Visit the beautiful Braes – with outstanding views and amazing spaces.
Sitting just to the south of Paisley and Johnstone, Gleniffer Braes Country Park makes for a great day out. With a mixture of terrain, from intimate woodlands to wide open moorland, there is so much to explore.
The Braes were once a favourite walking place of Robert Tannahill. Known as the ‘Weaver Poet’, he is one of Paisley’s most famous sons. He found much inspriation in the landscape and was often found wandering in his evenings.
The wildlife of the park is typical of woodland and moorland – birdwatchers are in for a treat. Birds regularly seen include skylarks, meadow pipits, kestrels and sparrowhawks in addition to tit families feeding in the treetops along with goldcrest and chaffinches. As dusk falls, shy roe deer step from the shadows to graze, and tawny owls can be seen hunting for small mammals such as bank voles and woodmice.
The country park is also a fantastic place for picnics with the stunning scenery and wildlife acting as a beautiful backdrop for mid-walk refreshments. Colourful wild flowers include heath spotted orchid, wild pansy and tormentil on the grasslands, and red campion and herbs in the woodlands.
Renfrewshire Council Ranger Service regularly lead guided walks through the park if you would like to know more during your visit.
Things to know before you visit the Glennifer Braes Country Park
Highland coos and cattle are used across the park to control vegetation and preserve biodiversity. Renfrewshire Council have a handy map for areas where cattle can be found grazing. If you are walking with a dog, or want to avoid the cattle, please check the map, and the information on the council page before you go.
As with any outdoor adventure in Scotland, when you are enjoying the outdoors, you must follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.