Glasgow & Surroundings

Kilmacolm

Scotland's Highlands & Islands - Rough Guide

Photos of a circular bike ride from Kilmacolm

through Milton Wood

along the Gryffe River Valley cycle track to Quarrier's Village

then back around minor country roads

with a diversion and hike up to the trig point above Kilmacolm.

The Old Kirk in Kilmacolm

The parish church was mainly constructed in 1831

and incorporates a 13th century chancel.

It is a B-listed building

and an example of the Gothic Revival style.

Kilmacolm Churches

Fishing Pond in Milton Wood

at Kilmacolm

Geograph - Fishing Pond in Milton Wood

Weir on Gryffe River

Gryffe River Valley cycle track

from Kilmacolm to Quarrier's Village

Bridge over Gryffe River Valley cycle track

Gryffe River Valley cycle track

Sculptures on the Gryffe River Valley cycle track

Cadet Bridge over the Gryffe River

Mount Zion Church in Quarrier's Village near Kilmacolm

Quarrier's was constructed as the Orphans Homes of Scotland
in the late 19th century by the philanthropist William Quarrier.

The orphans' homes and associated buildings have now been converted
into private housing and expansion has taken place
with residential development.

A charity under the name of Quarriers
continues the work of the former homes
and is based within the village.

Stepend Bridge over the Green Water

The Green Water.

Trig point above Kilmacolm

Ben Lomond from trig point above Kilmacolm

Kilmacolm from trig point.

Knapps Loch

on the outskirts of Kilmacolm

from trig point

Gryffe River at Kilmacolm

Map of Kilmacolm and Surroundings

Route Map of Kilmacolm circuit

from "Hidden Hikes" (c) neilmacnair@ntlworld.com

KILMACOLM & QUARRIER'S VILLAGE - ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

Commence this 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.
There are several interesting sculptures along this cycle path and also seats and benches dotted along the route.
Continue along the cycle route until you reach the spur path signposted for Quarrier’s Village
and turn down this path for the world-famous village founded by the 19th century philanthropist William Quarrier
as a caring community for homeless children from Victorian Glasgow.
Quarrier’s Village remains a beautiful conservation village with its own community, businesses and attractions.
Take a walk around its elegantly landscaped grounds, visit the craft centre and coffee shop.
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.
On reaching the Village Cross, pay a visit to the prominently sited Kilmacolm Old Kirk, the burial site of the later Earls of Glencairn.
Part of the original 13th century church remains as the Murray Chapel.