A purpose-built 18th-century mill village, wooded river valleys and historic museums give South Lanarkshire a rich variety of places to explore. New Lanark is an outstanding example of such a mill village and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The New Lanark Experience brings historic buildings together with immersive exhibitions and interactive displays. It includes the Annie McLeod Experience: an immersive ride that brings the story of the mills to life.

Walking paths between water and woodland

From New Lanark, a three-mile self-guided trail leads to the Falls of Clyde. Conditions can affect access to the trails. Another specific route is the 1.2-kilometre Power Trail: it also starts in New Lanark and ends at Corra Linn. Along the way, it passes Dundaff Linn and Bonnington Power Station. The length and route give you two different reference points for planning your time; check trail conditions before your visit.

The Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve comprises six protected woodland areas along steep river valleys. At the main sites, you can walk, enjoy the views and watch for wildlife. With a little luck, you may spot badgers, deer or otters, as well as great spotted woodpeckers, kingfishers and peregrine falcons; sightings are not guaranteed. The Falls of Clyde Reserve is one of the most easily accessible destinations within the protected area. Check access and facilities before setting out.

Langlands Moss offers a different kind of landscape: a rare and significant lowland raised bog. The Local Nature Reserve is open to the public and has a boardwalk. Access and trail conditions can change, so it is worth checking for updates before your visit.

Green valleys and trails to explore

Chatelherault Country Park covers 500 acres of landscape and woodland. More than ten miles of waymarked trails cross the park, which is also home to an 18th-century hunting lodge that is a listed building. The wooded valley of Calderglen stretches for more than five kilometres along the Rotten Calder. Waterfalls and geological features shape this stretch of the valley. Calderglen Country Park also has a zoo and a tropical greenhouse. Four official nature trails start at the Information Point at the top of the main entrance road; trail conditions can change.

For water sports and recreational boating, James Hamilton Heritage Park has a 16-acre lake. The park is a recognised training centre for the Royal Yachting Association and Paddle Scotland. James Hamilton Heritage Park Local Nature Reserve also includes wetlands and small islands that provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. By contrast, Lanark Loch has specific fishing rules: coarse fishing is allowed only with a permit, and the lake is stocked with carp. Check the permit requirements before fishing. You can walk around the loch, and there is also a children's playground by the lake.

The trail network at Whitelee Wind Farm can also be used in different ways: for walking, cycling and horse riding. Facilities listed at the Whitelee Visitor Centre include free parking, an electric vehicle charging point, Wi-Fi and a bike shed. As visitor facilities can change, it is advisable to check what is available before travelling.

Museums and Hamilton's history

Low Parks Museum is a heritage attraction on the former estate of the Duke of Hamilton. In the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Gallery, you can explore the history of this unique regiment over more than 300 years. Hamilton Mausoleum was built as a tomb and memorial to Alexander, the 10th Duke of Hamilton. Its chapel has a 15-second reverberation. Tours of the mausoleum can be booked through Low Parks Museum; check availability before travelling. Hamilton Central railway station is 0.7 miles from the museum, about a 15-minute walk. The distance may vary slightly depending on the route.

The Route 74 Heritage Walk starts at Low Parks Museum and follows the Rivers Clyde and Avon to Chatelherault Country Park in the High Parks. Its route description therefore links museums and landscape destinations without specifying a walking time. In Biggar, Biggar Museum explores 14,000 years of rural life in Biggar and Upper Clydesdale. It also displays the 4,000-year-old Thankerton Man; Gladstone Court adds a Victorian street and shop scene to the collection. The Biggar Town Trail leaflet can be read and downloaded; download availability may change when the heritage organisation updates its website.

Discover more destinations: New Lanark, Abington, Leadhills, Lanark, Biggar, Larkhall, Strathaven, Hamilton, East Kilbride, Uddingston, Cambuslang, Carluke, Lesmahagow, Blantyre, Carstairs, Chapelton.

For the overview of the wider region: Scotland.