The River Clyde rises in the heather-covered mountains not far from Wanlockhead, an area where prospectors have searched for lead and gold since the 13th C. The water flows downstream between narrow walls of rock, first slowly and then speeding up before reaching the Falls of Clyde, a dramatic beauty spot which has inspired many painters and writers including Wordsworth, Scott, Coleridge and Turner. The power of the water also impressed some key figures during the Industrial Revolution such as Richard Arkwright, David Dale and the socially committed Robert Owen.
New Lanark was chosen by Owen for the site of one of Britain's largest cotton spinning mills. The Clyde with its rich green woodland and orchards, its fauna and flora and its fertile fields is still a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
A signposted tourist route leads along the Clyde valley. It starts near Abington on the busy M74/A74 where the A702 turns to the east and then follows the course of the river northwards from the idyllic little villages at the foot of Tinto Hill via Biggar, Lanark and Hamilton and on to Blantyre. Further north in Monklands District based on Coatbridge, the industrial traditions of the valley become stronger. The Clyde then flows through Glasgow where a stroll "doon the watter" is an essential part of any tour of the city. For pure nostalgia, there is no substitute for a trip on the river in the "Waverley" steamer. Further downstream docks and huge shipyards used to dominate the skyline, striking symbols of the Victorian era, but today the centers of Port Glasgow and Greenock are now having to adapt to a post-industrial age. The Victorian resorts of Rothesay, Dunoon, Gourock, Millport and Largs along the Firth of Clyde continue to be popular destinations for the inhabitants of Scotland's major conurbations.
High above the banks of the River Clyde stand the vast ruins of Bothwell Castle with its towers and curtain walls. This 13th C stronghold serves as a monument to the skills of Scottish fortress builders. The sandstone walls which came under fierce attack during the Wars of Independence are 16ft/5m thick in places.
Always closed on: Bank Holiday - Scotland (January 2), New Year's Day (January 1), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The dukes of Hamilton's hunting lodge stands among the spreading trees of an extensive park near Ferniegair (1mi/1.6km south of Hamilton). After renovation work lasting years, it is now back to its former glory. The design for the extravagant edifice was provided by William Adam in 1732 and the work was completed by 1744.
Fall colors at Chatelherault.
Address: Chatelherault Castle, Ferniegair, Hamilton ML3 7UE, Scotland
Parking: Pay
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
The town of Wanlockhead was for centuries a lead mining area. The museum shows old photos, minerals, and offers a guided tour showing mining techniques.
Craignethan Castle is situated about 5mi/8km northwest of Lanark. The locals still call it "Tillietudlum" after a novel by Sir Walter Scott. The huge tower house was built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart in the 16th C.
Drumpellier Country Park lies to the west of Coatbridge in Monkland District. Broad expanses of heathers, a butterfly farm and a golf course are among the attractions.
The National Museum of Rural Life (formerly known as Museum of Scottish Country Life) shows how country people lived and worked in Scotland in the past, and how that has shaped the countryside. The farm was home to ten generations of the Reid family, who farmed here for at least four hundred years.
Clydesdale horses on a farm museum in Kilbride.
Address: National Museum of Rural Life (formerly Museum of Scottish Country Life), Wester Kittochside, East Kilbride G76 9HR, Scotland
The Wester Kittochside Farm is a traditional 100-acre farm in the north Lanarkshire area. This Georgian farmhouse has contents, tools and farm implements dating from the period that saw the transition from horse-powered to mechanised agriculture.
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David Livingstone Centre
Bothwell Castle
Falkirk
Bothwell Castle
Falkirk
Bothwell Castle
Falkirk
Bothwell Castle
