Gleniffer Glen

Valley in Renfrewshire

Scotland

Gleniffer Glen

Dry-stone wall and fence The space between the wall and fence is more worn than the surrounding moorland because, as shown on the map, the route between them is part of a footpath. For a good summary of that path, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/369064">NS4859 : Paisley - Brownside Braes - Harelaw Reservoir</a>.

The same fence and wall are shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2308667">NS4860 : Dry-stone wall and fence</a>, which was taken at a point about 270 metres further along the same path. — Dry-stone wall and fence Credit: Lairich Rig

Gleniffer Glen, located in Renfrewshire, Scotland, is a picturesque valley renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, this idyllic landscape offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The glen is home to the Gleniffer Braes Country Park, a vast expanse of open moorland, woodlands, and riverside walks. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. The park boasts an extensive network of trails, allowing visitors to explore the area's diverse flora and fauna, as well as soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

One of the main attractions in Gleniffer Glen is the Gleniffer Braes Reservoir, which provides a serene setting for fishing and birdwatching. The reservoir is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, swans, and ducks, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Visitors can also indulge in recreational activities such as sailing and canoeing on the reservoir.

The glen is also steeped in history, with archaeological remains dating back to the Iron Age. The area offers several historic sites, including the Prehistoric Fort, where visitors can explore the remnants of an ancient hillfort.

Gleniffer Glen is easily accessible, located just a short drive from the town of Paisley and less than an hour's drive from Glasgow. Its tranquil atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

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Gleniffer Glen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.815104/-4.4537388 or Grid Reference NS4660. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dry-stone wall and fence

The space between the wall and fence is more worn than the surrounding moorland because, as shown on the map, the route between them is part of a footpath. For a good summary of that path, see NS4859 : Paisley - Brownside Braes - Harelaw Reservoir. The same fence and wall are shown in NS4860 : Dry-stone wall and fence, which was taken at a point about 270 metres further along the same path.

Lairich Rig

Signpost at footpath junction

The signpost is located at a three-way junction of paths. The sign pointing to the left says "Paisley", and points along the route shown in NS4859 : Dry-stone wall and fence and NS4860 : Dry-stone wall and fence. Another, pointing towards the photographer's position, reads "Killoch Glen via Glenburn Resr"; for that route, see NS4859 : Path to Glenburn Reservoir. The third, pointing in the opposite direction, reads "Barrhead / Killoch Glen via Harelaw Resr"; for a view back along that route, see NS4859 : Path from Killoch Glen.

Lairich Rig

Path to Glenburn Reservoir

This photograph, which was taken from beside the signpost that is shown in NS4859 : Signpost at footpath junction, shows one of the three paths that is indicated there. NS4760 : Glenburn Reservoir is visible about 240 metres ahead. For a view from a point a little further along the path, see NS4759 : Path to Glenburn Reservoir.

Lairich Rig

Path from Killoch Glen

For the previous part of the route, see NS4859 : Path from Killoch Glen. That path makes a sharp turn near NS4859 : Harelaw Reservoir. The present photograph shows the part of the route beyond that corner; it leads towards the signpost that is shown in NS4859 : Signpost at footpath junction. The top of that signpost is just visible in this photograph; it can be seen straight ahead on the path, with NS4760 : Glenburn Reservoir visible behind it.

Lairich Rig

Path to Glenburn Reservoir

This is a view from a point further along the path that is shown in NS4859 : Path to Glenburn Reservoir; NS4760 : Glenburn Reservoir is visible ahead. Not far ahead, the wall and fence whose line the present photograph follows is met from the left by an old field boundary; see NS4759 : View along old field boundary. Still further ahead is NS4760 : The start of a path beside the Glenburn Reservoir.

Lairich Rig

View along old field boundary

This boundary is in the form of a dry-stone dyke, which is now in poor condition. It is marked on the first-edition OS map, which was surveyed in 1858, and it may be considerably older than that. See NS4759 : Path to Glenburn Reservoir, where the line of the boundary can be seen not far ahead, approaching the more recent wall from the left. The present photograph was taken from the point where the two meet. Even in this photograph, it is clear that at the top of the hill, among the trees, there are some ruins; one section lies directly beyond the far end of the field boundary, and a smaller section to the left. These are the remains of the farmstead of Duchallaw, which is shown on the first-edition OS map.

Lairich Rig

Highland Cows, Brownside Braes

Fenced off Glenburn Reservoir on the left.

wfmillar

Transmitter mast at Sergeant Law

This is one of three masts on the hill. The other two stand not far to the WSW: NS4559 : Transmitter masts at Sergeant Law. They provide DAB digital radio coverage, and, according to Secret Scotland, they are also leased by the MOD: Link

Lairich Rig

Transmitter masts at Sergeant Law

These are two of a group of three masts on a hill called Sergeant Law. These two are near the summit of the hill, while the other one is further to the ENE: NS4559 : Transmitter mast at Sergeant Law; see that item for further information. There is a Serjeantlaw (farm) on Roy's Military Survey of Scotland (1740s-50s), showing that the hill had its present name at that time. A "law" is a round/conical, generally isolated hill.

Lairich Rig

Possible standing stone

The stone is about a metre tall, and it stands about 380 metres to the north-east of the summit of Sergeant Law. It may or not be an antiquity, but I have recorded it here because it appears to be very similar to other stones nearby that are marked as antiquities on the map: NS4560 : Standing stones at Gleniffer Braes. See NS4559 : Possible standing stone for another view of this stone, and for further details.

Lairich Rig

Possible standing stone

The stone is about a metre tall, and it stands about 380 metres to the north-east of the summit of Sergeant Law. It may or may not be a genuine antiquity (it has not been recorded as such), but it caught my attention because it appears to be very much like other stones nearby which are considered to be standing stones, and which are marked as antiquities on the map: NS4560 : Standing stones at Gleniffer Braes. For this reason, I feel that the stone is worth pointing out and recording. For another view of this stone, see NS4559 : Possible standing stone.

Lairich Rig