Wilsontown

A vital site of Scotland's Industrial Revolution, now home to wildflowers and butterflies

Bonny woodland and grassland clothe the banks of the Moosewater Burn today. The woodland is home to birds, butterflies and wildflowers. But they were once covered with smoking furnaces and noisy coal mines: Wilsontown Ironworks was one of the most important sites of Scotland’s Industrial Revolution.

Along the burnside there are rocky outcrops, knolls and hollows. Illustrated panels along the trails and our guide bring the bustling industrial past to life. You can read more about Wilsontown Ironworks on our Heritage webpages.

Walking trails

Walking

The Glen Trail

A short stroll through young broadleaves alongside the Moosewater Burn and passing the site of the Wilson’s grand mansion.

Uneven grassy surface with muddy parts. One short fairly steep slope.

½ miles / 0.7 km

Allow ¼ hour

More information

Look out for wildflowers like beautiful orchids in the summer.

Walking

Quality Row Trail

Explore the site of Wilsontown’s historic ironworks and the settlement where its workers lived and mined.

Wide, firm gravel surface throughout with some loose stones. Short moderate slopes but plenty of resting places. One quiet road crossing.

1 miles / 1.7 km

Allow ½ hour

More information

You’ll be walking through the heart of Wilsontown’s industry along this trail, past the site of the forge and rolling mill and the workers’ houses on Quality Row. The route also takes you through the area pock-marked with bell pit mines. The trail starts across the road from the car park and a short link path will take you to the start of the blue waymarkers.

Walking

Peat Pond Path

Wander through the old industrial landscape and enjoy views across the wider area when you reach the pond on the edge of the site.

Firm gravel surface throughout. Some sections may be slightly loose or muddy. Long moderate slope for 400m. Includes a road crossing.

1 ¼ miles / 2.2 km

Allow ¾ hour

More information

This trail starts across the road from the car park. A short link path will take you to the start of the orange waymarkers. Please note this is a linear route returning along the same path.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Picnic area

There are shops, places to eat and public toilets in Forth village, about ½ mile (800 metres) away.

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

If travelling on the A706, look out for the sign for 'Wilsontown, Braehead, B7016' just north of Forth village. Our car park is only a few hundred metres along Wilsontown Road before entering Rootpark village.

Using SatNav?

Nearest postcode: ML11 8ER

Public transport

Buses go to the village of Forth, about ½ mile (800 metres) away. Check Traveline Scotland for details.

Get directions