Scotland’s ‘Right to Roam’
In Scotland you will not come across ‘NO TRESPASSING’ signs. Residents and visitors to Scotland have the right to access most land and inland water including mountains, moorland, woods and forests, grassland, fields, rivers and lochs, coastal areas, most parks and open spaces, golf courses (to cross them), day and night, providing you do so responsibly. You can also undertake pastimes, family and social activities, horse riding, walking, cycling, climbing and wild camping.regardless of the landowners wishes. Everyone has the Right to Roam.
This right does have limitations and responsibilities. You do not have the right of access to school playing fields, building sites, gardens close to houses, fields with crops. You must also access land responsibly – closing gates, not walking too close to homes, being mindful of lambing sheep, leaving no trace. Note that ‘lambing’ also covers the period after the lambs are born. If you walk through a field of sheep with young lambs they are likely to scatter. Whilst some ewes will reunite with their lambs, many will just be abandoned. Spring 2020 saw 17 lambs abandoned in a nearby field in a single weekend after an irresponsible hillwalker thought that walking through the sheep quietly and without a dog would cause no harm. Not all the lambs survived. Give sheep with lambs a wide berth.
With this in mind, Rosie’s Cottage lies adjacent to Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, 280 km2 of moorland, woodland, hills and rivers. Just cross the road at the bottom of the drive and begin your roaming.
Fishery Track – Easy – 1km
A nice and easy dog walk along a gravel track up to the site of the old Maich Fishery. The dam failed a few years ago and the fishery no longer exists. Begin by walking down the drive, across and up the hill towards East Auchenhean Cottage. The track is on the left across from the cottage (50m). Continue through the gate, along the track and up to the gates at the farm shed. The track is fenced off from the field but is not 100% dog proof. Take care during lambing season (March-June). and keep dogs under control.
You can either turn here and come back the same route (approx 40 mins walk), or continue on the circular route below, approx 2 1/2 hours).
Ladyland Circlar Walk – Moderate – 6km
This walk can begin via the fishery walk above, or through the Ladyland Estate.
At the bottom of the drive turn left and down for 300m to the entrance of Ladyland Estate on the right. Go through the gates, up the driveway and follow the road off to the right and around the converted stable blocks. Go through the gate and keep following the track. Eventually you will reach a number of sheep pens and Cockston Farm, an old farmhouse which has been partly renovated but lies empty. The track turns to the left up to and past the farmhouse. From there it continues up the hill, across a burn and eventually down to a bridge across the Maich River.
From the bridge you can turn left and walk across Muirshiel to Mistylaw and Hill O Stake, or turn right and follow the grassy trail. It can be difficult to see the trail, but keep high, and walk towards the sheds in the distance. It eventually crosses a stone wall and links up with the fishery route above.
The walk is moderate in difficulty, wet underfoot at times, and across moorland with roaming sheep and deer. During lambing season the sheep tend to be lower down in the fields, but if you see sheep/lambs please do not walk through them. Dogs should be under control.
Castle Semple Centre
In the village at Castle Semple Loch. Parking on-site. Seasonal bike hire available, Circular walk/ride along the loch shore and cycle track. Access to Parkhill Woods for trail walks. Small cafe in the centre.
Muirshiel Centre
Leave Lochwinnoch heading towards Kilmacolm and follow the signs to Muirshiel Centre. It is a small wooden information centre and from there there are various walks and trails around the local Muirshiel area. Walk along the boardwalk and up Windy Hill. Follow the mine track and then on to Mistylaw. Find the hidden Queenside Loch.
Locherwood Community Woodland
Leave Lochwinnoch heading towards Kilmacolm and follow the signs to Muirshiel Centre. It is a small wooden information centre and from there there are various walks and trails around the local Muirshiel area. Walk along the boardwalk and up Windy Hill. Follow the mine track and then on to Mistylaw. Find the hidden Queenside Loch.