Overview
From the New Town of Cumbernauld wind your way down to Coatbridge and then on to Airdrie. Visit Motherwell before heading west to Hamilton and East Kilbride. Drop down to Craignethan Castle and then onto Lanark. Visit Douglas and finish your tour in the Lowther Hills.
Cumbernauld
One of Scotland’s New Towns and home to Britain’s first shopping centre, you can visit Cumbernauld House Park, Cumbernauld Glen and Cumbernauld Museum which chronicles the local area from Roman times. Just outside the town is Palacerigg Country Park with nature trails and a zoo.
Coatbridge
Once known as Iron Burgh due to the many iron works, Coatbridge hosts Summerlee – the Scottish Museum of Industrial Heritage – where you visit a mine and ride an electric tram. If you are feeling energetic then visit The Time Capsule leisure centre for lots of fun.
Airdrie
The market town of Airdrie lies on the “Hog’s Back” and remains a great place for shopping. Visit the Airdrie Observatory – one of four public observatories in the UK. A little bit of history – the world’s first football penalty was taken at Broomfield Park – and was scored by James McLuggage.
Motherwell
Once the centre of Scotland’s steel production, you can explore the industrial heritage at North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre where you can climb a tower and take in the views across the Clyde Valley. En route to Hamilton you can take in Strathclyde Country Park – where you can visit the remains of a Roman fort and bath.
Hamilton
Taking in Hamilton at the head of the Clyde Valley, you can visit Low Park Museum – the oldest surviving building in Hamilton. The ruins of Cadzow Castle can be found at Chatelherault Country Park.
East Kilbride
Visit “The White Man” – a statue of Sir Walter Scott, James Hamilton Heritage Park, the ruins of Calderglen Castle and the nature reserve at Langlands Moss. Close by you can find the National Museum of Rural Life and Whitelee Wind Farm visitor centre.
Craignethan Castle
Overlooking the River Nethan you explore the ruins of Craignethan Castle, with dates from the 16th century. The castle includes a caponier – stone vaulted artillery chamber – unique in Britain. Then strike out and explore the nature trail and Nethan Water.
Lanark
An historic market town set in the Clyde Valley, where you can visit Lanark Museum, Lanark Loch, Castlebank Park – home to the former Lanark Castle. Close by you can discover the World Heritage Site of New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde, a series of four waterfalls.
Douglas
On the south bank of Douglas Water, backed by rolling hills and moorland you can explore the historical buildings and charming streets of Douglas. The St. Brides church tower is home to the oldest working clock in Scotland.
Lowther Hills
Steep sides, rolling summits and fantastic views make the Lowther Hills a great location to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Enjoy the hill walking – and if there is snow then head to ski centre for some downhill action.
