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 Europe. 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)
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.
You can find toilets and plenty of places to eat, drink and shop at nearby Glasgow Fort retail park.
Bishop Loch wood lies just north-east of Easterhouse, off Lochend Road. Head 50 yards beyond the bus terminus/Lochdochart Road junction and turn left onto Auchingill Road. The entrance to Bishop Loch is straight ahead
There is no car park for the wood but plenty of on-street parking nearby.
G34 0ND is the nearest postcode.
The trail begins less than 50 yards along Lochend Road from Easterhouse Bus Terminus. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
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