The Critical Walker

Calderglen River Walk

Distance: 7 km

Date: Tuesday 16th March 2010.

Weather Conditions: Grey and overcast

Temperature: 9C

Guidebook: Glasgow - 40 Town and Country Walks

Critique:

This is a lovely walk, with the option to extend out across Langland Moss, if you have the time and inclination. This little park is a real find, rivers, woodlands, a castle, and a super little childrens Zoo with some of the healthiest looking animals I have seen in a zoo for a while.

The route follows the banks of the river, when we did this walk, there were thousands of snowdrops out which really added to the experience. Along the banks of the river there are interesting cliff-like rock formations which provide an excellent environment for the various types of fern which grow on them. The ferns make you feel like you are in some tropical rainforest in parts of the walk.

The cafe in the Park is worth stopping for a cuppa, and although we didn't visit, there is a small castle Visitor centre. The Children's zoo is definitely worth seeing, even if you are an adult!

This is another Pocket Mountains Walk, from their Glasgow book.

New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde

Distance: 3 1/2 miles / 5.6 km

Date: Monday 13th April 2009

Weather Conditions: Dry, hazy sunshine

Temperature: 12 C

Ordnance Survey Map: Landranger 71 (Lanark & Upper Nithsdale)

Guidebook: Pathfinder Guide - Glasgow, the Clyde Valley, Ayrshire and Arran (Jarrold Publishing, 2007)

Critique:

This a great walk at any time of year. It is particularly lovely during the Autumn when the leaves on the trees are changing colour, as they add to the elegance of the landscape. In Spring you have the daffodils, bluebells and hawthorn, as well as the added attraction of the nesting Peregrin Falcons, which you may be lucky enough to see. New Lanark itself is a very interesting Museum, well worth a visit combined with the walk.

This walk follows one side of the River Clyde, but if you are feeling up to the challenge, you can return down the opposite side of the Clyde Gorge to make it a circular route.

The terrain can be muddy, especially alonside the water, but boardwalks are in place to help avoid the boggy places, and alternative routes are provided higher up from the waterside during wetter conditions. The path is varied, with some climbing in parts and as this is a well known walk, it can be extremely popular,  so be prepared - this is not likely to be a walk that will allow for solitude!