CHATELHERAULT, just outside Hamilton, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Scotland's largest conurbation and a great place for a walk. Built by William Adam 250 years ago as a hunting lodge for the fifth Duke of Hamilton, it was little more than a rich man's folly but, thanks to work by South Lanarkshire Council, it is now easily accessible.
Many trails have been laid out to take advantage of the 500 acres of land along the Avon Water. This route follows the Green Bridge Trail for most of the way, but in reverse order to allow a gentle start. There is also a diversion towards the end so
more of the river can be seen.
Your first view of the deep gorge carrying the Avon Water comes as you cross Duke's Bridge, 100ft above the river. Above stand the ruins of the 16th-century Cadzow Castle. Shortly after, the gnarled Cadzow Oaks are reached. Some of these trees are more than 500 years old and, although many are the other side of a fence, you can wander around the first few, just to the right of the main path. Historically, the White Park cattle have grazed beneath these ancient trees – be aware that the long-horned beasts are not known for a good temperament.
You can now stretch your legs, with the gorge to your left and rolling farmland to the right. On reaching a bench at Divoty Glen there is a good view across the tree-filled gorge. This area is also a great place to see bluebells. There is a shortcut, across the White Bridge, just after this but that path is closed at the moment because of a landslip. Instead, continue along the good path and drop down to Green Bridge, which is not green (although there is some moss on it).
After enjoying the view along the river from the bridge, the hard work begins as you climb steeply up steps. It is soon over, however, as you reach a bench. The route back down the gorge sees you return to the edge of the river. Look for a bench in a stand of pines; opposite are the ruins of Hoolet Row, former mining cottages.
This is one of the best parts of the walk. You are at the bottom of a deep gorge, next to a fast-flowing river and surrounded by mixed woodland – as tranquil as anywhere in Scotland.
The walk is suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness. It follows well-made paths but can be muddy in places so boots are a good idea. Be careful, especially with children, of steep drops down the side of the Avon Water gorge.
Distance 5 miles.
Height climbed 400ft.
Time 21/2 to 31/2 hours.
Map OS Landranger 64.
Park At Chatelherault's main car park, turn off the A72 a mile south of Hamilton.
In summaryJust before the main entrance, go left, down a wide path that swings round to the right. After a couple of hundred yards go left, down a track that leads over Duke's Bridge. On the other side, below the ruins of Cadzow Castle, take a path on the left that leads up to a wider path where you go left. Follow this past the Cadzow Oaks, then Thorney Glen and Divoty Glen.
Keep on the main path, ignoring a path on the left (closed due to a landslip) and after about a mile you reach Green Bridge. On the other side there are two paths; take the one on the left. Go through woodland and up steps to reach the edge of the field which the path follows, to the left.
After walking beneath a power line, take a path going left, at a bench. Drop down steps, ignore a path going left at the bottom and keep straight on to reach the river's side. At a fork go right, uphill, to walk through woods. At the top go right to retrace your steps for a few yards to return to the start.
Refreshments The visitor centre has a good café.
