Loch Thom

This moderate jogging loop, starting from the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, offers a varied experience over 6.6 miles (10.6 km) with an elevation gain of 345 feet (105 metres). You can expect a mix of tarmac country roads, gravel tracks, and grassy trails, including some undulating and potentially boggy sections over the moorland, especially on Dunrod Hill. The route circles Loch Thom, providing serene lochside views, and opens up to spectacular panoramas over the Firth of Clyde, the Argyll hills, and even Arran on clear days. You will complete this route in about 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it a rewarding run for those with good fitness.

To begin your jog, head to the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre, which provides facilities like toilets and an information center. While the paths are generally accessible, sturdy footwear is advised for the moorland sections, which can be boggy in places. The trail is suitable for all skill levels, but its moderate difficulty means you should be prepared for some gentle gradients and one short, steep hill. The Greenock Cut section itself is mostly flat, offering a smoother jogging experience.

This route is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, following the Greenock Cut, a 19th-century engineering marvel built to supply water to Greenock. As you jog, you will pass 23 stone bridges and two old bothies that once housed workers, all part of a complex system designed by Robert Thom. The area is also rich in wildlife; keep an eye out for birds of prey like buzzards and kestrels, and listen for cuckoos and skylarks in spring. Dragonflies and butterflies are common along the Greenock Cut in summer and autumn.