VisitWe’re spoilt for choice with woodlands in Renfrewshire.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly walk or somewhere to find peace and calm, our local woodlands have you covered.
Here are five of Renfrewshire’s woodlands for you to explore.
Parkhill Woods, Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch
With a grotto, sculptured benches, a woodland totem and rhododendron maze, Parkhill Woods is a great place to explore.
The trails are a mix of wide paths and winding single-track with a variety of undulations.
Some of the trails are on uneven ground and can be muddy after rain. Some of the higher paths feature steep climbs, so good footwear is recommended.
Visit between April and May for a stunning carpet of bluebells.
Parking is available at Johnshill, PA12 4EH, or at Castle Semple Loch, with a short walk along the loch shore trail or along the cycle path.
Locherwood Community Woodland
Locherwood is a beautiful network of trails with views stretching across Renfrewshire.
The woods are home to an abundance of wildlife, including roe deer and black and red grouse.
There are two main circular walks – a 2km Locherwood trail and the longer 7km Ladymuir trail.
Both trails are on uneven and rough ground and can be muddy after rain. Parts of the longer trail can be very boggy, so walking boots are recommended.
Parking is just off the B756.
Tor Bracken, Howwood
A stunning woodland cared for by the Forestry Commission Scotland.
This mixed and open woodland is home to a variety of wildlife.
The main path is surfaced and climbs steadily to reveal beautiful views over Howwood and the surrounding countryside.
There is a network of smaller grass trails to explore, and a beautiful bench viewpoint worthy of a pause.
Access is off Carsewood Avenue in Howwood, and parking is on street, so please park respectfully.
Boden Boo Woods, Erskine
With a great network of trails and Renfrewshire’s only sandy beach, Boden Boo is a popular spot for dog walking, picnicking, and paddling.
The trails are smooth and wide, with a few moderate slopes and inclines.
The Erskine bridge, which towers above the park and spans the River Clyde, is a grade one listed building and offers fantastic views of Erskine, Glasgow and beyond.
Boden Boo car park is off the A726, Erskine PA8 6AX.
Bluebell and Rannoch Woods, Johnstone
Originally part of the estates surrounding Johnstone Castle, Bluebell Woods and neighbouring Rannoch Woods are a wooded parkland with 4 ½ miles of meandering paths.
The trails are surfaced but can get muddy after rain.
At the top of the woods is a connecting path which takes you into Windy Hill, past the Brandy Burn and up into the Gleniffer Braes Country Park. This link path is very steep and good footwear is recommended.
Bluebell Woods are only 800m from Johnstone Railway Station, so a perfect excuse to leave the car at home.