This summer we decided to visit Palacerigg Country Park, a wee hidden gem out in Cumbernauld. We hadn’t been for a while and the kids were excited to explore and see what new features had been added since our last visit. It turns out, there were quite a few things!

As soon as we got out of the car we were greeted by some geese wandering about next to the duck pond, which also had a bunch of ducks and geese hanging out in it. There’s a little bridge leading over the duck pond from the car park which takes you to the visitor centre. And directly behind the visitor centre is a playpark, ideal for kids of all ages.

This playpark has all the ingredients for a fun-filled afternoon: sandy play areas, climbing frames, swings, and a zip line that my kids loved. For younger kids there’s a smaller play frame with platforms and little slides, plus some diggers in the sand. Definitely enough to keep the little adventurers busy.

One of the new features we discovered during this visit was the collection of brightly coloured, playful instructions painted directly onto the ground. These prompts invite children to hop, jump, sprint, and more, with painted footprints leading them on their way. It is such a simple idea but it’s absolutely brilliant, providing an interactive way for them to burn off some of that never ending energy!

Dotted around this same area are a collection of noise makers. There are some chimes and drums, and the kids enjoyed channelling their inner musicians for a bit…

The Woodland Play Area

After spending some time at the playpark near the visitor centre, we decided to go find the woodland play area. To find it you need to head along the path towards the exit, and then follow the trail to Badgers Walk. If you walk along this path for less than a minute you’ll find the woodland play area nestled amongst the trees.

The centerpiece of this area is a large climbing frame, complete with slides, a rope tunnel, and a spider web style climbing net; perfect for kids who love a challenge. My kids both really enjoyed the obstacle course features scattered around add a bit of adventure, and let kids test their balance and coordination.

I would say that the main climbing structure is probably best suited for kids aged 4 and up unless you want to be climbing up that rope playframe yourself (which I had to do when they were little and unstoppable!) But there is also a smaller play frame for toddlers and younger children which is a great addition to the space. And lets everyone have a piece of the action!

There are a couple of benches dotted around if you happen to take a picnic with you.

Badger Trail

If you head out of the playpark and continue along the same path you were following before, you’ll come to the Badger Trail after a few minutes. It is a peaceful nature walk that takes you on a short loop through the woodland, passing a little pond and at points overlooking the surrounding fields. As we wandered round we came across some butterflies and dragonflies, and we also saw a tiny mouse running along the trail in front of us.

We took our time heading round here and it took us about half an hour to complete. So it’s definitely a manageable walk for little legs. There are a couple of benches too if they need a seat and a snack!

The Logistics

  • Toilets are available at Palacerigg Golf Club.
  • Good for dogs, though they need to be on lead and can’t go into the playparks.
  • The paths and trails are suitable for wheels as long as you have good tyres for mucky paths.
  • Parking available and is free.
  • There is also a cafe available in Palacerigg Golf Club, but I can’t comment on it as have never been.

The Cost

The park is completely free to enter, with free parking.

The Verdict

Palacerigg Country Park is a great place for fun play areas and peaceful nature walks. It’s especially good for little kids but older kids will enjoy the play areas here too. It can get quite mucky if it’s been raining, but pack a picnic, bring your wellies, and enjoy everything this lovely country park has to offer.