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Palacerigg Country Park

3.73 miles (6 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Enjoy miles of walking and cycling trails through this large country park in Cumbernauld.
This previously uninspiring area has been transformed with the planting of thousands of native trees and shrubs.
The park is now a haven for wildlife attracting roe deer, badger, fox and hare. Birdwatchers should look out for sparrowhawk, kestrel, long-eared and short-eared owl.
Palacerigg also has a collection of rare breed animals including Eriskay ponies, North Ronaldsay sheep, Shetland cattle, Guernsey goats and Tamworth pigs.
In the park you can follow 10km of nature trails which will take you through the grassland, moorland and woodland of the park. There are also water features to enjoy with several ponds and the picturesque Fannyside Lochs on the eastern side of the park. You can find out more about the trails and guided walks at the countryside ranger service within the park. Other facilities include a field archery course, golf course, children's play area, gift shop, cafe and picnic sites.
Palacerigg is located less than half an hour's drive from Glasgow, Motherwell, Stirling or Falkirk.

Postcode

G67 3HU - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Palacerigg Country Park OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Palacerigg Country Park Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The park includes a nice on site cafe where you can enjoy some refreshment after your exercise.

Dog Walking

The park is a fine place for a dog walk so you'll probably see other owners on your visit. You may want to put them on leads near the deer.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To continue your walking in Lanarkshire head towards Bathgate where you can explore Polkemmet Country Park. You could also pick up the Airdrie to Bathgate Cycle Path and visit Hillend Reservoir.
A few miles to the west there's Broadwood Loch in Westfield. There's a nice circular trail here with views over the water to the Campsie Fells.
To the north in Kilsyth there's Banton Loch on the Colzium Estate. The estate also includes the ruins of the 16th century castle, a visitor centre, a garden cafe and a walled garden.

Photos

Entrance to Palacerigg Country Park - geograph.org.uk - 560657

Entrance to the park. Palacerigg is located on a hillside overlooking Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire.

Palacerigg Country Park - geograph.org.uk - 138609

Palacerigg Country Park. This country park on the southern outskirts of Cumbernauld was created in 1974 in an area which was an upland farm, It is now home to a rare breeds farm, education centre, nature trails and a treetop walkway through a forest planted since the park was created.

Bridge in the woods, Palacerigg Country Park - geograph.org.uk - 1618157

Bridge in the woods. A thick carpet of tree debris covers the ground in this glade.

Palacerigg Stag - geograph.org.uk - 139819

Sika stag

Gohbar Pond, Palacerigg - geograph.org.uk - 1617982

Gohbar Pond

Fannyside Loch, Cumbernauld - geograph.org.uk - 1288576

Fannyside Loch, Cumbernauld. The site has many great walks through the surrounding woodland and around the two lochs. This view is near the west end of the larger loch.

Glencryan Dam - geograph.org.uk - 1449575

Glencryan Dam. This reservoir the result of the damming of the Glencryan burn which flows from the direction of Palacerigg. It is located above the mine adit and has a sluice to the S.W. side which regulates the level of the water. It was likely used as a water supply for the mining operations.

Station Pond near Fannyside - geograph.org.uk - 1571519

Station Pond near Fannyside. Just north of the old and dismantled Palacerigg Railway is Station Pond. Perhaps used as a source of water for the old steam locomotives?

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Palacerigg Country Park.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Palacerigg Country Park.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)