Crawford and Abington Cycle Route

The Lowther Hills - Escape from the World

Once described as God’s Own Treasure House the Lowther hills have been mined for gold and lead since Roman times. The mines are closed but lots of reminders remain. Piles of spoil, old railway tracks and miners’ cottages do not take away from the beauty of the Lowther hills but rather add plenty of interest for the passing cyclist.

Wild, green, other worldly and with several high passes to cross the Lowther hills are perfect for cyclists looking for a challenge. However there also are plenty of opportunities by the youthful River Clyde to enjoy the scenery but with much less effort.

Crawford and Abington Cycle Route

Map: OS Landranger 72
Start/finish: Car park (public toilets), Carlisle Road, Crawford
Train: Lanark (18 miles)
Refreshment: Abington Hotel– 01864 502 467; Abington General Store – 01864 502 374; Crawford Arms Hotel - 01864 502267
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Terrain: cycle lane by A702 and quiet back roads where the surface rough in places.

Points of interest near Crawford and Abington, South Lanarkshire

Lindsay Tower (Castle Crawford) is now a ruin but in the 16th century the castle hosted a dinner between King James V and the French ambassador. The king who was about to be married to Magdalene of France presented his guests with cups full of gold pieces.

The route

From car park (public toilets) on Carlisle Road turn left (north). Follow road uphill to Crawford’s mercat cross on small grassy traffic island. Turn right signed for Camps Reservoir and Lindsay Tower.
Once over the Clyde take first left uphill.
Continue for a couple of miles and then turn left at Mountview Caravan Park and continue uphill into Abington.
At Royal Bank of Scotland in Abington turn left.
Follow A702 and take up cycle lane. Continue to roundabout at Crawford where you take the first left and descend into Crawford on Carlisle Road to return to start.