Into the Valley

John Sheridan follows the route of the River Clyde ... and uncovers a tourist trail rich in variety and hospitality

THE River Clyde's winding route, from high in the Lowther hills to the sea, echoes a heritage and culture that is every bit as varied and distinctive as the city, towns and villages which spread from its banks - and provides a host of visitor attractions for all the family to enjoy.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then why not strike out and follow the River Clyde to the countryside. You'll be amazed what's on offer just a few miles down the road.

The Clyde Valley Tourist route is signposted from Hamilton in the north to Abington in the south and follows the course of the river as it meanders past some of Scotland's most popular tourist towns.

Starting around the Hamilton area, the first attraction you come across is Strathclyde Country Park, which is now firmly established as one of the leading Scottish centres for outdoor recreation.

Thousands of visitors every year come to enjoy the huge range of activities available; from sailing to sunbathing; birdwatching to bicycling and waterskiing to just watching the world go by. The park lies in 1100 acres of countryside just off the M74 at Hamilton and contains miles of mature woodland, wildlife trails and open parkland, all of which surround Strathclyde Loch, the focal point of the park activities.

Strathclyde Park is also home to Scotland's largest theme park - M&D's, which boasts over 40 major rides and attractions and a new #10 million indoor family entertainment area. The area is an ideal base for touring the Clyde Valley and the 80 bedroom Holiday Inn Express Hotel is situated at the entrance to the park. Just along the road, the four star Strathclyde Hilton is offering bed and breakfast for two nights; Friday/Saturday or Saturday/ Sunday for #99.

Even before you hit the Clyde Valley Trail, there are plenty of attractions at the nearby towns; the Mausoleum and Low Parks Museum in Hamilton, the fascinating Motherwell Heritage Centre and the superb David Livingston Centre in Blantyre.

From Hamilton, the trail heads south through Fernegar and past Chatelherault, the 18th century hunting lodge of the Dukes of Hamilton. It is one of the most stunning buildings in the Clyde Valley and clearly belongs to a bygone age of sumptuous extravagance.

The banqueting hall is home to the largest photographic print in the world and the newly renovated visitor centre tells the story of the house and the surrounding area. There is also an excellent outdoor adventure play area for the kids and a garden centre, the first of many on this trail, for the adults.

Heading south from Chatelherault, take your time travelling through the green valley, rich in woodland as the route follows of the Clyde through small villages with idyllic names - Hazelbank, Rosebank, Crossford and Kirkfieldbank, each with a character all of their own.

If the season is right you can stop at any one of the garden centres dotted along the way and try your hand at one of their "pick your own" schemes.

Summer is the time when local fields are groaning with fresh strawberries and visitors can munch their way around the strawberry patches.

The Popinjay Hotel at Rosebank provides an excellent lunch and offers 3 star accommodation while the Rosebank Garden Centre has a superb collection of plants, and an area for the kids to play whilst you enjoy homemade meals in the recently expanded food court.

If you're looking for something different then the Clyde Valley Country Estate at Crossford will provide the solution. The estate, located at the beginning of the Clyde walkway, hosts 50 acres of woodland and gardens with a variety of attractions, shopping and catering facilities to ensure a great time for all the family.

The estate even has its own railway station where kids, young and old, can enjoy a ride on the narrow gauge railway as it climbs along the side of the river. The kids can also enjoy the woodlands village play area.

For the more adventurous, the Clyde Valley Trekking Centre offers a taste of country life with a series of small walks and pony treks for the kids, right up to a full rideout for the more advanced equestrian. The Bird of Prey Centre is also based at the estate and offers a fascinating insight into falconry, the noble art once reserved for kings.

The Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum, situated near the centre of the bustling market town of Lanark, houses a collection of items which illustrate the ancient and varied history of the town.

One of Scotland's oldest burghs, Lanark has associations with both Robert the Bruce and William "Braveheart" Wallace, who is remembered by a statue on the towns St. Nicholas Church.

If you visit Lanark on a Monday morning make sure that you don't miss the weekly market at the end of town. It's great for fresh fruit and veg and the kids will love the cattle auction and sheep pens. And just along the road is Lanark Loch, where the rowing boats are a firm favourite with the kids.

No visit to the Clyde Valley would be complete without a trip down to New Lanark - the jewel in the tourism crown. Founded in 1785 to harness the power of the River Clyde, this conservation mill village is one of Scotland's top attractions. The award winning visitor centre features restored millworkers homes, a village store and working textile machinery. The village is surrounded by native woodland, protected as the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve. Here the Corra Linn waterfall cascades 85 feet to the valley floor - a sight not to be missed.

Heading south again we come to Biggar. History is here to be discovered in no less than five museums, complemented by a Victorian Puppet Theatre. From Biggar its south to Abington and the end of the trail.

But wherever you go on the Clyde Valley trail, Lanarkshire's heritage and the social and economic effects of the River Clyde are all around you - in its villages, its historical architecture, landscapes and in its people.

Further information on the Clyde Valley Heritage Trail is available from the GG & Clyde Valley Tourism office on 0141 204 4400 or visit the website - www.seeglasgow.com

HOT DATES

JULY l July 2: Flowers Have Names, Flower Show, Strathclyde Country Park l July 8-September 24: Digging Up The Past, Motherwell Heritage Centre & Technopolis, 10am until 5pm l July 9: Wildlife Photography, Palicerigg Country Park, 10am until 4pm l July 10-14: Children's Museum Tour, David Livingston Centre l July 14: Hamilton Park Racemeeting, Hamilton Park Racecourse l July 16: Biggar Gasworks, Steam Days 2000, 2pm-4pm l July 16: RS Owens Static Display Leisure Show, Strathclyde Country Park l July 23: King or Covenant, Historical Open Day, Bothwell Castle l July 23: Pond Dipping, Strathclyde Country Park, Starts 2pm

AUGUST l August 2: Play Day, Children's Events, Strathclyde Country Park l August 11: Moths And How To Catch Them, Nature Event, Strathclyde Country Park l August 13: Biggar Vintage Rally, Albion Archive l August 20: Environmental Art, Nature Events, Strathclyde Country Park, from 2pm l August 27: Lanark Riding Club Horse Show Event, Strathclyde Country Park l August 27: Antique Fair, New Lanark World Heritage Village l August 28: Nature Day, David Livingston Centre, 2pm until 4pm l August 30: Batwalk, Animal Shows, Strathclyde Country Park

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