Johnstone to Glengarnock (11 miles)
From Johnstone railway station, walk the length of the High Street to Morrisons supermarket at the far end. Pick up the signed railway path and head in the direction of Loch Winnoch. A minor early deviation takes us over the A737 and we soon return to the original trackbed. The setting becomes increasingly rural and there is a particularly attractive long stretch of shallow cutting. Look out for the folly atop Kenmuir Hill as we enter the boundaries of the Castle Semple Estate on a crenellated viaduct. Now a water sports centre, the former private grounds are now fully accessible to the public.
The historic collegiate church is close by and it's well worth making a short detour to view the ice caves and ornamental water cascades just beyond the viaduct. The path tracks the western side of the elongated Castle Semple Loch and we eventually come off the railway alignment to body swerve a residential area - a pleasing diversion towards the water's edge. If visiting the RSPB reserve, continue to the main road and turn left. Otherwise take a diagonal course across the football pitches at Lochwinnoch Public Park and head for the obvious railway bridge across the River Calder and A760. The next few miles stick rigidly to the trackbed and Barr Castle is a highlight. Now in the County of Ayr, we skirt Kilbirnie, where refreshments are available. The old railway formation comes to an end as we approach Glengarnock station and we navigate the village streets to reach the platforms. Not every train stops but there is a fairly regular service back to Johnstone and Glasgow.
