Neilston Pad
Hill in East Renfrewshire, Scotland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Neilston Pad, referred to locally as The Pad, is a distinctive hill in East Renfrewshire, situated a mile (1.5 km) south of the village of Neilston.
| Neilston Pad | |
|---|---|
| "The Pad" | |
Neilston Pad from Kirkton Road | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 261 m (856 ft)[1] |
| Parent peak | Corse Hill[1] |
| Coordinates | 55.765251°N 4.42957°W |
| Geography | |
 | |
Its highest point is 261 metres (856 ft)[1] and is characterised by a relatively flat summit plateau surrounded by steep slopes[2] and distinctive forestry on its eastern side. Its odd shape and prominence make it easily identifiable and visible from many areas in Glasgow.
The area was managed by Elderslie Estates from the 1990s until it was sold to a private buyer or consortium in 2021.[3]
Walking and public access
Neilston Pad has a well constructed gravel path surrounding it extending to access paths from the north and south. A number of secondary paths exist, one of which leads to the summit.[4]
Summit
Reservoirs
The area surrounding Neilston Pad includes a number of reservoirs. Craighall Reservoir, known locally as Craighall Dam, lies to the west, Snypes Reservoir to the east and a smaller body of water sits north known as Keepers Dam.[5]
Forestry
The hill itself has extensive forestry on its eastern and southern sides as well as large areas alongside its eastern side.
In 2019 up to 20,000 trees were felled to prevent the spread of phytophthora ramorum – a fungus-like pathogen that can kill or severely damage larch trees.[6] The felling damaged and disturbed a number of well utilised walking and access routes mainly around Craighall Reservoir.
Gallery
- Photographs of Neilston Pad and surrounding area
Neilston Pad from Kirkton Road
Craighall Reservoir from Neilston Pad
Neilston Pad true summit
Looking towards the Neilston Pad from Craighall Reservoir
Looking north towards Glasgow
Neilston Pad with the Harelaw Dam in the foreground
