Back to nature activities in Lanarkshire

Lanarkshire is renowned for a range of well known beauty spots and offers many more hidden gems in central southern Scotland. If you are looking to unplug and reconnect with nature, perhaps exploring a variety of peaceful outdoor activities, Lanarkshire should be top of your list.

The area is home to stunning nature reserves, country parks and forests galore. In fact, the oldest forest can be found in natural gorges throughout the Clyde Valley. From tawny owls to woodpeckers, the area greatly appeals to wildlife enthusiasts ready to get up close and personal.  

For young families, explore one of the nature trails at Palacerigg Country Park, or for a peaceful few hours, take yourself along to a Barons Haugh bird hide for a spot of bird watching.

The Falls of the Clyde walk starts from New Lanark World Heritage, a mile south of the town Lanark, and is famous for its spectacular waterfalls and scenic woodland walks. The most famous residents are badgers, which can be spotted in this area if you look closely enough, along with the colourful Kingfisher birds.

Close to Hamilton in the south of Lanarkshire is Chatelherault Country Park, boasting over 500 acres of woodland and countryside to explore. A key feature of the park is an iconic hunting lodge built for the 5^th Duke of Hamilton, and has now been renovated to its formal glory.  Admission to the park, visitor centre and lodge house is free, and there is a café, children’s playground and picnic facilities at the park too.

View the map below to discover how you can connect with nature during your trip to Lanarkshire.