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Lochwinnoch Loop Line

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From - to: Paisley Canal train station to end of the railway path in Glengarnock

Type: Mainly traffic-free apart from a short on-road section through Elderslie

Access: Paisley Canal, Johnstone, Howwood, Lochwinnoch and North Glengarnock train stations

Surface: Tarmac

National Cycle Network route numbers: Route 7 Route 75

Lochwinnoch Loop Line

This 14 mile footpath and cycleway forms part of the Lochs and Glens Cycle Route and makes use of dismantled railway lines running west from Johnstone. Starting at Paisley Canal, the route travels west to Johnstone along a traffic-free path passing Elderslie, birthplace of William Wallace, where there is a short on road section. From Johnstone, the railway path continues south-west to Kilbarchan, passing the villages of Lochwinnoch and Kilbirnie, and Castle Semple, Barr and Kilbirnie Lochs.

Castle Semple Loch is a nationally recognised site for wild birds and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Castle Semple Country Park is an excellent location for walking, cycling and water sports - mountain bikes and boats are available to hire from the visitor centre. You can take a short detour from Lochwinnoch (head towards the railway station) to the Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve where there are viewing hides, nature trails and a café.

There are several train stations along the route making it easy to shorten the route or take the train back to your starting point. There is a gentle climb south from Lochwinnoch towards Kilbirnie.

Local attractions:

Bike hire:

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