The Semple Heritage Trail in the Clydemuirshiel Regional Park in Renfrewshire is about to open offering visitors the chance to enjoy the restored parts of the eighteenth century Semple Estate designed landscape.
Over the past couple of years, GUARD Archaeologists have been monitoring the conservation work to restore rarely surviving B-listed cascade water features as well as associated ice-house and cave. The conservation works provided an opportunity to analyse these structures more closely. Findings included the presence of stonework within the cascades, including window and door jambs, which are likely to come from the nearby sixteenth century Semple Castle when it was replaced in the eighteenth century. Also discovered was an early example of a fountain system alongside the cascades.
GUARD Archaeology Ltd undertook the work on behalf of Renfrewshire Council for the Semple Trail Heritage Project, which was supported by HLF and HES funding and aims to improve access and the quality of the visitor experience on the trail through the park.
To celebrate the completion of the works and the opening of the Semple Trail an all day event will be taking place on Sunday 7 August 2016 at the Castle Semple Visitor Centre with numerous ideas and activities for all ages along the 12 km route. GUARD Archaeology’s Warren Bailie will also be giving a presentation on the findings from the conservation work at 1pm on the day.
