Kenmure Hill and the Semple Trail

 7 July 2021.

Participants: Just me

Where: Kenmure Hill, 77m/253', P 35m, Tump, OS 63, NS 387 606

A station to station walk taking in a Tump, a mysterious tower, a ruined church and a forest maze. The walk followed tracks on the west side of  Castle Semple Loch and is part of The Semple Trail. The rest of the Trail round the east side of the loch follows roads in part and is for another day..... 

I took the train to Howwood and headed firstly to the Tump, Kenmure Hill, which I had bagged before but which always repays a visit on a clear day. The north top is the highest (just) but it is the tower- The Temple- on the south top which is of the greatest interest. It was built around 1500 and it's purpose is the subject of speculation. However, the local history society say that it was either built as a summer house to take advantage of the superb view or else simply as a folly. The roof and internal floors have gone but (at least on a clear day such as this) the view remains.........

I dropped down the south side of the hill, traversed under the cliffs beneath the Temple and joined the walking/cycling track that followed the route of a former railway line.....

This was rather shut in but the official Trail soon left it to pass the ruins of Castle Semple Collegiate Church. The church was founded in 1504 by John, Lord Sempill, in the grounds of his castle, of which there is now no trace. Like all Collegiate churches, it's purpose was to pray for the souls of the Lord and his family. Originally a much smaller and plainer building, it was extended after Lord Sempill's death at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. It fell out of use after the Reformation and subsequently served as a burial ground. The church ruin contains Lord Sempill's tomb.....

I carried on past the church to enter the wood on Courtshaw Hill, leaving the main path to climb to the top of the hill (of course!). I was surprised to find a woodland maze at the top but one of the paths led to a viewpoint over Castle Semple Loch.....

Downhill again, I rejoined the main track and shortly after I was back in civilisation at the Visitor Centre. After a short rest, i continued along the Trail firstly along the loch-side where there was a good view back with the Temple visible in the far distance.....

A track ran alongside the main road and took me to Lochwinnoch station and the end of a fine walk.....