Scenic trail gets £860k makeover

A £860,000 revamp of a popular scenic trail has been completed.

The upgrades at Semple Trail Heritage Project in Lochwinnoch have been praised by councillors on the Planning and Property board meeting.

The main aim of the project was to deliver visitor improvements to the park and establish a series of ‘heritage destinations’ along the 15km trail linking the villages of Howwood and Lochwinnoch.

The restoration of key heritage features such as the 300 year old category B-listed cascades, ice house, cave and grotto and the creation of two new footbridges and a new fishing/ viewing platform were also identified as achievements.

The project included activities for more than 2,500 visitors through ‘Windows on Wildlife’ which allowed nature lovers to observe wildlife in their natural environments via cameras.

Councillor Terry Kelly, convener of the planning and property board, said: “The Semple Trail Heritage Project has been a resounding success and has improved opportunities for learning and leisure in the area while bringing its rich heritage to life.

“The works have also been welcomed by visitors with more than 90% of those surveyed believing they have made the trail more accessible and enjoyable.

“The positive public reaction to the improvements at Castle Semple Country Park further help to promote Renfrewshire as a great place to visit with an impressive range of attractions.”

The project took four years to complete and was delivered through a £860,000 funding package secured from Heritage Lottery Fund, Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire LEADER, Historic Environment Scotland, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, RSPB and Legacy 2014.

Support was also provided by the South Renfrewshire Access Network Initiative.