Bishop Loch
A mix of landscapes on the edge of Easterhouse
Bishop Loch has long been a peaceful haven, treasured since the Bishops of Glasgow built a palatial retreat here 700 years ago. Their palace is long gone, but the loch is still a highlight and there are lovely views over the water to the Victorian turrets of the former Gartloch Hospital. The attractive mix of woodland, wetland, grassland and wildflower meadows here is ideal for exploring on foot, bike or horseback, and is home to a rich variety of wildlife.
Look out for areas of bulrushes and willow scrub, attractive birch wood and peat bog. This is also home to the largest area of common reed bed (phragmites) in Glasgow. In summer the meadows are full of colourful, sweet-scented wildflowers, attracting a host of insects and butterflies. Watch for roe deer and foxes amongst the trees and listen out for the loud plop of shy water voles dropping into the loch and the sweet songs in summer of visiting whitethroats.
Bishop Loch is part of the Seven Lochs Wetland Park, Scotland's largest urban nature park.
Guide map to Bishop Loch (PDF 5MB)
Activities
Explore other forests nearby
If you want to explore further afield, there are paths through to neighbouring Todds Well wood, through Lochend Burn and all the way to Drumpellier Country Park.
Facilities & access
You can find toilets and places to eat and drink at nearby Platform or Glasgow Fort retail park.
Getting here
Bishop Loch wood lies just north-east of Easterhouse, to the west side of Lochend Road. You can access this site from the west side of the road where Dubton Road meets Lochend Road. Alternatively you can access the north east of the site from Auchengill Road, off Lochend Road.
There is no car park for the wood but plenty of on-street parking nearby.
Using SatNav?
G34 0ND is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
The trail begins less than 50 yards along Lochend Road from Easterhouse Bus Terminus. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
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