Mugdock Country Park

Plenty of space for everyone to have a run around, humans included! Nice café, too.

Mugdock is one of my favourite places to go. It’s not to far from the city centre and you feel completely in the countryside. I had been going to Mugdock for years and never new there was a castle and only last summer, up behind the castle I found some world war 2 gun barracks.
So much to see and the wildlife is amazing. If your lucky enough you might go when the castle is open, if you get the chance go in as the view from the roof is stunning.
They also have a coffee shop where you can get some food but most importantly an ice cream.

I have been several times to this park with the wife and the in-​laws.
It has some nice aspects. A lovely little café to recharge the body core temperature before setting off for brisk wander around the various spots in this easily accessible country park/

My friend Marc once commented that this park was «a place full of dog porn for the animal lover», and in a purely innocent way he is absolutely right! It is a wonderful rambling ground for dogs to go nuts, and you will not get two seconds in this place before being greeted by several friendly dog owners.
For kids, this place is heaven. My uncle used to bring my family here when we were tots and driving up here was the most unbearably exciting ten minutes of the summer holidays. When we arrived, we used to be allowed to run free all day. With the massive assault course of a playground the obstacles, caked in mud, give children a chance to really get their hands dirty — which is what they do best. And they can’t get enough of it! With 100 acres with which to go completely bonkers, why wouldn’t you?
There are some beautiful, picturesque walks around the massive country park. You can get lost all day on the walkways, but always feel safe in the knowledge the Campsies are in full view. The scenery is terrific, with the dramatic mountain ranges at the beginning of Argyll being visible all over the park. It’s a great place to bring your bike since there is enough land to spend an entire day cycling around. I actually remember running around here with my cousin once, and although we felt miles away from our parents we were perfectly safe.
With Mugdoch having one foot in the highlands and the other foot in nearby Glasgow, it’s the perfect place to escape from the city while only being 5 miles outside it. The air is fresher out here, and with the glorious landscape, castle ruins, country walks and a café, you can explore your free-​spirited outdoorsman side while also having your creature comforts at hand. Not only is it free but local commitees offer a range of activities within the grounds that range from horseriding to stargazing. An absolute must for a day out! Why haven’t you been yet?!

It’s impossible to see the whole park in one day, so this review may be slightly lacking.
We went here on wednesday for a barbeque. You can rent BBQ sites equipped with 2 monstrous BBQ’s, tables, benches and a shelter, in the inevitable event of rain.
While out sausages and burgers cooked, we played rounders with much hilarity. Imagine a bunch of academics playing rounders… needless to say it was a fiasco!
But the surroundings were beautiful, and archery, camping and a gift shop are all available here, never mind a castle! (I do love a good castle, me)
The toilets were surprisingly modern and high-​tech for such an outdoorsy place. All in all a great place for a wholesome weekend day out!