Amazing Day Out At Castle Semple Country Park, Lochwinnoch

So, we took a wee trip to Lochwinnoch, and the main place I was really buzzing to tell you all about today was the Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve. But, you know how it is, my partner's got a load of the really cracking photos on his phone, and he's at work just now, so that post will have to wait a wee bit.

Well, right next door to that lovely village and Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve is the Castle Semple Country Park, and let me tell you, it's a proper summer location. Think of it as your starting point for exploring the whole Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. It's got everything you could want – easy access to the water for all sorts of outdoor fun, cracking walks, loads of wildlife to spot, and some lovely woods to wander through.

And the best part? The parking is free, and they've even got those electric car chargers if you're that way inclined. Plus, there's a Visitor Centre with a café that's open every single day, so you can always grab a bite or a brew.

So, what can you actually do there? Plenty!

First off, you can stretch your legs on the Semple Trail. They've even got suggested walking routes dotted around if you fancy a bit of guidance. Just click here to have a wee look.

If you're a fan of two wheels, it's perfect for a visit by bicycle. The Centre is right on the Sustrans traffic-free cycle route 7 that runs all the way from Glasgow to Irvine. And if you don't have your own bike, no worries – you can hire one from RT Cycles. They've even got bike parking with maintenance stations at the Visitor Centre, which is handy. You can find some suggested cycle routes too.

Feeling peckish or just fancy a break? The Visitor Centre Café is the place to be. You can enjoy a lovely coffee or an ice cream while taking in the cracking view. Trust me, it's a good spot to just sit and chill.

But that's not all! They've also got:

• Outdoor Activity Group Sessions and Courses – but you need to book these in advance, so get your name down if you're keen on sailing, kayaking, archery, and all that good stuff.
• The Semple Estate Historic Map & Exhibition – give them a ring beforehand to make sure you can get access if you're specifically going to see this.
• Loads of Resident Clubs if you're into getting more involved, like the Castle Semple Rowing Club, Castle Semple Sailing Club, West Coast Paddlers Kayaking, Clyde Windsurfing & SUP, St Winnoch Angling Club, and Ride 63 Community Cycling Club.
• You can even get Fishing Permits from the Visitor Centre if you fancy a bit of coarse fishing (that's non-migratory fish) in Castle Semple Loch.

Now, for the important bits – when can you actually go?

The car park, walks, and trails are open all day, every day. So you can wander to your heart's content whenever you fancy.

The Castle Semple Café is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm in the summer and 10 am to 4 pm in the winter, so you can always get your caffeine fix and some tasty treats.

The Outdoor Toilets are open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Handy to know!

Just to give you the full picture, this Castle Semple place is one of a few gems within the larger Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. It's right in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, practically next door to National Cycle Route 7 and just a short walk from Lochwinnoch Train Station.

They even have a Ranger Service that puts on family-friendly events and volunteer programs throughout the year. And if you're feeling adventurous, their Outdoor Activity team is top-notch and can guide you through things like sailing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, archery – the works.

What's really brilliant is that the Centre is fully accessible to everyone. It was even Scotland's first Centre of Excellence for disability sailing back in 2012.

How to locate Castle Semple Country Park?

Castle Semple Visitor Centre,
Lochlip Road,
Lochwinnoch,
Renfrewshire,
PA12 4EA

And for accessibility, Castle Semple has ramps leading into the main Visitor Centre & Café, and it's a short, level walk from the car park. You can also get to the loch and watersports via their pontoon hoist, but it's best to give them a bell to check when it's available.

The toilets all have step-free access, and the disabled cubicles have wide doors and handrails.

And the staff? Especially the outdoor activities team, which are really experienced in helping folks with disabilities get out on the water.

So there you have it! Castle Semple Country Park sounds like a fantastic place to spend a day. I and my partner spent some time having a meal at the park close to the river. We also enjoyed the view and wanted to explore even more, but it was getting a bit chilly, and I only picked two stones at this location. When I share photos of our trip to Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, you will know why, and you will have a more fun read about our adventure. I will take you through the whole day we spent at Lochwinnoch and after reading, you will be surprised at how the day ended. 

Anyways, if you're in the area, Castle Semple Country Park is definitely worth checking out.

These photos were taken on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 5:54 PM to 7:11 PM.