Green havens with places to play, walk the dog or just enjoy the peace and quiet. These attractive patches of woodland are easy to get to from Renfrewshire’s busy towns.

Walk with company

If you like the idea of a walk in the woods but don’t know where to start, try a session with a local walking group. There are quite a few of them, and they often get together for a cup of tea or coffee after the walk if you like.

The forests of the

Renfrewshire

Tel: 0300 067 6600E-mail: enquiries.central@forestryandland.gov.scot

For more information

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The forests of

Renfrewshire

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A steep climb from the wee village of Howwood takes you to an open hillside with some of the best views in Renfrewshire.

See if you can spot the intriguing folly on Kenmure Hill down in the valley, and Ben Lomond or the Arrochar Alps on the horizon.

If you’re lucky, you might see a hare bounding through the grass. Up in the sky, planes flying in and out of Glasgow Airport make a dramatic sight.

The woodland is full of magnificent old beech and oak trees. Huge, moss covered stumps are clues that the woods have been here for hundreds of years. It feels like a place where fairy stories might come true.

Boden Boo

A green treasure tucked below the Erskine Bridge, this popular spot has many different paths to explore. There’s even a little beach by the river. It’s easy to find a favourite spot that feels like it’s just for you.

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Use #FoundMyForest on your pictures and videos, and we’ll share them on social media.

Find out more:forestryandland.gov.scot

For information on public transport services contact: Traveline Scotland, 0871 2002233 or www.travelinescotland.com

© Crown Copyright 2020

Autumn brings drifts of red and gold leaves to rustle through and a soft, rich perfume to the air. There may be fungi to find, the mysterious fruits of hidden networks underground.

Woods are wonderful in winter too. The trees give shelter from the wind, and the branches make intricate patterns against the sky.

In summer, see how many different wild flowers grow along your route. Try finding a sunny spot and gazing up through the leaves to the sky.

A place for all seasons

In spring, the woods are full of bird song and bright with fresh green leaves. The air smells fresh too, and the light is wonderfully clear.

Woods are great places to unwind and enjoy at any time of year. What will you find if you go down to the woods today?

For more information about walking groups in Renfrewshire, visit:

www.whatsonrenfrewshire.co.uk/activities/walking/

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Woodlands around Johnstone

Three different woodlands surround Johnstone, each with its own character. Some are so close to the town you can walk straight from the street into the trees.

Rannoch Wood

This wood was once part of the estate that belonged to Johnstone Castle – you can still see some of the old estate railings along Tower Road. We’ve recently cleared the undergrowth here, leaving an open woodland of tall beech trees and silvery birch.

While he was staying at Johnstone Castle, the famous Polish composer Chopin complained that his hosts were annoying and the weather was bad. Perhaps he would have felt better for a stroll through the trees!

Bluebell Wood

This pretty woodland is like Johnstone’s back garden. Explore the many paths to find sunlit clearings, dramatic rocky outcrops, and the wee Craigbog burn that flows through the wood.

In May, the place lives up to its name with drifts of bluebells among the trees.

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Windyhill

Close to the small car park on Auchenlodment Road, you’ll find some wonderful gnarled oak trees among mossy boulders.

Now they’ve got new neighbours: hundreds of saplings have been planted on the hillside leading to the Gleniffer Braes. Just beyond the southern end of the site you can find the Brandyburn waterfall, where the burn plunges down the rocky slope.

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Children from Auchenlodment Primary School are lucky to have the woods as an outdoor classroom. They’ve helped to plant new trees and put up nesting boxes for the birds.

Rannoch Wood

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Bluebell Wood

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Woodlands around Johnstone

Land Woodland

Forestry and Land Scotland

Other Woodland

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