLeod Senga McLeod Renfrewshire Leisure Community Activity Officer 3
Health Walking Groups In Your Local Community LOCHWINNOCH Every Monday meeting at McKillop Centre at 10.30am FERGUSLIE Every Monday meeting at St Ninians Church at 11.00am GLENBURN/FOXBAR Every Tuesday meeting at Glenburn Parish Church at 10.30am ERSKINE Every Tuesday meeting at Bargarran Community Centre at 10.30am BARSHAW PARK Every Thursday meeting at the middle entrance (café) at 10.30am JOHNSTONE Every Thursday meeting at Johnstone Town Centre (next to bandstand) at 10.30am. RENFREW Every Thursday meeting at Robertson Park Gates on Inchinan Road at 10.30am. LOCHFIELD Every Thursday meeting at Lysleland Church in Rowan Street at 10.30am. STROLL IN THE PARK Every second Tuesday at Paisley Town Hall at 11.00am starting on 17 January and fortnightly thereafter (for more information on this walk pattern please call Senga 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! 4
Level 1(A) 11 January ELDERSLIE JOLLY (CIRCULAR 6.2KM/3.9MLS) Join us today for a stroll around the historic village of Elderslie, the birthplace of William Wallace. The walk is on tarmac pavements & cycle track except for one short track which may have puddles and there are some gentle slopes. Comfortable shoes should be worn. Walk starts from the Wallace Monument in Elderslie at 10.30am. 25 January BREDILAND & THE CANDREN BURN (CIRCULAR 4.1KM/2.5MLS) Join us today as we venture around the Foxbar area where there is a lot of history for us to discover and enjoy. Our walk is mainly flat but as Foxbar sits on a hill we may encounter a slight incline. Comfortable shoes are advised. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Foxbar Community Centre 8 February ANNUAL 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 be encouraged to walk at their own pace. The village will resound with Scots songs which we will sing along the way. Everyone is 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 5
22 February GLENBURN MEANDER (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS) Join us today as we wander through the streets of Glenburn. Learn about the local history as we meander our way through the streets. This walk is mainly on surfaced paths and comfortable shoes are 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 March GARDEN DANDER (CIRCULAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) Today we will visit a few gardens one of which was gifted to the people of Paisley by one of the town s most prominent families. The walk is mainly on paved surfaces and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk Starts at 10.30am at West Primary School 22 March ALL PARKED OUT! (LINEAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) Today our walk will take us through a couple of Paisleys parks as wee wander from one end of Paisley to another. This walk is flat for the most with a small incline to negotiate near the end of the walk but time and care will be taken. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall 5 April PARK LIFE (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.5MLS) Today we will visit one of Paisleys unsung parks where we can discover some of the towns history from there we will wander through the grounds of the old RAI as we make our way back to the start. Walk Starts at 10.30am at the Charleston Centre, Neilston Road 6
19 April FOUNTAIN, 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 visit the newly refurbished fountain in one of Paisleys oldest parks! Walk Starts at 10.30am outside Paisley Town Hall 3 May EAST END AMBLE (CIRCULAR 5.0KM/3.0MLS) Today we will venture in to the east end of the town and visit Mansion 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 so comfortable shoes should be worn. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall 17 May DISCOVER THE AULD PAISLEY (CIRCULAR 4.0KM/2.8MLS) Today take a step back in time and visit places to discover what they used to be in times gone by. Paisley was once a bustling town full of industry, churches and prominent family houses. This walk may have a few inclines to negotiate but time and care will be given to them. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall 7
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 a lovely cuppa in the centre. This walk is on surfaced paths and comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 10.30am at the Carrick 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 the famous Greenock Cut. This walk is on track and comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended. This annual event raises funds for local charities and if you have one thats special to you then please let 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 we embark on a journey back in time and visit some of their legacies. This walk is mainly flat although may involve a slight incline and comfortable shoes are recommended. Walk Starts at 10.30am at Paisley Town Hall 8
Level 1(B) 11 January MICHAELS MURAL ADVENTURE (PART 1) (5.0KM/3.0MLS) Glasgow has a fantastic array of street murals. We will visit the 1st half of these impressive creations. These works are ephemeral by nature they are created, recreated and lost as buildings move into and out of use some of the murals may change or be removed in the future. We will end the 1st part of this trail at Cowcaddens. This walk is on paved surfaces and comfortable footwear is recommended. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Glasgow Central Railway Station low level 25 January MICHAELS MURAL ADVENTURE (PART 2) (5.0.KM/3.0MLS) Glasgow Murals Trail part deux the 2nd half of this mural walk visits many of the more impressive creations within the city centre; the artworks give great focus to an exploration of the city on foot. The walk will end today at Glasgow Central Railway Station and comfortable footwear is advised. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Cowcaddens Underground 9
8 February ANNUAL 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 be encouraged to walk at their own pace. The village will resound with Scots songs which we will sing along the way. Everyone is 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 February ACROSS THE BORDER (LINEAR 6.4KM/4.0MLS) Join us today as we meet at the library in town centre, from there we will walk along the Clyde Walkway to the local nature reserve as we continue our journey to the village of Inchinnan, to the viewpoint overlooking the airport and old airship factory, continue on towards Renfrew. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Erskine Library, Bridgewater Shopping Centre. 8 March PARKHILL WOODS POTTER (CIRCULAR 5.5KM/3.5MLS) A stroll round Parkhill woodland from one end to the other.visiting the viewpoint on top of Park Hill itself, Highland and Hunter's paths before exiting at East End gate and joining the cycle track and returning to the centre along the loch shore path. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Castle Semple Visitors Centre, Lochwinnoch 10
22 March LINWOOD WANDER (CIRCULAR 5.5KM/3.5MLS) Today our walk will take us to the village of Linwood and a flat terrain walk will take us through the Linwood Moss and on to the River Gryffe We will mainly be walking on country roads where there maybe farm traffic to contend with. Walking shoes/boots are recommended. Walk starts at 1.00pm at Napier Street bus stop. 5 April RENFREW RAMBLE (CIRCULAR 5.5KM/3.5MLS) Walking today in the historical Royal Burgh of Renfrew where we will wander through the park and meander along the old railway line making our way to the Clyde View Park before we return to our starting point Walk starts at 1.00pm at the Craigielea Road entrance, Robertson Park, Renfrew 19 April THE CASCADES &THE ICE HOUSE (CIRCULAR 4.5KM/2.8MLS) Today our walk will take us on a visit to the site where some of the work was carried out to conserve the historic features of the Castle Semple Estate. In particular the Catagory B listed cascade complex and the old ice house and cave which used to service the 'big house'.this walk may be muddy in places and comfortable footwear is advised Walk starts at 1.00pm at Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch 11
3 May DAMPTON PAD (CIRCULAR 5.5KM/3.5MLS) Our walk today takes us along quiet countryside roads, grassy trails and cycle track. This walk gives us excellent views over the Renfrewshire countryside. Some steep slopes and styles are to be negotiated and time and care will be taken. Stout shoes or boots are advised Walk Starts at 1.00pm at The Steeple in Kilbarchan 17 May DOON 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 the town we will wander through the delightful wooded Lynn Glen with its dramatic waterfalls, ruined mill and a place in Covenanting history. The route is on tarmac and well surfaced paths so comfortable shoes should be worn. Walk Starts at 1.00pm at Dalry Railway Station 31 May ALONG 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 the distance your most comfortable with! Heading down to Irvine today to visit the towns two main rivers The River Irvine and the Annick Water! The route is on mainly paved surfaces but maybe muddy in places depending on the weather. Comfortable footwear is advised. Walk starts at 1.00pm The Townhouse in the High Street 12
14 June POUND & PACE (CIRCULAR 14.9KM/7.9MLS) Today its all about charity as we put our best foot forward and venture around the famous Greenock Cut. This walk is on track and comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended. This annual event raises funds for local charities and if you have one thats special to you then please let 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 BRIDGE OF WEIR ADVENTURE (CIRCULAR 6.4KM/4.0MLS) Today our walk will concentrate on the Gryffe Valley and the village of Bridge Of Weir home of the leather works. Our walk will take us through paved and country paths which may be muddy in places and suitable footwear is advised Walk starts at 1.00pm at the Co-operative Store in Bridge of Weir 13
Level 2 11 January BG S GREEK MYSTERY TOUR (LINEAR 11.0KM/7.0MLS) Today we are going to take a walk from the West End to the centre of Glasgow with views of some of the architecture left to the city by one of its most eminent architects. Our walk will include a walk around the renowned Botanic Gardens before going on to the famous 60 steps and other examples of this architects work. We will finish our walk at Glasgow Central Railway Station. This walk is mainly paved and comfortable shoes are recommended Walk starts at 11.00am at the main Gate Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, West End 25 January BACK IN THE DAY! (CIRCULAR 12.3 KM/7.7ML) Today we follow the footsteps of the Abbey monks on their route to Neilston over Hunter s Hill to reach the Thornly Park Campus of UWS where we leave the monks route to head over to Glenburn & Foxbar before returning to the Abbey via the new & old cycle tracks. Most of the route is on tarmac but are two grassy sections one of which will be muddy so boots are recommended. Walk starts at 10.30am at Paisley Abbey 8 February ANNUAL TARTAN WALK (CIRCULAR 3.0MLS/5.0KM) 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 be encouraged to walk at their own pace. The village will resound with Scots songs which we will sing along the way. Everyone is 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 14
22 February GLASGOW MURALS TRAIL (CIRCULAR 9.0KM/6.0MLS) Glasgow has a fantastic array of street murals. These impressive creations decorate blank end walls and vacant buildings and help to transform otherwise less attractive corners of the city into striking public art works. This walk visits many of the most impressive creations within the city centre; the artworks give great focus to an exploration of the city on foot. These works are ephemeral by nature; they are created, recreated and lost as buildings move into and out of use; some of the murals may change or be removed in the future Walk starts at 11.00am at Glasgow Central Railway Station low level 8 March GREENOCK TOWN WALK (CIRCULAR 9.0KM/6.0MLS APPROX.) We start heading towards the docks before taking a dander along the esplanade 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 March LADYLAND & COCKSTON (CIRCULAR 12.8KM/8.0MLS) For our walk today we head for Kilbirnie where we head along the cycle track before ascending the road to Ladybank and the track to Cockston farm. After the farm we descend over rough possibly muddy ground along the Maich Water past the former dam to reach the road which takes us back to the start. Boots are recommended. Walk starts at 11.00am from the Tesco store in Kilbirnie. 15
5 April AYRSHIRE COASTAL PATH AYR ALONG TO TROON (LINEAR 15.0KM/9.5MLS) The coastal path north of Ayr becomes increasingly busy as the farmlands and rolling Carrick Hills give way to the once proud seaside resorts and industrial endeavour. This section leaves the historic port and county town of Ayr to follow the sandy bays past the airport at Prestwick to the ferry terminal at Troon, both responsible for drawing tourists away from their surrounding areas in the clamour for cheap holidays abroad! Walk starts at 11.00am at Ayr Railway Station 19 April AYRSHIRE COASTAL PATH TROON ALONG TO IRVINE (LINEAR 11.2 KM/7.0MLS) Today our coastal adventure will take us along an easy route which follows the promenade out of Troon before a stroll along the sandy Irvine Bay (don t forget your bucket and spade!) and into the Irvine harbour where we will return home by public transport. Comfortable shoes are advised. Walk starts at 11.00am at Troon Railway Station 3 May AYRSHIRE 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 to pass through the Three Towns of Stevenson, Saltcoats and Ardrossan. The route follows the national Cycle Network 7 and 73 for much of the walk. The walk is mainly on surfaced roads, cycle paths, promenades and sandy beaches. Walk starts at 11.00am at Irvine Railway Station 16
17 May AYRSHIRE COASTAL PATH ARDROSSAN ALONG TO WEST KILBRIDE (LINEAR 14.0 KM/8.5MLS) Leaving the industrial Three Towns behind this section of the coastal path rejoins the relative tranquillity of the sandy shore beneath farmland and the Craft Town of West Kilbride. The route is on surfaced paths, cycle paths, promenades and sandy beaches Walk starts at 11.00am at Ardrossan Railway Station. 31 May AYRSHIRE COASTAL PATH WEST KILBRIDE ALONG TO LARGS (LINEAR 14.5 KM/9.0MLS) Good paths lead along the shore from Portencross before the coastal path skirts beneath the massive hulks of Hunterston Power Station which dominates this area. It then leads onwards to the huge marina south of Largs. Farm tracks, surfaced paths and promenades are the order of this final day Doon The Ayrshire Coast! Walk starts at 11.00am at West Kilbride Railway Station 14 June POUND & PACE (CIRCULAR 14.9KM/7.9MLS) Today its all about charity as we put our best foot forward and venture around the famous Greenock Cut. This walk is on track and comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended. This annual event raises funds for local charities and if you have one thats special to you then please let us know! Entry fee is 1 please spread the word and bring along a friend. Pick up can be arranged from the station to the centre. Please call 0141 842 3000 to book a seat. Walk starts at 11.00am at Greenock Cut Visitors Centre 17
28 June REDISCOVERING THE GLENIFFER BRAES (CIRCULAR 12.8 KM/8.0MLS) Our walk today will take us from the Glen Lodge around the perimeter of the Gleniffer Braes Park taking in several of the reservoirs and high spots of the Park. We will get fantastic views over the Clyde 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. Glenfield Road, Glenburn 18
Health and Safety Health & Safety plays a huge part in the Renfrewshire Walking Networks programme and we strive to keep you safe and well at all times. Below are a few guidelines that we must insist are adhered to. This will enable us to deliver a safe walking environment for you to enjoy. Walkers are responsible for carrying water to every walk Walk descriptions must be read and a p p r o p r i a t e footwear worn Walkers may be refused to join the walk if not adequately dressed Medication is the responsibility of the walker 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 the right to change route of walk due to weather/path conditions All walks are led by qualified volunteer walk leaders who are working in partnership with Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers and Forestry Commision *All walk enquiries should be directed to: Senga McLeod (Community Activity Officer) on 0141 842 3000 The Renfrewshire Walking Network are actively looking for volunteers to join their team of walk leaders, anyone interested please speak to a leader 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 In association with