Kilmacolm and Quarrier’s Village

Time: 2 hours

Route:

Begin the walk in the village of Kilmacolm at the entrance to Duchal Woods on Lochwinnoch Road. Follow the track through the woods until you reach the old Greenock Road (B788). Turn left and continue across the River Gryffe at Milton Bridge as far as the old railway bridge, over which the Greenock to Paisley cycle route passes. Make your way onto the National Cycle Route 75 and head away from the village. Continue along the cycle route until you reach the spur path signposted for Quarrier’s Village and turn down this path. Return to the cycle track and head back towards Kilmacolm. Either continue along this route to The Pullman Tavern (the old Kilmacolm Railway Station) or rejoin the Old Greenock Road, this time heading uphill to the junction with the A761 and the picturesque Knapps Loch on the outskirts of Kilmacolm. After a stroll around the loch, continue into the village past the elegant mansion houses that are a feature of this conservation village.

Terrain: Mixture of level gravel paths, tarmac and grassy hills.

What to Bring: A camera to capture the stunning views. Your bag for life to have a look around Kilmacolm’s gift shops and restaurants. 

Look out for: 

• There are several interesting sculptures along the cycle path and also seats and benches dotted along the route.
• Quarriers Village is the world-famous village founded by the 19th century philanthropist William Quarrier as a caring community for homeless children from Victorian Glasgow.
• On reaching the Village Cross, pay a visit to Kilmacolm Old Kirk, the burial site of the later Earls of Glencairn. Part of the original 13th century church remains as the Murray Chapel.

Parking available in Kilmacolm Village.