Blantyre to Wishaw (11 miles)
The first two legs of this trail were posted on the Around Glasgow page. Although the territory covered was historic Lanarkshire, I decided to give Scotland's biggest city and its environs a page of its own. Anyway, we return to the walkway at the David Livingstone Memorial Bridge, just down the road from Blantyre railway station. We crossed the bridge on the last leg so we head along the signed path to the right. This route through the trees sits high above the water and after 1200 yards a decision must be made when the well-made path comes to a rather abrupt end.
The section across the large grassy clearing below has not yet been completed and many walk descriptions suggest a detour by backtracking under the railway and following an urban loop. However, it's fairly easy to scramble down the embankment (there is a narrow informal track) and make your way along an obvious path through the grassland. This maintains a rural feel (for a short while) and - most importantly of all - allows you to view the remains of the Bothwell Viaduct. You wouldn't want to miss that, would you?
The area seems to have been earmarked for a development that never happened. However, the clear paths suggest it is probably used by local dog walkers. Only a couple of tall piers remain of the vidauct which was decommissioned in the 1950s. When the grassy path meets a narrow stony road, bear right (towards the traffic noise). This access track leads to a locked steel gate but a narrow path leads off to the left and passes through a handy gap in the wall. Turn left to walk alongside the East Kilbride Expressway. A tall hedge screens the footpath from the carriageway. Branch left into Bothwell Lido & Gardens before crossing the Clyde on Bothwell Bridge.
Beware - if following the instructions on the South Lanarkshire Council Walkway Guide, the instruction to descend the steps to the riverbank after Bothwell Bridge now leads to a dead end. A new road development appears to be the culprit. Instead, follow the cycleway signs towards Strathclyde Country Park. This requires the crossing of two footbridges above the motorway but things quieten down once we enter the park. Turn right after passing a set of football pitches and pick up the path that leads to Strathclyde Loch.
This body of water was artificially created but it's a pleasant stroll for a mile and a half before exiting the park at the other end. A potential detour is to follow the signs for Hamilton Mausoleum which lies across the Clyde. It's a quarter of a mile each way over the footbridge and the building is an impressive sight. Should you wish to terminate the walk at this point, simply head into Hamilton town centre for a rail connection back to Blantyre.
Otherwise drift back to the river as you leave the country park and follow the path which sticks close to the water's edge. A massive railway viaduct (still in use) towers overhead and eventually we enter RSPB Baron's Haugh Nature Reserve - the trail taking us past a couple of bird hides.
Continue upstream to a path junction where signs direct you along the summer and winter roots, the latter following higher ground. The summer trail heads along a grassy embankment and the river is now meandering. The path is less formal here but the route is fairly obvious. You may notice a striking building across the grassy terrain to your left. This is an abandoned Mausoleum which is surrounded by an overgrown graveyard. Plod your away across if that floats your boat.
Eventually we reach a small set of steps and pass by a little car park. The high-level winter walkway route rejoins here. Follow the single-track road for 200 yards, staying on it as it bends to the left towards Upper Carbarns Farm. The river walkway continues upstream but we are now leaving the Clyde and the road skirts the outbuildings of the pig farm as it veers left again. A sharp right is required at the next junction with a dirt track. Basically we stay on the tarmac road (which is also signed as an official right of way). Height is gained as suddenly Cambusnethan Priory comes into view after rounding a corner.
The neo-Gothic house is now a ruined shell but remains an impressive sight. It dates from 1820 and was still in use as recently as 1984. However it has fallen into disastrous disrepair and the roof and all flooring has gone. Do take time to walk around and imagine how it must have looked in its heyday. The road leading away from the climbs steeply uphill (ignore farm tracks to the side) and brings us out on the outskirts of Wishaw. Turn left towards the town (past the wonderfully-named Gowkthrapple housing estate) and left again along Station Road. A couple of convenience stores are passed along the way. It's not possible to take a direct train back to Blantyre and a change at Motherwell is necessary. Industrial Lanarkshire is not renowned for real ale pubs but there is a handy Wetherspoons - The Brandon Works - close to Motherwell station.
