Walking
Lanarkshire provides a great escape from the city of Glasgow and has an extensive walking network of local pathways and trails.
Walking - Highlights
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Antonine Wall WalksHistory, UNESCO World Heritage Site, improved access and signage in area of...
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Walking in Lanarkshire
There is no better way to get to know a place than by walking slowly through it and in Lanarkshire, walkers new to the area are always surprised and delighted by what there is to discover within easy reach of home.
For instance how well do you know the river Clyde? Upstream from the Clyde of ship building renown it is a river of pasture, wooded gorges, fruit orchards and spectacular waterfalls. Perfect for a walk with the family.
Between Garrion bridge and New Lanark and beyond to the Falls of Clyde, the Clyde Walkway allows walkers to follow every twist and turn and really come to know this diverse waterway, and its wildlife. Those who go quietly may spot an otter and those with a keen eye may glimpse a fast moving and colourful kingfisher whilst walking through this rural part of South Lanarkshire.
Walking Routes with Scenic Views
The Colzuim House and Tomtain walking route is popular for those looking for breathtaking scenery. Climbing Tomtain and Garrel Hill, the highest points in North Lanarkshire, can provide excellent views over the Carron Valley of the Southern Highlands and across the central valley.
Around the headwaters of the Clyde the Southern Uplands gather. Here the walking can be challenging, wild and adventurous. Long days can be put together moving from one of the twenty one summits over 2000 feet to another.
The biggest hills and the best walking route viewpoints are Tinto hill (707 m) and Culter Fell (748 m) in South Lanarkshire, from where the 360-degree panorama can include the Lake District, Northern Ireland and the Central Highlands. Both offer straightforward and satisfying climbs - although a map and a compass is always a good idea.
Walk through the History of Lanarkshire
There is however no need to find yourself out of breath and peering through the mist for the way down. There are plenty of gentle walks on which to encounter wildlife and discover little known histories.
Exploring North Lanarkshire’s industrial past is a must; with the North Calder Heritage Trail and The Summerlee Industrial Museum complimenting each other perfectly. A tour of the museum before you set out on this interesting walking route will equip you with the details to seek out what remains of the areas old iron and steel works.
Walking from Biggar you can follow the walking route of the old railway line to Broughton; from Leadhills you can walk in the footsteps of a lead miner on his way to work some deep and remote seam; and from New Lanark, if you time it right, stop off to watch the peregrine falcons feed their young.
Added to all that the Clyde Valley woodlands national nature reserve offers six separate ancient woodlands where careful visitors on foot can wander in a natural world unchanged in centuries, filled with exciting walking opportunities.
Of course there are historic castles, such as Craignethan to discover and you can even combine a walk from Strathaven to Sandford with a visit to the Strathaven Ales brewery.
No day’s walk would be complete without some well-deserved refreshment and no matter where you decide to walk there is always a pub, restaurant or tea room close to hand.
So there are no excuses for not getting out there and discovering what Lanarkshire’s great outdoors has to offer in exciting walking experiences.