Glenboig and Gartcosh
This area was part of Scotland’s industrial heartlands – with coal mining, brickworks and steel mills providing materials that were shipped around the globe. With the demise of heavy industries, nature has reclaimed the factory sites and wildlife is once again finding a way to survive and thrive. From Glenboig Life Centre on the edge of Garnqueen Loch, its an easy walk to explore Glenboig Village Park and Gartcosh local nature reserve.
Feeling more adventurous? Follow paths from Stepps and Cardowan to discover the wilder side of Seven Lochs at Garnkirk Moss.
Glenboig Life Centre
Glenboig Life Centre has been developed by Glenboig Development Trust as a hub for community activity, and the centre includes a café, shop, garden and bike project. The centre also has information and interpretation celebrating the local area’s rich industrial heritage.
Gartcosh local nature reserve
When Gartcosh Steel Works closed a population of great crested newt was discovered in ponds at the old steelworks site. Gartcosh local nature reserve was created to provide a home for these rare amphibians – and the reserve now supports Scotland’s largest population of this protected species. It also provides important habitat for other amphibians, water vole, dragonflies and wetland plants.
Garnkirk Moss
Garnkirk Moss is the largest area of peatland in the Seven Lochs. Old photos show that this area was once used to supply peat for industry. Although this has left the peatland in poor condition you can still find peatland plants – such as the insect-eating sundew – and the atmospheric mix of birch woodland, heathland and wetland makes this one of the wilder parts of the park.
Johnston Loch
The wooded margins of Johnston Loch make it a great place for wetland birds like coot, tufted duck and grey heron. In summer the loch has a fantastic display of water lilies. The loch is also a trout fishery – so you’ll sometimes see fisherman casting their lines across the water.
Strathkelvin Railway Path
The Strathkelvin Railway Path (National Cycle Route 755) passes through Glenboig Village Park and follows the old Strathkelvin railway line – which closed in 1966. The route is mostly traffic free, family-friendly, and links the Forth and Clyde Canal at Kirkintilloch to Strathblane village.
Glenboig Village Park
Opened in 2004, Glenboig Village Park is a great example of local community action to improve green spaces. There’s a well-equipped play area and picnic benches, and woodland paths take you up to the remains of Inchneuk Tower and offer great views over the surrounding farmland.
Glenboig Life Centre is at 110 Main St, Glenboig, ML5 2RD. It is a 30 min walk / 15 min cycle through Gartcosh local nature reserve from Gartcosh Station. Local buses stop outside the Centre.
For more information visit Traveline Scotland.
