Windyhill

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Beautiful views

As you walk through the birch and oak woodland away from the road, there’s a great feeling of air and space. We’ve planted new saplings on what was once farmland, so over the next few years there’ll be more forest here, stretching towards Gleniffer Braes.

The gentle slope of the hill leads up to expanding views of Paisley, Glasgow and the Kilpatrick Hills, and at the southern edge of the site you can continue to the Brandyburn waterfall, a popular local beauty spot. Altogether there are 2 ½ miles (4 km) of paths here, mostly wide with gravel surfaces and two boardwalks. There are gentle slopes with two short steep sections, and there are gates to get into the wood.

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Life’s essentials

There are shops, places to eat and public toilets in Johnstone.

Walking trails

Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

Get fit and have fun

With easy access by train and bus to neighbouring Bluebell Wood, Windyhill is a great venue for walking groups or health walks.

This is also a place where we can organise Forest School events, introducing young people to the wildlife of the woods as well as fun activities like shelter building. Get in touch if you’d like more information about formal events here.

Contact: Scottish Lowlands Forest District

Address: Five Sisters House, Five Sisters Business Park, West Calder

Postcode: EH55 8PN

Telephone: 0300 067 6700

Email: scottishlowlands@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

It’s easy to walk to Windyhill from Johnstone, Elderslie or Cochrane Castle. If you want to get here by car, there is currently temporary parking on Auchenlodment Road, at grid reference NS 434 613, with room for 5 cars. There are plans to build a car park in the near future.

Using SatNav?

PA5 0SP is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

The forest is less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from Johnstone railway station, and there are bus services along Rannoch Road to the edge of the woodland. Check Traveline Scotland for details.

Nearby places

Bluebell Wood is the forest next door. It makes a great extension to a visit to Windyhill. If you’re looking for more space to stretch out in, head for Gleniffer Braes Country Park or the wilder countryside of the Kilpatrick Hills across the Clyde.