Clyde Valley Attractions
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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.
David Livingstone Centre
Blantyre's Livingstone Museum in Shuttle Row tells the life story of the African explorer David Livingstone who was born in this house. The exhibition follows the tracks of Livingstone across the dark continent, explains his work as a missionary and describes his African friends such as Susi, Chuma and Jacob Wainwright who brought his coffin back to England in 1873. The dangers and difficulties of traveling in those days (Livingstone suffered badly from malaria), his struggle against slavery, his journeys along the Zambesi and to Lake Tanganyika and the discovery on November 17, 1855 of the spectacular Victoria Falls are also well documented. The Africa Room describes recent developments in the African continent.
Hamilton, Scotland
Hamilton (pop. 107,500) is a burgh located southeast of Glasgow with museums and an 18th C church located close to the Strathclyde Country Park.Hamilton House, built in 1628, is open by prior arrangement with the NTS Lothians.
Bothwell Castle
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.
Chatelherault Castle
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.
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National Museum of Rural Life (formerly Museum of Scottish Country Life), East Kilbride, Scotland
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.
Craignethan Castle
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.
Wester Kittochside Farm, Lanark, 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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Wanlockhead - Museum of Lead Mining
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.
Cameronians' Regimental Memorial
Statue of the Earl of Angus who was the first Colonel of the Cameronian Regiment which was raised at Douglas in 1689.
Lanark - Black Hill
Black Hill in South Lanarkshire is the site of a Bronze-Age burial cairn, Iron-Age hill-fort and look-off point over the Clyde Valley.
Motherwell, Scotland
A fun swimming pool with white water rapids, jacuzzis, ice skating rink and fitness room are all part of Motherwell's Aquatec center.
Abington, Scotland
Abington is a delightful small town.
