Gleniffer Braes

Gleniffer Braes ("brae" being the Scots language word for the slope or brow of a hill) is a short range of hills and park area to the south of Paisley, Scotland which form the boundary of Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire.

Area
(Left) Tannahill's well (Right) Craigielinn waterfall

In the braes, is found the Robertson Country Park. The park is an upland area covering approximately 480 acres. It is mainly moorland but there is some woodland areas and hill farming areas. There is also woodland walk paths, streams and waterfalls, picnic areas, birdwatching sites and play equipment for children. Stunning views of Paisley and the lower Clyde Valley to Ben Lomond are offered from the park, specifically from Robertson car park (aka car park in the sky).[1] The area is situated on the edge of the Clyde plateau lavas, an interesting feature is Gleniffer gorge situated along the Tannahill walkway. It reaches some 50 feet deep in places and is eroded by the Gleniffer burn. Another feature is the Craigielinn waterfall in Glen park, where icicles can be seen hanging in winter.[2]

Wildlife

Cattle are used to control the vegetation and retain the wide open spaces within the park area. Birds that can be seen in the area include, skylarks, sparrowhawks, kestrels, goldcrests and chaffinches. Other animals include roe deer, woodmice, voles and tawny owls can be seen at night.[2]

View from the car park in the sky

History

The Park has associations with the 18th and 19th century weaver poets of Paisley. Robert Tannahill (1774-1810) and Hugh Macdonald (1817-1860) are commemorated by the Tannahill walkway and the Tannahill well, Macdonald's walks and the Bonnie wee well. The Lapwing lodge outdoor centre (formerly Peesweep) is situated on the braes. It was originally a sanatorium for Coats Mill workers and was built in 1910. The Red Cross and the Scouts used it for camping. It is now owned by the West Region Scout Council.[3] There was also a pub called the Peesweep Inn. It was converted to a private house in 1925 and further since demolished.[4][5] A major electrical substation is also here. It was expanded in 2005 and covers the site of the former WWII decoy ponds as well as a radio transmitter.[6]

Recreation

Visitors to the park can walk miles of paths through woodland and moorland areas. Some of the paths lead to wider walking networks out with the park, including Brandy Burn way and the Fereneze Braes paths. There is also a ranger service from the local council who provide guided walks. Cyclists and horse riders also use the park. Picnicking, dog walking, children's playing equipment, bird watching and kite flying can also be undertaken at the park. Seasonal activities include Easter egg rolling and sledging.[2]

References
  1. Product (2014-04-06). "World-famous Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally - Paisley Scotland". Paisley.org.uk. Retrieved 2014-05-22.
  2. "Gleniffer Braes Country Park - Renfrewshire Council". Renfrewshire.gov.uk. Retrieved 2014-05-20.
  3. "Lapwing Lodge". Lapwing Lodge. Retrieved 2015-01-03.
  4. "The Old Peesweep Inn and the Peesweep Club". Rlhf.info. 1999-02-22. Retrieved 2014-05-22.
  5. The Renfrewshire Magazine: 1846-7 pp26 - Peesweep Inn
  6. "Gleniffer Braes Decoy". Secret Scotland. 2013-04-07. Retrieved 2014-05-20.

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