Howwood

Visit Howwood, a classical village set in attractive countryside. 

With its own railway station, and great road links, it’s easy to visit Howwood and discover it for yourself.

One of the villages’ most popular attractions is the luxury Bowfield Hotel and Country Club. With delicious food and drink offerings, and playing host to top class weddings, holidays and spa days, there’s something for everyone at the Bowfield.

Keen anglers will find that The Howwood Trout Fishery provides an excellent location for a spot of fishing. Walkers and runners can explore the Semple Trail which links Howwood to Lochwinnoch. The 8 mile trail takes in minor roads, vast views and peaceful woodlands. Keen cyclists will find great riding around the village, with National Cycle Route 75 running close by.

Like most of Renfrewshire, Howwood has deep historical links to thread and cotton. The vast areas of flat land around the village made it perfect for bleaching works. These bleaching works supplied materials to mills around the area, including Paisley and Johnstone. Many of the residents of the village at the time worked in these larger mills, making Howwood a very early version of a commuter town.

When driving past the village on the A737 or on the train from Glasgow to the coast, you’ll easily spot the striking Kenmure Hill with it’s ruined Temple perched on top. Steeped in mystery, the temple was built around 1760 for local landower Colonel William McDowell. However, there is no record of what it was origially used for. Rumors have said it was once a summer house, or a prison, or a cattle shed. Whatever it used to be, there’s no denying how amazing the view from the top is, and it’s well worth exploring.