Walk of the week: Greenock Cut

THERE is no other way of saying it, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park is in a difficult position – lying right next to the industrial sprawl of Greenock.

However, excellent paths, information boards and leaflets combine with an area of great natural beauty to make a brilliant contrast to the urban landscape. A visit is definitely one of peace and quiet in the countryside and well worth it.

This route starts by following a couple of reservoirs, then dropping down through hills to the Greenock Cut.

Designated an Ancient Monument, the cut was built under the supervision of civil engineer Robert Thom in the 1820s to supply water from Loch Thom to Greenock.

This not only gave the townsfolk something to drink but also helped establish the industry that became key to the economy of the whole of Great Britain. It was used until 1971 and has recently been restored and had footpaths upgraded through Lottery funding.

As you walk along the cut, look left to see the bleak moorland from which the aqueduct was hewn.

Two bothies are passed along the way – these were used by labourers who were employed to keep the water in the cut from icing up or being covered by snowdrifts. The first part of the walk on the Overton track past Loch Thom and over hills is best described as inland and is more peaceful than the cut – in spring, cuckoos and skylarks can be seen and heard. The second part, beginning at Overton, brings great views over the sprawl of Greenock, the Firth of Clyde and Cowal as you follow the cut back round to the visitor centre.

A good leaflet is available from the information board at Cornalees Visitor Centre, explaining the history of the cut and the route of this walk. If you don't have much time, there is also a much shorter nature trail above a deep gorge beginning at the visitor centre – leaflets are available for this as well.

Conditions underfoot are good but it can be slippy and a little muddy after rain so good footwear is important. Remember also that, although you are close to an urban area, the length of the walk means the weather can change, so warm clothing and a waterproof are a good idea.

Distance 6.5 miles.

Height climbed Largely flat but one uphill section of about 150ft near the start.

Time 2 to 2.5 hours.

Map OS Landranger 63.

Park Follow the A8 into Greenock then take the A78 Inverkip Road – signed to Irvine and Largs. After passing an IBM plant go left, following signs to Loch Thom. After about half a mile go left, and another mile and a half down the road park at Cornalees Visitor Centre.

You can catch a bus from Greenock close to the cut at Overton and begin the walk there – halfway along the route described. Contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or www.travelinescotland.com for details of service providers and times.

Walk Follow a track past the Ardgowan Fishery building, along Compensation Reservoir. Pass a cottage at a dam on Loch Thom, go through a metal gate and follow the track uphill and to the left. At a junction of tracks go straight on then ignore a track going left.

Go through a metal gate and past a couple of smaller reservoirs to a metal kissing gate next to a cottage. Go through this and turn left, following Greenock Cut all the way round (about four miles) to a road at Shielhill Farm. Cross the road and follow a path by the cut on the other side. Ignore a trail going right and leave the cut at a road opposite Cornalees Visitor Centre.

Refreshments You can get tea and coffee at the visitor centre at weekends – during the week as well after April 1. Otherwise, head for Inverkip, where the Chartroom serves good food next to Kip Marina. You can also try the Inverkip Hotel. In Wemyss Bay, opposite the ferry terminal, you will find the popular Seaview Cafe, owned by the Nardinis.

While you are in the area If the weather is fine, head to Inverkip Marina or Wemyss Bay for some sea air and views across the Firth of Clyde.