Bishop Loch

Bishop Loch
About Activities Facilities & access Directions Contact Nearby forests
Where we are

Latest forest information

Open water

  • This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.

About

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 and access

Walking
Walking
Cycling
Cycling
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Horse riding
Horse riding

You can find toilets and places to eat and drink at nearby Platform or Glasgow Fort retail park.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

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 directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Email
enquiries.central@forestryandland.gov.scot
Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 1)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Birch trees among undergrowth

1
Todds Well

Open heath, wildflower meadows and young woodland

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Cycling
Cycling
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Horse riding
Horse riding
Distance from 'Bishop Loch': 0.39 miles
Close up of small purple flowers

2
Lochend Burn

Colourful wildflower meadows on the edge of the city

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Cycling
Cycling
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Horse riding
Horse riding
Distance from 'Bishop Loch': 0.56 miles
Man, woman and three children walking beside trees on path in Cardowan Moss, Glasgow with housing estate in background

3
Cardowan

Easy trails through wildlife-rich wetlands

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Cycling
Cycling
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Horse riding
Horse riding
Distance from 'Bishop Loch': 1.33 miles

Find out more

Find a forest... View all forests