The Lochwinnoch Loop line once was known as the Paisley canal line and the Dalry and North Johnstone Line. Opened by 1857 to give a closer connection to the Linwood pits, to Johnstone Gas Works, and to ironworks and foundries that were established north of the town. It was a busy time for industry and the need for railways in the area and development of the railway network continued reaching further south as a passenger and freight line. Closure came under the Beeching Axe in 1966 to passenger traffic and freight from Cart Junction to Kilbirnie in 1972. The line between Kilbirnie and Brownhill Junction remained open until 1977. This section travels from Glengarnock north eastwards passing Kilbirnie, Lochwinnoch, and terminates at Johnstone. It is part of NCN 7 and if you wish you can continue following it through Paisley. We have not investigated this option preferring to draw your attention to Route 75 which we have covered as Paisley and Clyde Railway Path. Lochwinnoch Loop Line is a decent 16.5 miles length with mostly tarmacked path way and we have not observed any barriers against horses. Grid ref: NS 3194 5348 Glengarnock Steel works site. Parking in the same location Grid ref: NS 4345 6382 Johnstone Possible parking at Grid Ref 4314 6407: housing estate access next to NCN 75..

Lochwinnoch Loop Line

Lochwinnoch Loop Line - Barr Castle � Copyright Chris Court and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Lochwinnoch Loop Line - carved seat by Castle Semple Loch � Copyright Richard Sutcliffe and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Lochwinnock Loop Line near Jeffreystock Farm � Copyright Richard Webb and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Lochwinnoch Loop Line - sculpture at junction of NCN 7 and 75 � Copyright Thomas Nugent and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.