SRANI - Phase 4

Draft Plan for Phase 4 of the Round-the-Loch Route

SRANI Draft Plan for Phase 4
The draft plan is available for download in pdf format HERE...

The South Renfrewshire Access Network Initiative (SRANI) is continuing to progress its vision of developing a path network around Castle Semple Loch. The network is being taken forward in phases:

• Phase 1, new path from the station to the Calder Bridge is now complete
• Phase 2, new path from the Calder Bridge to the entrance to the Castle Semple Centre, is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed mid 2007
• Phase 3, upgrade of the existing loch shore path from the Castle Semple Centre to Blackditch Bay, is due to be completed in Spring 2007. ( Blackditch Bay is a focal point on the western edge of the loch approximately 1 kilometre north of the Castle Semple Centre and the point where the lochshore path links to the cycle track and the network of paths within Parkhill Woods).

The next phase to be undertaken will be phase 4, linking Blackditch Bay with Fancy Bridge at the northern end of the loch. The initial feasibility study suggested that the path should continue along the loch shore from Blackditch Bay to Fancy Bridge, following the line of the old western approach road to the Castle Semple mansion. However, following consultation with residents and landowners in this section, it was agreed that the path options presented would not be developed. SRANI have continued negotiations with relevant landowners and have now agreed an alternative route. This route will continue along the cycle track from Blackditch Bay to a point just south of Bridesmill Road, from which a way-marked grassed track will be created to skirt Kenmure Hill and link back to the round the loch route at Fancy Bridge. As shown in the attached map, this new section will spur off the cycle track at a point where ground levels are similar and will allow relatively easy access from the cycle track to the new path and will then continue south to run parallel with the burn, past the old laundry and on towards the former eastern approach road leading to Fancy Bridge. Appropriate signage will be included and way markers will be designed to clearly mark this route and a possible diversion up to the temple on Kenmure Hill.

The remaining stretch of the round the loch route is expected to progress as suggested in the feasibility study, along the eastern edge of the loch from Fancy Bridge to the RSPB with a bridge over the Black Cart.

As with every stage of the SRANI project to date, we are keen to keep local communities informed of progress and given opportunities to comment on draft designs. As always, if you wish additional information or to comment on any aspect of these plans, please contact members of the SRANI partnership including:

• Charlie Woodward, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Manager on 01505 614791
• Kate Cuthbert, Renfrewshire Council Access Officer on 0141 842 5000
• or email srani@clydemuirshiel.co.uk

SRANI is a partnership of LMEG (Lochwinnoch Millennium Events Group), Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, RSPB Scotland, Sustrans, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Council. Howwood and Lochwinnoch Community Councils are advisors on the Core Group.