Palacerigg Country Park : Facilities and Services

Set in the hills to the south-east of Cumbernauld, Palacerigg Country Park is well signposted from the town centre road network.  It is less than half an hour's drive from Glasgow, Motherwell, Stirling or Falkirk.  Established in the early 1970's, Palacerigg has been developed around the objectives of conservation, environmental education and countryside recreation. More than 40 hectares of what was once a bleak upland farm have been planted with hundreds of thousands of native trees and shrubs. 

This new, sheltered environment provides a sanctuary for wildlife including thriving populations of roe deer, badger, fox and hare as well as sparrowhawk, kestrel, long-eared and short-eared owl.

Rare breeds collection

Palacerigg's animal collection is unique in Central Scotland and provides an opportunity to see many rare breeds in addition to other friendly farm animals.   Rare breeds include Eriskay ponies, North Ronaldsay and Boreray sheep, Shetland and white park cattle, Bagot and Guernsey goats, Tamworth pigs and scots grey and scots dumpy poultry.  Many of these animals are registered with the appropriate breed society enabling us to make a positive contribution to the breed's survival.

Palacerigg's animal keepers are on duty every day of the year and every effort is taken to keep livestock in a manner promoting natural behaviour and quality of life.

Attractions in the countryside

Visit the park centre with displays, interpretative panels and ' exhibition area   Hire the Lecture Theatre or longhouses if you wish.

Explore the nature trails and places of historic interest, including evidence of fireclay mining at Glencryan and peat cutting at Gobhar

Climb to the heights of the treetop walkway and enjoy the bird's-eye view of buds, branches and leaves.  

300 hectares of grassland, moorland, woodland and ponds ensure a haven for wildlife, providing breeding sites and places of refuge

Environmental education

The Countryside Ranger Service based in the park specialise in tailoring environmental education in the countryside to meet the demands of the national 5-14 curriculum, youth groups and adult groups. The Badger Set, Palacerigg's nature club, meets regularly to enjoy a range of outdoor activities in a safe and stimulating environment.  Families can also join the fun through our annual programme of informal guided walks and special events.  Visitors can walk the 10km network of nature trails and footpaths and see the rare breeds and wildlife collection.  Nearby on Fannyside Moor rare bean geese are known to feed.

Officially opened in March 1998, the Longhouses, funded by the Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust, are the base for demonstrations on a variety of woodland and other crafts.  They also provide an unusual venue for meetings and small conferences..

Other facilities and outdoor pursuits include a field archery course, golf course, 10km network of Bridle Paths (riding permits available from the Visitor Centre), orienteering opportunities (maps available from the Visitor Centre), children's play area, gift shop, café, car parks, picnic sites and toilets.

Visitors are welcome to Palacerigg in the daylight hours.  No fires or firearms allowed.  Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control.

Transport

Palacerigg Country Park is signposted off the A801 Cumbernauld Town Centre road.  It is less than half an hours drive from Glasgow, Stirling, Motherwell and Falkirk.  Cumbernauld Railway Station and Town Centre bus stop are approximately three and a half miles from Palacerigg Country Park and it should be noted that there is no public transport from either of the above stations to the park.  However taxis are readily available.  For patrons who are travelling to the park by car there is ample car parking facilities available.  For further details on transport available click on Public Transport.

There are disabled access points available to the Visitor Centre and the toilets are situated on the ground floor.

Catering

Our catering services can cater for children's parties; provide tea, coffee, scones, buffets and sit down meals at events - all at very competitive prices.  Click on Catering For You for further details, costs and booking information.

Management Rules

All our facilities are managed by a set of rules and regulations.  To familiarise yourself with them click on Management Rules

Location map

Use the "Map" box on the right-hand side of the screen for information on where you can find the centre.

Contact us

For further information (or if you have any questions) please use the "Contact Us" box that appears on the right-hand side of your screen.