The Greenock Cut
The Greenock Cut was built in 1825 to carry water into the town from Loch Thom reservoir. These days a tunnel carries the water supply, and the Cut is part of Clyde Muirshiel Park forming a 6.5 mile circular walk above the Firth of Clyde with spectacular views. First, you look down at Inverkip (for context, the red vessel and Kip Marina are both in the first picture if you enlarge it enough).
The path then passes 23 stone bridges, a couple of workers’ bothies and some drainage equipment (this was explained in more detail by the engineer, but don’t ask me. It’s a bucket with a hole in it, basically.)
As the path meanders over the moorland, there are grand views of the mountains.
The houses of Greenock then come into view. We spent quite a while here looking down and trying to identify where my Grandad used to live – somewhere on the road running up the middle of the first picture I think. My other grandfather used to walk his whippet up here.
More of Greenock –
When the path met a minor road, we turned and climbed upwards to a ridge from where we made our way down to Loch Thom.
At the bottom we discovered a memorial well and benches. Where’s a bench challenge when you need one?
From here, it was a short walk back to the car which we’d left at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre. We’d hoped to get a coffee there, but it was shut (4pm). However, there is also a little café at Ardgowan Fishery at the other end of the car park which, although basic, is a better bet – we’d had some tasty lentil soup there before we started the walk so we couldn’t complain. In fact, we’d had a lovely afternoon all round.
Linked to Jo’s Monday Walks where there are lots of goodies as usual.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Thanks for taking me on this beautiful walk Anabel. I especially enjoyed the views of the Arrochar Alps
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A touch smaller than the “real” Alps but beautiful anyway! Glad you enjoyed them.
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