WALK 7


ROUTE INFORMATION


Ordnance Survey Explorer 334, Landranger 64


Ample parking in Eaglesham


Start at Corner of Gilmour St and Polnoon St GR NS573521


Woodland, pavement, single-track road, farm track, moorland paths. Ballageich includes steepish ascent/ descent and a section of featureless plateau, which may require navigational skills in poor weather. The route crosses farmland so it is advisable to keep dogs on leads


None Kestrel, snipe, lapwing


Accommodation available locally


Various bars, cafes and restaurants in local area


Bus: First in Scotland Service 44


16 Glasgow to Eaglesham


EAGLESHAM & BALLAGEIGH


DISTANCE: 13km/8miles


TIME: 4 hours


GRADE: MODERATE


Autumn Colours, The Orry Glasgow from Fereneze Braes


At 333 metres Ballageich is East Renfrewshire’s highest point, its magnificent panorama extending for miles and its broad, featureless plateau home to a spectacular array of wildlife. The walk begins in Eaglesham, which became Scotland’s first village to be listed as a place of special historical interest due to its distinctive ‘A’ shaped design. The Orry, a beautiful slice of woodland, nestles within the village and sits in sharp contrast to the wildness of Eaglesham Moor. The route also passes near to North Moorhouse Farm, birthplace of Robert Pollok whose works include ‘Tales of the Covenanters’ and his colossal ‘The Course of Time’.


1


From corner of Gilmour Street/Polnoon Street bear L onto open grassland, walk past the Centenary Monument and a large elm tree. Turn R climb a path that crosses Mid Road into The Orry, which comprises predominantly of beech trees and looks superb in autumn. Walk through The Orry, with a burn and waterfall to the L to reach a roundabout at the corner of Polnoon and Montgomery Street.


2


Cross Montgomery St, turn R onto Moor Road, climb past Picketlaw Dam


(so named because Covenanters placed pickets here to warn of any approach from adversaries) and follow the road as it climbs steadily for a couple of miles passing Greenfield Cottage to reach a lay-by opposite Greenfield Farm.


3


Turn R here, cross a low gate and climb the steep path onto the wild


moorland of Ballageich. A path crosses the featureless, marshy plateau but peters out making it tricky in misty conditions. Continue in a westerly direction passing a small cairn signifying the highest point of Ballageich. A path is picked up again which swings L high above Bennan Loch. Once above its eastern end turn R and descend north down steepish slopes, cross a dilapidated wall to a fence at Bennan Loch, which is easily negotiated. A path runs above Bennan Loch to reach a draw-off tower. Turn R, go down some steps, cross a bridge, go through a gate, onto a farm track, which continues through wild countryside, crossing a cattle grid, to reach Lochcraig. Continue past the loch, pass through another gate and just before reaching


Lochcraig from Ballageich


South Moorhouse Farm turn R and follow a track to a gate. Go through here enjoying marvellous views of Arran and Ben Lomond to a fork. Take the R fork onto a grassy track, follow this through one more gate to reach East Moorhouse Farm.


4


Go through a gate, turn R onto a single-track road. Follow this through


open countryside passing an entrance road to North Moorhouse Farm to reach a fork. Take the R fork, follow the road past Bonnyton Golf Club then continue over a bridge, past North Kirktonmoor Farm and return to Moor Road. Turn L, walk back to Polnoon and Montgomery Street, bear R, descend Montgomery Street to finish at Gilmour Street.


17


© Crown Copyright and/or database right. All rights reserved. Licence number 100050260


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13