The Critical Walker

Kelvingrove and the West End

Distance: 5 km

Date: Thursday 7th October 2009.

Weather Conditions: Sunny and Crisp

Temperature: 11C

Guidebook: Glasgow - 40 Town and Country Walks

Critique:

Castle Semple Loch & Parkhill Wood

 

Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km

Date: Saturday 25th April 2009

Weather Conditions: Sunny & dry, light breeze

Temperature: 15-19 C 

Ordnance Survey Map: Landranger 63 (Firth of Clyde)

Guidebook:   Pathfinder Guide - Glasgow, the Clyde Valley, Ayrshire and Arran (Jarrold Publishing, 2007)

Critique:

This walk mainly follows the old route of a railway track and is therefore quite flat and easy going. However, this also means that the walk can be quite boring at times, especially if you are walking unaccompanied and without the distraction of a conversation with a companion. The most interesting parts of this walk were the deviations away from the  railway route into Parkhill Wood, and to Castle Semple Collegiate Church. Parkhill Wood in particular was enjoyable, if a little muddy at times. I was lucky enough to see early Bluebells.

Walkers should note that the metal gate in Parkhill Wood referred to in the guidebook, where you are given insructions to turn left is now missing, but the gate posts are still in evidence. If you miss them, it is not the end of the world, as the gate a little way further up the hill is not too far away and you quickly realise that you have gone past where you should be and can turn around back to the turning point.

The worst point of this walk is where you turn down to walk alongside the Loch on the return route. If it is a reasonable day, the midges are horrendous. They are so thick, you cannot avoid breathing them in, which is most unpleasant. You may wish to reconsider the guidebook' s instructions to turn down towards the Lochside, and continue along the old Railway route back to the car park, in order to give the midges a miss.