Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre
Explore the UK’s largest onshore windfarm from this modern visitor centre, with interactive exhibits, a café, and over 130km of trails through moorland and forest.
Gateway to Scotland’s Largest Windfarm
Perched on Eaglesham Moor, Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre is the public heart of the UK’s biggest onshore windfarm, home to 215 turbines spread across a vast upland landscape. From the centre, the turbines rise like sentinels across the moor, their blades turning in the wind to generate enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes. The visitor centre itself is modern and welcoming, with large glass windows framing the turbines and the surrounding moorland, creating an immediate sense of place. Inside, the focus is on renewable energy, sustainability, and the science behind wind power, presented in a way that’s accessible to visitors of all ages.Interactive Learning and Local Flavours
The centre features a hands-on exhibition area where you can explore how turbines work, experiment with balancing energy supply and demand, and even design your own windfarm layout. These interactive displays, managed in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre, are particularly engaging for children and school groups, blending education with fun. A small café serves hot drinks, locally sourced cakes, sandwiches, soups, and children’s meal options, all enjoyed with sweeping views of the windfarm. There’s also a modest shop with souvenirs and gifts, and a learning hub that hosts workshops and ranger-led activities, especially during weekends and school holidays.Trails, Views and Outdoor Adventure
Beyond the building, Whitelee is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Over 130km of well-maintained trails wind through moorland and forest, suitable for walking, cycling, and horse riding. Paths range from gentle gravel forest roads to more rugged earth tracks, offering something for all fitness levels. A short waymarked trail leads from the centre to a viewpoint with far-reaching vistas across Glasgow and, on clear days, to landmarks like Ben Lomond, Ailsa Craig, and the Isle of Arran. The site is also home to a ranger service that organises seasonal events, guided walks, and educational activities, helping visitors connect with both the windfarm and the surrounding natural environment.Practicalities and Accessibility
The visitor centre is open daily with free entry, making it an easy and affordable day out. Free parking is available, including spaces for blue badge holders and horseboxes, and there’s an electric vehicle charging canopy. Facilities include toilets, baby changing, and a café that closes earlier than the centre itself, so it’s wise to plan refreshments accordingly. The centre is partially accessible for visitors with limited mobility, with level access to the main entrance and key areas, though some of the outdoor trails can be uneven or exposed to the elements. Public transport options are limited, so most visitors arrive by car, but the site is well signposted from Glasgow and nearby towns.Local tips
- Visit on a clear day to enjoy the best views of the turbines and distant landmarks like Ben Lomond and the Isle of Arran from the viewpoint trail.
- Check the café closing time when you arrive; it shuts earlier than the visitor centre, so plan your lunch or coffee break accordingly.
- Bring sturdy footwear and waterproofs; the moorland trails can be wet and muddy, even in summer, and the weather changes quickly on the open moor.
- Look out for ranger-led events and guided bus tours, which offer a closer look at the turbines and the ecology of the site, especially useful for families and school groups.
- Combine your visit with a longer walk or cycle; the trails are extensive, so decide in advance how far you want to go, especially if you’re with young children or less experienced walkers.
A brief summary to Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre
- Moor Rd, Glasgow, Eaglesham, G76 0QQ, GB
- +441416140851
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
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By car from Glasgow
From central Glasgow, follow the A74(M) south towards Hamilton, then take the A724 towards East Kilbride. From East Kilbride, take the A749 towards Eaglesham and follow signs for Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre on Moor Road. The drive takes about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Free parking is available at the visitor centre, including spaces for blue badge holders and horseboxes.
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By public transport and local bus
From Glasgow city centre, take a train to East Kilbride station, then a local bus towards Eaglesham. From Eaglesham village, it’s about a 30–40 minute walk along Moor Road to the visitor centre. The walk is on a quiet road with some elevation, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a moderate walk in all weather conditions.
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By bicycle
Cyclists can reach Whitelee via the National Cycle Network Route 7, which runs from Glasgow through East Kilbride and Eaglesham. The final stretch on Moor Road has some incline and can be exposed to wind and rain, but there’s a bike shed at the visitor centre for secure storage while you explore the site.
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On foot from Eaglesham
From Eaglesham village, follow Moor Road uphill for about 3km to the visitor centre. The path is a quiet road with pavement in parts, but it’s exposed and can be steep in places. Allow 30–45 minutes on foot, and wear sturdy footwear, especially in wet or windy conditions.
