Discovering The Quiet Magic Of Hogganfield Loch On A Winter Walk

Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to 2026. This is officially my first travel post of the year, and I’m so excited to kick things off with a gem I found right here in Glasgow.

If you missed my New Year’s post, I hope your year is starting off with peace and clarity. For me, it started with a trip to Hogganfield Loch (also known as Hogganfield Park). It wasn't a hard decision to head there; it popped up while I was browsing maps for nature spots, and the photos and Google reviews looked so promising. After church, I grabbed my gear and headed out—and let me tell you, it was the best decision.

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was how popular this place is! The car park was jam-packed. I had to circle around for a bit waiting for someone to leave, so keep that in mind if you're visiting on a weekend. There’s a cute little kiosk selling coffee and snacks, and honestly, business was booming today. Even though the sun was out, don't let those photos fool you—it was freezing.

Once I stepped onto the path, the cold really hit me. It was one of those crisp winter days where the sun shines but the air bites. The loch was nearly frozen over, though not thick enough to walk on. Before I took in the full view, I was drawn to the birds.

The variety of birds here is remarkable. The loch’s shallow waters and surrounding habitats attract a huge range of bird life throughout the year. In winter especially, you’ll see Whooper Swans, sometimes arriving all the way from Iceland, and Common Goldeneye Ducks bobbing on the water. There are also Great Crested Grebes, Goosanders, Tufted Ducks, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, and more mixing with the usual mallards and swans. In the grassland and marshy edges, warblers and buntings make themselves heard in the warmer months, and woodlands host tits, blackcaps, and willow warblers when spring and summer arrive. Over 150 bird species have been recorded here, including occasional rarities, so birdwatchers will find plenty to enjoy. I saw two people with professional cameras taking photos.

I loved how the swans weren’t shy at all—they’d come close when people were feeding them. I stayed respectful of their space, especially where the birds were at the water’s edge, but I could stand quite near without disturbing them. I even saw a swan with ice resting on its back, a beautiful moment that seemed to capture the day perfectly. It reminded me of what I mentioned before in this post—swans produce a special oil they rub on their feathers to keep them from getting wet.

Then there were the pigeons. They’re such funny, "on-edge" little things, always ready to fly away if you blink too fast. I managed to snap a photo of three of them sitting on a rail together. It reminded me of that old nursery rhyme, but I’ve renamed these three little brown birds Paul, Peter, and Pat.

Once I’d spent time with the birds, I wandered along the circular path around the loch. It’s roughly a 2 km walk on well-surfaced trails that make it accessible and comfortable for all ages. Seats are thoughtfully placed all along the route so you can rest and enjoy the views—something I appreciated, especially watching families and older visitors taking their time and stopping for a breather. Some benches even had plaques dedicated to loved ones, which felt very touching and spoke to how much this place means to people in the community. One plaque mentioned how much the man loved walking this specific path. It’s such a touching way for families to feel close to their loved ones in a place that brought them joy.

I saw friendly dogs on leads, others off leash, and one owner doing the right thing by picking up after their pet. The park felt tidy and cared for, even with plenty of visitors around—you still have space to enjoy your own quiet moments.

The loch itself is beautiful. I saw a grandmother playing a game with her grandkids, breaking thin sheets of ice by the bank and sliding them across the frozen surface so they glittered in the sun. It looked like a game she must have played when she was a little girl.

Since I'm a bit of a history nerd when I travel, I wanted to dig deep into the story of this place for you.

The History of Hogganfield Loch and Park

Hogganfield’s story goes back much further than most visitors realise. The name Hogganfield itself comes from the word hoggs, meaning young sheep, which grazed here in the 17th and 18th centuries before being moved off to slaughter. The loch is what’s known as a kettle pond, formed thousands of years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, when retreating glaciers left behind depressions that filled with water. Other natural lochs nearby share this origin.

In the early 20th century, the loch was even used commercially: ice was harvested from the surface before modern refrigeration became widespread. This ice was supplied to cafes and restaurants around Glasgow until imported ice became the norm.

The area was acquired by Glasgow City Council in the 1920s and expanded over time into the public park it is today. It was officially designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1998, recognising its importance for wildlife, especially birds. The park has also earned a Green Flag Award, a mark of quality for green spaces, thanks to its conservation and visitor-friendly environment. Read more on Grokipedia.

Address: 100 Ave End Rd, Glasgow G33 3SW

Facilities and What You Can Do At Hogganfield Loch and Park

• Hogganfield Park offers more than just views of the loch:

• A 2 km circular path for walking, jogging, or casual strolls.

• Seating and rest areas throughout the walk.

• Birdwatching and wildlife observation (including a viewing platform near the loch).

• A small sandy beach area and zones for boating and angling at certain times.

• Picnic spots, wetland areas to explore, and even connections into the larger Seven Lochs Wetland Park, which links to other nature reserves and trails.

• Playground and family-friendly spaces at the southern end of the park.

The park is also part of community events like guided walks, bird counts, paddle days, and more throughout the year.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the paths actually connect to Lethamhill Golf Course and lead toward Frankfield Loch, forming part of a massive green corridor in the city.

Now, let’s talk about what I’m wearing, because being a "top blogger" doesn't mean I always shop luxury—I shop smart.

I was coming back from work during the festive period when I decided to pop into Marks & Spencer to check out winter pullovers. In the adult female section, I found most of the options were overpriced, and the quality didn’t match the price for me. I wear a size small, but I don’t limit myself to just one section—if something fits well and feels right, that’s what matters.

That led me to the boys’ section (male kids size 15), where I found a knit blue sweater that was exactly what I wanted—warm, well-made, and a perfect size. I loved it so much I got it in two colours. For someone who values warmth as much as style, this felt like a win. I’ve linked it in the post if you want to check it out: it’s still reasonably roomy, so a size medium might fit well too.

My Winter Pro-Tip: At the start of winter I also picked up two long-sleeved black tops—one from Tesco F&F section and one from Primark.  I usually wear one under my sweater when it’s cold. I’m always layered for nature walks: black leggings under jeans keep my legs warm, and I highly recommend that approach if you’re planning on spending time outdoors in winter. Proper layering makes the chill far more manageable.

Do you like the blue sweater? Let me know in the comments!

[Link to Sweater Here]

I truly enjoyed my time at Hogganfield Loch, and I’d recommend this park to anyone looking for a peaceful nature escape close to the city. It’s well planned, full of wildlife and beauty, and offers something meaningful for every kind of visitor.

And before I sign off, a very happy New Year to you all—welcome to 2026. This is my first travel post of the year, and I’m excited about what’s coming next. I’ve got something special in the works that I can’t wait to share with everyone. Stay tuned.

These photos were taken today, January 4th, 2026, between 11:47 am and 1:12 pm.