Discover Craignethan Castle
Hidden away in the rolling hills of Clydesdale in Lanark, Craignethan Castle is the last great private stronghold constructed in Scotland. The castle dates back to around 1530, and functioned as a residential tower, protected by an artillery fortification amid fine settings.
The oldest part is the tower house built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart. The castle’s defences include a caponier, a stone vaulted artillery chamber which is rare in Britain.
The castle features a tower house – a quite exceptional ‘double-pile’ residence, far ahead of its time, the caponier – one of only two such gun defences built in Scotland (the other, at Blackness, was probably also Hamilton of Finnart’s handiwork), and the first built in Britain.
Nature Trails, Lanarkshire
The castle is also home to the nature trail, which allows you to descend from the castle and into the deep glen of the Nethan Water.
There is an abundance of natural plant and wildlife to see, and all is within a short distance of the castle.
For a fantastic day out, which provides an insight into Scotland's history, come for a tour of the castle.
Whilst in the area why not visit the nearby New Lanark World Heritage Site and explore all the award-winning attractions in the historic village.
Film footage of these fantastic nature trails located nearby the castle is now available.