I've been coming here for years as it's literally a few minutes from my house. It's a wonderful…read morearea for dogs to run around in and normally very quiet unless it's a very sunny day or is the weekend. Nature lovers can come here and Bird Watch as it's a Nature Reserve. Cyclists, Runners and Walkers use the park as a trail as it goes all the way past Mar Hall. Just watch out for dog poop, it's not generally picked up.

Not that it feels it but this is a small woodland, in Erskine beside the Erskine Bride on the edge…read moreof the River Clyde. There's a number of woodland walks, a few trails take you down to Erskine beach, where the old Erskine Ferry used to cross. There's lots of picnic areas and seats to rest at. The walk has circular paths or you can walk around the edge. There's a network of about 2 miles (3km) trails, all ideal for easy walking and cycling. The paths are wide and smooth, so great for buggies too but be prepared for a few short moderate slopes.

This is a lovely, little play park for young kiddies and their folks. It doesn't fit into the more…read moremodern 'adventure' play park category. No, sir. Instead, it has a few select simple but highly child friendly, entertaining traditional ploys or 'toys' (is that the correct word?). These are: a slide, a swing (with protective seat for wee tots) and a spring(y) bike toy. Maybe not quite the thing for thrill seeking older kids but for little 'uns pretty perfect. It also has more than enough benches for parents (possibly for those times when there's a domestic in progress?) and a well designed litter bin. I've managed to have a rather pleasant day out with the boy and his two young nephews here (though, the pub lunch after handing them back to the parents was the best part of the day...). So all in all, a lovely, local, play park for young kiddies and given how quiet it often is when I walk past, one which is often overlooked.

The Palace Grounds is a huge park at the bottom of Hamilton that is attached by a wee tunnel to…read morestrathclyde country park, and is always overrun with dog walkers and their furry canine friends. I love this park because in the summer there's always picnickers and dog walkers and football players, and it's always loads of fun. There's also outside pitches in the park for various different sporting events, a bowls park, a swing park, and a massive indoor sporting centre for various different events of different sizes.

Stirling's King's Park is most definitely somewhere you should head to as the summer months get…read morecloser and closer. It's easy to forget about this cracking little park, as it's a wee walk away from the centre of Stirling. Not far though, mind, and worth making the short journey to. KP is just perfect for a chilled out afternoon, a leisurely stroll, a jog; whatever you fancy. There's often families in the park and it definitely feels much safer this side of town. The park also has some lovely flower displays and a pretty little fountain by the gates. It's of a really good size and always seems very well kept. There's also quite a few children's play areas, including a mini trail for little ones and their little bikes. There's even what looks like an outdoor gym. Although, I think I'd only have the guts to use it seriously in the early morning, when the park is at its quietest. There's also tennis courts and a skate park, if that's your thing. The more I think about it, this park's got something for everyone and it's definitely family friendly. Also, there always seems to be a lot of dog walkers here. I don't have a dog myself but it's interesting to take a loop or two of the park and indulge in some pooch-watching. In my opinion, that beats people-watching. - Hands down. One of these sunny summery afternoons, I'm taking a blanket, a book and lunch and I'm going to chill out here. I suggest you do too. After all, King's Park is just perfect for a picnic!

Ok, once again I feel a bit quilty that my first review did not do this venue justice. You see,…read morethis morning while walking to work I noticed that it actually has a lot more in it. For this read - two relatively small children-size friendly goal posts for footie. AND, a set of two-three swings set back further from the road. Not shockingly exciting, I know, but these two additions noticeably improve this park.