A Walk from Wemyss Bay to Greenock via Loch Thom and Corlick Hill
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- čas přidán 6. 01. 2024
- A hike in the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park in Inverclyde.
Starting in the magnificent railway station at Wemyss Bay, we head up Kelly Glen towards Leap Moor and the Kelly Cut, and stop to rest at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, otherwise known as the Cornalees Bridge Centre. After many days of wet weather the ground is saturated, and the many lochs and reservoirs in the area - Kelly Reservoir, Daff Reservoir, Crawhin Reservoir, Loch Thom and the Compensation Reservoir - are all well stocked with water.
Following a minor road around the southern side of Loch Thom, we then enter woodland by the Gryfe Reservoirs, where we chance upon a herd of Belted Galloway cows, with calves, then make for the top of Corlick Hill.
Views from Corlick Hill all over the Firth of Clyde are stunning: down into Greenock, across to Dunoon, up Loch Long and the Holy Loch, and towards misty mountains far to the north.
From Corlick Hill we pick up a path heading north and down into Greenock, but end up losing the path. We find ourselves in an area of dense gorse and brambles, where deep mud-filled holes in the ground make it nigh impossible to move. In the end we had to scale a tall deer fence in order to escape and find our way back to civilisation.
A walk with great views and many lessons.
Oh thank goodness. Something worth watching this evening.
Thanks Rob.
Ed, I've been turned around in the hills a couple of times. The relief and joy you feel when you get back to the house and get a cup of tea and a bath is profound.
Glad you made it out safely
Absolutely.
Thank you Ed! The views and your wee stories that you share are inspirational. I really got concerned for you when you gave details of your return journey. When you get older your confidence in your abilities starts to erode very quickly in bad situations. - Stay strong! - Best wishes for 2024. - John
Cheers John. All the best.
That was an excellent watch Ed, a variety show, a walk and a dystopic nightmare (wind turbines) all in one short watch. You really do get an unpleasant ominous feeling near wind turbines that does not really happen at any other tall structure.
Thank you. You're abslutely right. It's the sheer size of the turbines, and that low sound they make.
Your tales of knocking on neighbours doors had me in stitches during the wee early hours. My next-door neighbour has the onset of dementia and has taken to knocking on my door at random times and my mind started to wander listening to your tales, all mixed with wonderful architecture and scenery, bless you Ed and all the best for 2024.
Cheers Michael. Every time I imagine the scenario I have a giggle to myself. They're probably steeling themselves at Partick Police Station.
Great video and wee chat 😂 still laughing about your bad back and toilet roll 😂
Cheers Lorraine. I have a good chuckle every time I think about it.
Very funny Ed 🤣🇦🇺👍🏻
Enjoying your programs ED.just watched old Scotland no 2 look forward to the rest
Cheers Patrick.
Great video Eddie thanks a lot for the inspiration, oh and the good advice!
Thanks guys. 👍
Great video Ed one for the to do list maybe. Happy New Year hope you have a good 2024. Take Care. 🙂🤠
Cheers Jim. I would be very very wary of the footpath heading north into Greenock from Corlick Hill. The route passing Whitelees Cottage is much safer. I ended up practically trapped in what seemed like an overgrown area surrounded by deer fences.
Thanks Happy New year Ed all the best from Edinburgh
Thanks Peter. All the best for 2024.
Well made video thanks
Thanks John.
Nice to see Wemyss Bay Station again, I used to frequent there while visiting my grandparents who stayed in the gate house of the Castle. It was a very interesting place to visit as a child, it had been without it's roof for years and was falling into ruin. The heated green house was overgrown and the badminton/tennis hall was a shambles. I see it's all swept away now, and a housing subdivision taking it's place. Anyway, happy new year and thanks for the wander across the hills.
Cheers George. All the best for 2024.
A very happy new year, Ed, from Evanston, Illinois. Great work, as usual. Toenail empathy. Luciano
Cheers Luciano, and hi to Illinois. No one ever told us that one day our toe-nails would be so far away.
Hi Ed, Aye, auld age is a bugger, the views of the Clyde were great this time and no keeping a look out for chunks of ice. Things can seem worse as it gets dark and you're weary. Probably the thought of the tottie scones, bacon and tomato kept you going. Keep up the good work, but remember your age.😂😂😂
Hi Colin. To have such a nightmare at the end of a long walk was, as AC/DC said, a touch too much.
Being of a "certain age" myself, the "Time of The Scissors" is when you find out who you can really call a neighbor.
Absolutely.
Another fantastic video Eddie. On the subject of potato scones (thick wanes)., Grants the bakers in Belgrove st Dennistoun... Good tae see ya back
Thanks George.
Great wee adventure Ed. Thanks for sharing . Steak & Onion Bridie looked appealing . Thanks for sharing
Very good bridie. Cheers Andy.
Oh my, so glad you got back to safety Eddy. Losing a path is so scary and the unknown terrain you are walking on. Then as the sun sets and you lose the heat and light that's when real panic sets in. I've ended up walking in the dark before as it has taken me longer than I thought, and I was panicing even on an easy path in the dark woods!
I can't believe you managed to get over the deer fence with all your kit. You made me think of 'The Great Escape' when you mentioned crawling under the fence lol - sorry I know it's not funny - but you're a great storyteller 🙂
When you started the walk and talked about paper maps being out of date, this seemed to predict your day! Ironic too that you could find your way out on foggy day, but this happened on a clear day. Just goes to show it can happen in any weather.
Beautiful walk and views though, I'd love to try it sometime too. I also never knew Wemyss Bay Railway Station was so beautiful! I'm definitely going to visit there this year 🙂
Hi Dawn-Marie. Yes, the station is a stunner. I'd recommend returning to Greenock by the track, then road, that passes Whiteleees Cottage. The way I went is not at all good, and may not even exist any more.
Another great video Ed very enjoyable
Cheers Robert.
Glad you got through that ordeal ok edd. I was the same on a night escape and evasion exercise in the late 90s. I got properly lost in a massive scots pine forrest near kinloss and due to heavy cloud cover there was very little light. You do panic a bit but i was able to set up a shelter until it got light then i found my way out. Happy new year. I hope Health and happiness comes your way. Keep up the good work👍
Cheers Andy. Although I was thinking straight and rationally trying to figure out how to get out of there, panic was certainly bubbling below the surface. You get yourself into these siituations and you suddenly realise that it is you, and you alone, that will have to find a solution. Have a great 2024.
An entertaining video thanks Ed.
I'm pleased you eventually found your way out of your predicament. A prime example of how older maps can lead you up the garden path ( so to speak)
Looking forward to your next adventure.
Cheers Bryce. Even modern OS maps online show that path, but I have been informed that it no longer exists. I have contacted OS for an explanation.
Great veiw a chiropractor is a option for the back well worth it you limp in and walk out
Cheers June. I generally think of chiropracters as those folk who make sudden movements of part of your body, followed by a loud click sound. All a bit scary.
Great to see you back again for 2024.
Just “mind how ye go” on them hills 🫡
Hi Graham. There's something more than a little ironic when I'm giving map advice and even saying I have more experience, to then end up flaffing around near some houses and wondering where it all went wrong.
Still an intriguing walk with views not usually seen to many. 🫡
Thank you Ed. New to your channel. Love your talks and history of the area. Susan and I just visited the Greenock /Glasgow area from San Francisco bay area. We hiked the Cut on a trail the ranger recommended and, used those new bathrooms. Really beautiful area. Also saw the Belted Galloways, loved them. I have a family member that helped build The Cut with Robert Thom and later moved to Rothesay with him and worked in his mill. There is a nice history display of all this inside the visitor center. I also have a long Fleming family history in Greenock throughout the 1800's. We look forward to searching through your videos and hearing your wonderful commentaries. Thanks again
Hallo there. A lot of history there with your family. We should always remember where we come from.
Thanks
Many thanks.
Great place and area so much history, ww stay in caravan park most years nice stroll up ont fell tops, it must be the best station in britain, your never lost just misplaced at that moment in time. Not many folk would mention it tho👍atb jon
Happy New Year Ed always enjoy watching your adventures 😊
Cheers Caleb.
Happy New Year, Eddie. It's always nice to see and hear you. Music is great again. When are you releasing the greatest hits😅. I'm sorry to hear you had a tough time getting back to civilisation on this occasion. Grateful to you Sir
Many thanks. Have a good 2024.
Thankfully you made it back safe after a scary experience. Beautiful views from your walk. Your experiences of aging could make a great comedy sketch i.e. Still Game! Know what you mean I don't feel my age but occasionally the body let's you know.
Cheers Howie. Our body always finds a way to remind us just how old we are.
Happy New Year Ed! From your description at the start, I think I know roughly where you ended up. That "path" has been reclaimed by nature for a few years. It used to be the main route to Corlic Hill and to an extent, Lurg Moor until the new roadway was built up at the windmills. Now most people choose that as an easier route. 11 miles over that terrain is certainly no easy task. I actually drove around Loch Thom tonight and can confirm the cows are still in the wooded area near the Gryfe road behind the fence... Actually wonder how they got in there lol. The Kelly cut makes for a great walk.
Hallo there. I think there's another map lesson in there. My 'new' map did not show a wide track turning into a footpath. That change is shown on more recent online OS maps. If I had known where that change from track to path was, I might have had a better chance of knowing exactly where I was and which way the path was heading, but as you say, if it was overgrown then I may never found it. Have a good 2024.
Great video again, Eddy. Next time go over to Bute - plenty walks!
Cheers Robert. Been there; done it; got the T-shirt!
czcams.com/video/YVlpUT2CPsE/video.html
@@EdExploresScotland 👍
Hey Ed. Yer Coos were Belted Galloways. Great video again. How was the bridie ?
Hi Danny. Excellent bridie, even cold. You don't generally see many Belted Galloway cows, and certainly not in woodland.
Nice to catch you as passed the visitor centre. You didnt lose the path it just isnt there anymore. If i had been more on the ball I should have asked your route when i saw you and given you some local ranger advice 🤦🏻♂️ sorry about that bur glad you made it down safe... eventually
Hi Michael. I've often thought that's an issue with Ordnance Survey, in that they show footpaths that at times simply no longer exist. But I enjoyed the walk.
Happy new year Ed, and thanks for another inspiring video. From your description the cows were Belted Galloways.
Cheers Byron. Yes, definitely Belted Galloways.
Bowen Therapist for your back... I know of one in Johnstone if that's of any use? Chiropractors put bones back in place but the muscles pull the bones back out, bowen works on the facia that makes up muscles. It's honestly brilliant!
Google maps satellite view for finding your path again
11mile walk PLUS all the steps added to go back and collect your camera 😂
Many thanks. Yes, maybe a back therapist is the answer.
Hi Ed...I run that path you walked often...brilliant run. If you walk through the windfarm there is a road that takes you to port glasgow...but could add on another 3 miles.
Cheers Martyn. I approached the hill via the wind-farm the last time I was in the area, and then left the area via Whitelees Cottage track/road. But that path heading north towards Greenock apparently no longer exists, which begs the question: for how long does a footpath need to be impassable or no longer exist before Ordnance Survey removes it? It also begs the question: are we allowed to just remove footpaths, or is there some sort of process required to do so?
It's Gryfe as in wife!
I deliberately mispronounced it to see if you were paying attention.
Happy New Year Ed….great video
Thanks 👍
Glad you're ok, Ed. I'd have been panicking for sure. Take care! Happy New Year!
I was certainly panicking, no doubt. But we got there. A bit embarassing to get into difficulties within spitting distance of housing.👍
@@EdExploresScotlandIt's no embarrassment, could happen to anyone! At least you keep going. Thanks for the video, Ed. Always enjoy.
Oh my goodness..this place is a horror movie... don't go there again ed..fog and ice last time, now bogs and brambles fencing you in....scary stuff.
As for old age, the back is just the begining..knees then go plus shoulders..no joke!
Please please take care, there are interesting places to see without killing yourself.
Cheers Lynda. I'll certainly not be scaling The Eiger any time soon!
Happy treks this year things can only get better as the days get longer, glad you were brave enough to walk your way out of a scary dilemma.
Those wind turbines look as freaky in the clear as they did must covered. The views were glorious, wide open non peopled places.
I think you need to befriend an ex nurse who will help with things you find difficult. As for your back look at some Thai chi exercises that will help movement become more fluid.
Keep on your videos are a mixture of all that is good for the soul ❤️❤️
Cheers Tracy.
Another interesting trek thanks, Ed. I was hoping you would go on to Lurg Moor Roman Fortlet because I've been meaning to do that for years now to see if it was worth walking to but still to get round to doing it. As has been mentioned below, the cattle were Belted Galloways (or 'Belted Hallways' as my computer insists ...) (the River Gryfe is a local river that eventually connects with the Black Cart River). If you are interested, 'Gryfe' is pronounced the same as 'Fife' (or spelled 'grief' as my daft computer again insists). I don't know about 'Thom' (this time it wants me to write 'Them' ..... ) though I would go for 'Tom' as in 'Thomson.' 😄
Many thanks. Lovely walk for the cows alone.
Hi Ed HAPPY NEW YEAR. A great walk/ vid and from this side of the camera, even with the " near dead" end to the walk, your outlook is positive.LOVED it as good as your best.
HOWEVER in future if you do your " pie" chat mid walk can you please move 4 feet to your right, if you wore that tree it is much nicer as it has more than the single stubby branch😅.
Looking forward to your next exploits.
Cheers Roger. Yes, you're absolutely right. I seem to specialise in camera footage where some inanimate object is sticking out of the top of my napper. It's the same in the next video, as you'll see in due course.
Happy New Year Ed. The path down to Greenock sounds distinctly hellish. As Urbexy has pointed out below, there is an easy path to Kilmacolm Road from Corlic Hill, leading to Greenock. Its easily seen on the Google streetview satellite photo. As you say, its better not to rely too much on a 10 year old map. If you had bodycam footage of the last part you could have uploaded it with the title ''A Hellish Walk.'' 😁
After the fall I wasn't sure if my camera had survived, but it's okay. The route passing Whitelees Cottage would be another better way down. 👍
@@EdExploresScotland I see that route on the Google satellite photo. The OS map on the Walkhighlands site does show the path that you were probably trying to follow. It seems to fizzle out on the satellite photo.
BTW, do have a look at the walk on CZcams - Crieff asbpresentations - 'Complete Coire Cruinn Ascent'. I laughed out loud at 15.00 at his description of bread that he bought at a Callander bakery.🤣
PS cows were Galloways - have a swot as they have been a dying breed with some attempts to reverse that- fundamentally they grow slow, so become not cos effective.
There are black and browns methinks 3(?)Variations all wear football shirts.
Belted Galloways indeed. Nice calm coos.
Happy New Tear Ed.
Was that a second ending at the beginning? 🤣
Hi John. Yes, it may well have been. Or perhaps a pre-ending.
I reckon the cows would be Belted Galloways
They are indeed, not a breed you see every day. Almost as if someone's painted a white strip down their middle.
In regard to your comments at the start of the video, have you tried the Orange Ordance Survey Maps 1.25.000 scale as the purple one's don't show things like fences and like that are very useful when particulary dealing with a non exsistant paths, particulary if the map is fully up to date which they aren't always. They not a gurantee either, particularly in bad weather but definetly much better and worth the investment usually.
You make a very good point. I've always stuck with the Landranger maps. I think if I opted for the larger scale maps I'd be struggling to move around the house they'd be so many of them. But there is certainly an argument for having the larger scale maps at hand now and then, perhaps for areas you walk in a lot because, just as you say, they have more detail and show things not visible on the Landranger maps. The out-of-date issue is also worth remembering. Even Google satellite images can be a couple of years out of date. All that said, there's no solution for a good honest navigational blunder.
Can you get a pedicure under elder care or NHS? Hand held bidet makes life easier, and usually doesn't involve the polis. All the best for 2024!!
Cheers John. Might try the library today... 'Hi. I've got these scissors... and... em .. I was just wondering ... '
@@EdExploresScotland I know folks in old age homes get a pedicure every week or so. For example, my late mother.