The original purpose of the temple was simply a landscape feature or ‘folly’, designed to be seen from the mansion house and by visitors arriving at Castle Semple. It also served as a summer house with panoramic views. The design of the building probably comes from James Gibbs ‘Book of Architecture’, published in 1728, a sort of architect’s scrapbook of ideas. Gibbs described his designs as ‘summer houses in the form of temples of an octagonal form. The Follie originally had a roof and glazed windows but these were damaged in a fire. It also had trees planted beside it.

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Best Road Cycling Rides to Temple Folly

4.7

(6)

149

riders

1. Castle Semple Loch – Temple Folly loop from Hawkhead

39.5km

01:38

180m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Easy

119

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2. Temple Folly – Castle Semple Loch loop from Hawkhead

47.9km

02:02

350m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

4.3

(3)

127

riders

3. Castle Semple Loch – Temple Folly loop from Bridge of Weir

48.7km

01:59

250m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 40 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 25 January

7°C

4°C

79 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 27.0 km/h

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Location: Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, West Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Castle Semple Loch

Temple Folly

1. Castle Semple Loch – Temple Folly loop from Hawkhead

2. Temple Folly – Castle Semple Loch loop from Hawkhead

3. Castle Semple Loch – Temple Folly loop from Bridge of Weir

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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