Getting There
Sat Nav: G71 8BL
Southbound route only
Leave the M74 at junction 3 and at the roundabout 1st exit signed Uddingston and at the following roundabout take the 3rd exit signed Bellshill, Uddingston A74.
Drive under the motorway and branch right, signed Uddingston.
Pass a church and turn right at the traffic lights – Bellshill Road. Pass another church on the left hand side and turn right at the brown sign to Bothwell Castle.
Return to M74
Leave the car park and turn left. At the traffic lights, turn left and the M74 is signed from the next roundabout.
Bothwell Castle
Length of walk: 30 minutes or much longer
The shorter walk takes you around the outside of this very atmospheric 13th century castle site, and gives a fine view over the Clyde Valley.
This is a popular walking spot for local dogs, and there is plenty of lush grassy space for dogs to hurtle around in.
To extend the walk, head for the far left corner of the castle and as you walk down the hill there is a footpath leading down the hill into the valley. Keep the fence to the right, and this little used path continues all the way down to the river and along the river bank. Return to the castle by reversing the route – it’s a deceptively steep uphill puff on the way back though!
Building of Bothwell castle started in the 13th century, but its strategic location invited constant squabbles and battles between the Scots and the English for centuries. The ruins here today largely date from the 14th century and afterwards.
Facilities
Free car park, dog poo bins.
Gift shop and information point at the entrance to the castle. Dog water is provided.
Entry charge for castle interior, £3.70 adults. Open 0900-1730
Picnic supplies can be bought in the busy little town of Uddingston on the way to the castle.
There are also tea rooms (no dogs) on Bellshill Road, and a number of pubs on Bellshill Road.
This is MY favourite walk
Heidi