Lochwinnoch

Lochwinnoch is one of the most vibrant communities in Renfrewshire, with lots to offer the visitor, visit the Lochwinnoch website for more information. The village itself is attractive, with rows of eighteenth and nineteenth century houses on Main Street and interesting shops, pubs and restaurants.  Information on Lochwinnoch's history is available on the Renfrewshire Council website. Facilities include a library, sports barn and football pitches, a private gym, and an excellent golf club, Lochwinnoch Golf Club.

The real magnet for visitors to the village is Castle Semple Loch and the activities and wildlife to be found in and around the loch.  The Loch is part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, an area of around 100 square miles of moorland, woodland, farmland and water which stretches from Lochwinnoch to the Clyde Coast at Largs. Castle Semple Visitor Centre on the shores of the loch offers boat and bike hire, a cafe, and gift shop. The Ranger Service has a regular programme of guided walks and activities.  Recognised training courses in dinghy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing can be arranged with the visitor centre. Castle Semple Rowing Club is one of the most successful rowing clubs in Scotland.

The RSPB manages a nature reserve which includes the Barr Loch and Aird Meadow, areas of water and wetland which are linked to Castle Semple Loch.  The reserve centre has a shop, offers binoculars on loan and has an exciting programme of children's activities.

The Semple Trail is a linked series of traffic free routes around the area, making use of National Cycle Route 7 and other paths, from Lochwinnoch Railway Station to the village, from Howwood to the Temple on Kenmuir Hill, from the visitor centre to Parkhill Wood and the Collegiate Church.

Lochwinnoch is accessible by train and bus as well as by car.