A new 10km walking and cycling route through the Seven Lochs Wetland Park is set to be officially launched this Saturday (June 2).
As part of Scotland’s largest nature and heritage park, the Seven Lochs Trail links Hogganfield Park in Glasgow with Drumpellier Country Park in North Lanarkshire. The route leads to some of the Seven Lochs’ most significant heritage and cultural sites, including the fantastic medieval building of Provan Hall.
With new sign posting to allow visitors to discover and explore the park’s hidden heritage, the trail mixes well-surfaced lochside and woodland paths as well as short stretches along quiet roads.
The launch on Saturday will be marked by a series of family friendly events from 11am to 4pm at three sites within the Seven Lochs area – Hogganfield Park, Provan Hall and Drumpellier Country Park.
These include guided walks that focus on the heritage and nature of Seven Lochs area; a guided bike tour from Hogganfield, Provan Hall or Drumpellier Country Park; and free bike hire along with a range of other activities.
Visitors will also have the chance to view new nature sculptures at Cardowan Moss, take part in a big bug hunt at Bishop Loch and experience Iron Age life at Drumpellier. For those just wanting to take a time out, there’s tea and cake at historic Provan Hall!
Councillor Maureen Burke, Chair of the Seven Lochs Partnership, views the wetland park as being at the start of an amazing journey.
She said: “Over the next few years our partnership will develop new trails and create places where you can discover and learn about the nature that survives and thrives in the park. The Seven Lochs Trail is the first of a range of heritage and nature trails that will make the park a great place for people to visit and enjoy.
“Seven Lochs is home to a wealth of wildlife as well as being a window to over 10,000 years of history. From the birdlife of Hogganfield Loch to the a roe deer at Bishop Loch, or the Iron Age crannogs to the medieval Provan Hall, the park has many stories to tell.
“Seven Lochs is easily accessible from Scotland’s road and rail network. The park really is heritage and nature on your doorstep, a place to discover and explore, or just relax and enjoy the fresh air.”
