Possil Marsh and Milton Park

Run time: 31:08
Distance covered: 3.33m (5.36km)
Soundtrack: Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast
Conditions: overcast


Another excursion to the north. There are still quite a few destinations to work through in the north and north west, because lockdown meant I was focusing on the closer and more familiar south and south east over the summer. As I've said before, the north of Glasgow is the part of the city I know least. I don't tend to have to go to it or to it to get anywhere, so it's almost like visiting an area of a different town entirely.

First I headed across the Forth & Clyde canal to Possil Marsh. Technically not a park but a wildlife reserve, but it's the same idea as Robroyston Park, except more interesting. 


The marsh is managed by Scottish Wildlife Trust, and was once part of a network of marshes across central Scotland. It has a looping footpath that takes you around the edge and connects to the canal walkway. It's a good flat run with lots to see. I found one online article calling it 'Glasgow's Serengeti' on account of the varied wildlife and plants, which might be a bit strong, but it's definitely worth a visit. 



At the north of the marsh, I passed by this boulder with a faded engraving. I didn't stop to try to make out what it said, but it appears to mark the site of the High Possil meteorite, which fell to earth on 5th April 1804. 



I followed the path out onto the Forth & Clyde Canal walkway. Canal walks are popular with runners and cyclists for a reason. It was nice to have an even, flat surface after some of the muddy paths in the marsh.




Final leg of the run was through Milton, which is on the northern edge of the city limits. Milton Park is one of very few parks in this neck of the woods, and it's pleasant enough: just some green space and a playpark, but nothing particular to distinguish it. No meteors, and no exotic wildlife, unless you count the brood of teenagers on the swings.




It was an easier run than Rouken Glen the other day, and I didn't feel too bad afterwards. Milton Park isn't much of a standout, but Possil Marsh is a hidden gem.




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