We have had a few trips out to Gleniffer Braes Country Park in Paisley over the past couple of years and it’s a really lovely place for a wee walk and an adventure. It looks over Paisley and Glasgow, but it can be hard to believe you’re so near the city when you’re wandering here, especially in the more remote parts of the park.
Gleniffer Braes is a huge park, featuring hills, woodlands, and pretty incredible views out over Paisley and beyond. There are numerous well-marked trails and paths that wind through the different parts of the park. There is a lot of space here to wander amongst the open fields if you start up higher, or in the midst of the trees if you’re down the bottom end.
There are loads of walks in the park, waterfalls, streams, and even some mysterious ancient standing stones. These are thought to have been part of a stone circle dating back to the time of the Druids, around 3-4,000 years ago but their story has been lost to history.
One of the nicest walks within Gleniffer Braes is the walk along Glen Burn to the Craigie Linn waterfall. This walk takes you through the trees in a pretty glen, alongside the Glen Burn. It can be muddy if the weather has been particularly wet, but that’s always when Craigie Linn is at it’s best!
You may be lucky enough to come across the herd of highland cattle which you will need to navigate your way past. They live in the park in different fields at different times of the year. They are a pretty easy going bunch though, and they seem to be very used to humans wandering on by. But obviously just be sensible when you’re near them, and be careful not to spook them (particularly with dogs) or to get too close to calves.
There are a couple of small play areas in the park too. We usually park the car up towards the top of the hill and the little playpark here is rather rustic. But my pair will play on anything so they still enjoy it.
The Cost
It’s completely free. No costs associated with the park.
The Logistics
- We haven’t found any toilets on our walks.
- The park is good for dogs, but obviously keep them on lead anywhere near cattle field otherwise you might all get a crushing…
- Some paths are wheel friendly & some aren’t. You should be able to get round a bit with a buggy with decent wheels, but a carrier is probably the best option if possible.
- Car parking is available with loads of different parking spots around the park.
The Verdict
Gleniffer Braes is a huge park with swathes of open space to explore. The park has waterfalls, pretty little streams, loads of walks, highland cattle, standing stones and some small play areas. It’s so near the city, but it also feels like you’re miles away. A great day out!