Mugdock Country Park

Saturday 17th January 2009

For any Walker/Rambler who hasn't paid a visit to Mugdock Country Park then this is a must do on your priority list for 2009. There are miles of well marked trails and footpaths some in open ground, others in mature woodland and some which take you along the shoreline of secluded ponds and small lochs. This was the Bosco Wanderers venue for our second outing in January and we had a great turnout again with nineteen of our members turning up to take advantage of the chilly, but dry, morning for our journey to Milngavie and our starting point. Once on our way we took a northerly route along part of The West Highland Way passing the peaceful waters of Craigallian Loch before reaching the Carbeth Huts, the first of which were built during the 1930's depression as an affordable way for the people of Glasgow to escape to the countryside. After climbing steadily out through a woodland area a small stop was made for light refreshments before carrying on to the Main Visitor Centre where a tea room and gift shop are located, we then made our way down passed the Regency Gothic Craigend Castle, now in ruins, but once the Stately home to various owners, Outram a Newspaper owner, Yarrow the shipbuilder, but mainly John Smith the Glasgow bookshop owner who had it built in 1816.  Andrew Wilson opened Craigend Castle and grounds as a zoo in 1949 and it was for a time home to over 4,000 animals, reptiles, and birds, the most famous being Charlie a Five-ton Elephant, the zoo closed in October 1955 because of falling visitor numbers. Leaving Craigend behind we crossed the marshy area of Mugdock Loch and visited Mugdock Castle mentioned in a Vellum document dated 24th August 1372, it has had a turbulent history through the ages but was eventually gifted to the Central Region Council by Sir Hugh Fraser in the early 1980's for developing into a Country Park. A short downhill walk from the Castle took us back to our starting point near to the bridge at Allander Water where we were treated to Tea & Coffee supplied by mein host Mr. John McGarry in "Sherpa Sadie's" absence. Could I just say in fear of repeating myself that everyone had another great day out at Mugdock Country Park.

Joe Roche.

Last Updated Sunday 23rd August 2009

Scottish Charity No13514