Geilston Gardens

I visited these National Trust gardens a few days ago and they greatly surpassed expectation. All the flower beds are well kept and there was a profusion of huge colourful flowering plants, many heavily scented (especially the gorgeous yellow azaleas).
There are many paths through the formal part of the garden and some through a wooded area too beside the burn and bridge. Many of the trees are mature and quite magnificent, especially the enormous Wellingtonia on the front lawn.
Admission prices (free to members)
Adult £6, Family £16, Concessions £5
Free Car Park next to the entrance
There was no one manning the wooden kiosk beside the car park when I was there but an honesty box was on the wall by the door. There’s also a tea/​coffee machine just inside where you can make a brew!
The gardens are on the west of Cardross, 18 miles north-​west of Glasgow. Driving is probably the easiest way to get there (on the A814) but there is a half-​hourly bus from Dumbarton to Helensburgh which passes the entrance. It is a one-​mile walk from the railway station and, as for cycling, it’s 3 miles from NCN 7.
I’d like to go back there again before long as my time was limited the day I visited!