10 Best Parks and Walks for Seniors in Renfrewshire
For your next outing with a senior in Renfrewshire, our team recommends that you stop by one of these great locations!
Getting out and about in your local area is a great way to stay engaged, happy and active in your senior years. Fresh air and beautiful views are in abundance in Renfrewshire, as well as opportunities for spotting birds, wildflowers, and incredible wildlife.
1. Glennifer Braes Country Park
At the top of the beautiful Glennifer Braes, you will find breath-taking scenes of rambling hills and woodlands, as well as incredible sweeping views over the whole of the Renfrewshire skyline.
Park at the ‘Car Park in the Sky’ and take a gentle ramble along the hillside, or simply have a seat and enjoy the views. If birdwatching is more your thing, you can find at this unique Paisley beauty spot, a vast variety of birds such as skylarks, meadow pipits, kestrels, and sparrow hawks.
Take a walk in the woods nearby and you may see some of the local wildflowers in bloom. Here you can find red campion and herb Robert in abundance, as well as beautiful spotted orchids and wild pansies in the surrounding fields.
If you happen to be here around twilight, you may be lucky enough to spot the shy Roe Deer coming out to graze, or the tawny owls out hunting for bank voles and wood mice.
“You can see for miles, and you often meet lots of nice people there.” Claire – Home Instead Renfrewshire and Barrhead.
So, if you feel like a breath of fresh air, or a calming walk taking in Renfrewshire’s most beautiful nature and wildlife, then a trip to Paisley’s Glennifer Braes is a must.
Boden Boo and Erskine Beach
Nestled under the Erskine Bridge between Erskine and Bishopton, Boden Boo nature reserve is the perfect mixture of nature and landscaping.
Perfect for dog walking, a day out with the kids or grandkids, or just a peaceful stroll to stretch your legs, Boden Boo features beautiful woodland, perfectly maintained and intertwined with pathways, making this an ideal place to come with an older person or those with limited mobility.
With spectacular views from Erskine across the Kilpatrick Hills, easy access to parking, paved pathways, and plenty of opportunities to relax on a bench and admire the view, this is just the right spot for a delightful day out in Renfrewshire.
Discover the beautiful Erskine Beach, take a stroll on the sand, or even kick off your shoes and paddle on the banks of the River Clyde.
Situated on the Clyde Walkway, a 40-mile trail from Glasgow to the New Lanark World Heritage Site, Boden Boo is easy to get to on foot or bike from surrounding Erskine, Bishopton and Inchinnan, and just a short drive from Paisley and Renfrew along the M8 westbound from Glasgow Airport.
For the more adventurous walkers, the path leading from Erskine through Boden Boo stretches all the way along to the woodlands at Mar Hall, and up onto the walkway leading to Bishopton and Langbank.
And for those who prefer a gentle stroll, Erskine beach with its sculpted paths and picnic benches make a wonderful place for a short visit too.
“I love visiting Erskine Beach – it’s peaceful, easy to get to and the views are amazing.” Alison – Home Instead Renfrewshire and Barrhead.
Whatever your choice, Boden Boo Nature Reserve is the perfect place for a quick stroll in the sun or a long ramble around Renfrewshire.
Barshaw Park
As the biggest formal park in Paisley, Barshaw Park boasts a variety of attractions for all the family. From fantastic children’s play areas to a beautiful pond, an outdoor gym, and a fantastic little café on site, this is the ideal park for a catch up with a friend or a day out with the family.
Situated between Glasgow Road and Arkleston Road, just 1 mile from Paisley Gilmour Street Station, and easily accessible by bus from surrounding Renfrewshire areas, Barshaw Park boasts a beautiful mixture of history and modern convenience.
Car parking is easily accessed next to the fabulous café on the edge of the park. From there you can find fabulous views of Barshaw House. Now converted into modern flats, Barshaw House has a fascinating history as a family home, military hospital, maternity hospital, and a care home in past years.
Don’t forget to stop by the unique miniature railway, the spectacular walled gardens and of course the golf course, to enjoy all that Barshaw Park has to offer.
Visit on a sunny summer’s day to watch model boat races or see the swans and ducks swimming on the pond. Bouncy Castles and attractions for the kids can also be found here during the holidays, making this Renfrewshire park the perfect place for a visit with the whole family.
Thomas Shanks Park
Thomas Shanks Park is a glorious green space in the heart of Johnstone.
Found at the junction of Beith Road and Quarrelton in Johnstone, this beautiful family park is just a 10-minute drive from Houston, Linwood, and Bridge of Weir, and just 6 minutes from Brookfield.
With playparks, skate ramps and football fields, this is a fantastic park to visit with the kids or grandchildren. Smooth paths and a gentle incline make this a great option for those who like to get out for a short walk too.
Named after Johnstone’s first Chief Magistrate, Thomas Shanks Park is a great place to go for a stroll in Renfrewshire, and a fabulous spot to sit a while and watch the world go by.
Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve
Hidden away in the centre of Paisley, this little known beauty spot is ideal for a peaceful walk by the River Cart.
Formerly a quarry, Jenny’s Well is a peaceful wildlife haven, which is now landscaped with a network of paths. Home to an abundance of birds, trees, and flowers, even otters and eels can be spotted here.
This hidden gem close to Paisley Town Centre, is accessible by car from a small car park at the end of Whinhill Road, or by bus from the centre of Paisley, making it easy to get to from all over Renfrewshire.
There are plenty of benches and places to sit along the banks of the White Cart River, so why not bring a picnic and relax in nature or spend some time on the viewing platform where you can see stunning sights over Paisley’s River Cart. From here you can also see the viaduct where the Paisley Central rail line travels over the river. This beautiful bridge, built in 1806, was designed by famous engineer Thomas Telford.
Visit this transformed quarry for a unique trip into a magical nature reserve in the heart of Paisley.
Finlaystone Country Estate
Conveniently located just off the M8, between Bishopton and Port Glasgow, Finlaystone Country Estate is a beautiful location. Set in 500 acres of ancient woodland and sculpted gardens, Finlaystone boasts a spectacular venue for wedding and celebrations, as well as glorious walks and exciting activities for all the family.
For nature lovers, the woodlands boast incredibly peaceful walks, where you can spot trees up to 400 years old. If you prefer manicured lawns and perfectly maintained gardens, then a walk around the Estate gardens might be just the thing for you.
With views over the spectacular Clyde Firth, FInlaystone Country Estate is close to Langbank and Bishopton, and just a short drive from the rest of Renfrewshire.
The Estate also boasts a lovely café and gift shop, as well as visitor bathrooms and easily accessible parking. Spend time in the peaceful gardens or enjoy a coffee and a light lunch in the café. The gardens are fully suitable for those in wheelchairs or buggies too.
With the perfect mixture of natural and man-made beauty, Finlaystone Country Estate is the ideal Renfrewshire beauty spot.
Cowan Park
Located next to Barrhead High School, this lovely local park is perfect for a peaceful walk.
Cowan Park was opened on the day of George V’s coronation in 1911 and has remained a core part of the Barrhead community to the present day.
This wonderful park boasts tennis courts, play parks and fitness equipment, as well as spectacular formal gardens and a beautiful fountain.
Close to Paisley and the surrounding towns, this Barrhead park is a delightful place to spend an afternoon.
RSPB Lochwinnoch and Castle Semple
One of the few wetlands in Scotland, this spectacular natural beauty spot is the ideal place for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With 2 shallow lochs, surrounding water meadows, marshes, and wetlands, you can spot a variety of swans, wigeons and ducks.
Visit in spring to see the great crested grebes put on an elaborate display, or pop into the visitor centre for a light snack and a chance to browse in the gift shop.
In addition to incredible views and abundant wildlife, this location also offers toilet facilities and accessible parking, making it a wonderful place to visit with a senior.
Just next door you can find Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Renfrewshire’s best water sports centre. Here you can take a walk along tranquil paths or relax on a lochside bench to watch the birds and the exciting activities on offer at Castle Semple.
Just a short drive from nearby Johnstone and Elderslie, Castle Semple is a gateway to the Clyde Muirshiel National Park, and offers access to National Cycle Route 7, which runs through the reserve.
Whether you enjoy birdwatching, walking, lunching in the café, or just relaxing in the sun on one of the lochside benches, Lochwinnoch’s Castle Semple and the RSPB Nature Reserve offer a truly wonderful experience for all.
Rouken Glen Park
This beautiful park on the edge of Renfrewshire is one of the area’s best family friendly greenspaces.
Located on Rouken Glen Road, near Thornliebank, this beautiful park is just 20-minute drive from the centre of Paisley, and just 15 minutes from Barrhead.
This historic park has attractions for all the family, including play areas, a beautiful walled garden, a spectacular boating pond, the Pavilion visitor centre, and the Glen, with beautiful woodland paths and incredible waterfalls.
With events and activities on all year round, this is one of the busiest and best parks for all ages.
Great for children, adults, and seniors alike, this Renfrewshire park is one of the highest rated parks in Renfrewshire. Pack a picnic and head to Rouken Glen for a fabulous day out.
Robertson Park
This lovely park in the centre of Renfrew is relatively small but packed with fun and exciting things to do.
Brand new play areas and a skate park for the kids, a peaceful duck pond with resident swans, and a network of wheelchair and buggy friendly walkways around beautifully maintained gardens, make this Renfrewshire green haven a must visit spot.
Easy to get to, this lovely park sits on the bus routes between Erskine and Inchinnan, Paisley and Braehead. The recent addition of a bicycle shop and attached café make this an interesting and convenient place for a day out.
If you fancy something sweet, why not check out Renfrewshire’s oldest sweet shop, Bunty’s corner, just across the road. This delightful little shop has a 120-year history of providing sweets and ice cream to the people of Renfrewshire.
Ideal for a gentle stroll before stopping in at one of the many local shops and cafes for a bite to eat, Renfrew’s Robertson Park is compact but has everything you will need for a lovely day out in Renfrewshire.
Our Care Professionals are available to help you or your loved ones to get out and about in Renfrewshire. Find out more about supported living in this area and see if Home Instead Renfrewshire & Barrhead could be right for your loved ones.