Glennifer Braes Walk
by Rona Simpson
Length: 6.4 miles with 700ft of elevation
Duration: 2-3 hours
Rating: Moderate
Points of Interest: Tannahill Well, rare species including waxcap mushrooms, spectacular views, Glen Park Willow Arch and Craigielinn Waterfall
*Click here for a downloadable map
The Walk
A fantastic walk up and down the braes through varied habitats with spectacular views.
The walk starts at Brownside Farm Car Park and follow the path up. You will pass the Glen Park Willow Arch and follow on into the woodland. Glen Park is home to some wonderful mature semi-natural woodland and a host of different bird and plant species. Look out for Herb Robert and Red Campion within the woods. Both indicators of areas of ancient woodland. Treecreepers are said to favour these woods too. They love mature trees which provide good cover and plenty of food.
The path expands into open grasslands. Here you may also spot kestrel, meadow pipit and skylark. However, much of the grassland has been leased to farmers. Do be aware of cattle in these areas and be especially careful if you come during calving season. Give the cattle plenty of space and keep dogs on leads. The grazing controls vegetation, disturbs soil and increases biodiversity in the area. Look out for field pansies, eyebright and the locally rare waxcap fungi.
At the top of the Braes there is a great bench with spectacular views over Paisley and towards the Kilpatrick Hills. Stop here for a wee refreshment to enjoy the view if the weather permits. Continue on passing Sergeant Road and Gleniffer Road and not long after this turn back on yourself for the return journey. Many different loops are possible on the way back. Consider detouring to the Tannahill Well and also perhaps plan a stop at the Craigielinn Waterfall.
Cultural Interest:
Tannahill Well and Walkway
Robert Tannahill was a famous poet born in Paisley. He lived from 1774 until 1810. His poem Braes O’ Gleniffer celebrates this amazing area. There is a well and walkway built in the park to commemorate him, which are worth visiting too.
“Keen blaws the wind o’er the Braes o’ Gleniffer.
The auld castle’s turrets are cover’d wi’ snaw;
How chang’d frae the time when I met wi’ my lover
Amang the broom bushes by Stanley green shaw.”
