Attractions and Places To See around Hamilton Centre - Top 20

“Strathclyde Loch is more than just water: beneath its surface, Bothwellhaugh, a mining village swept away in the 1970s, vanished. Today, only a cairn remains as a reminder of the houses, schools, and shops. There's also a Roman fort and an ancient road (yes, Watling Street is still here). Final warning: In 2012, a norovirus outbreak left 57 swimmers unconscious. Water caution.

"Calderglen Zoo opened in 1982 and is still home to over fifty different animal species, some of which are unfortunately critically endangered. The zoo is just around an acre in size, but here you will still be able to see meerkats, wallabies, coatis, otters and many more charismatic creatures." Source: https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/113/calderglen_country_park/576/calderglen_zoo. For further info like opening hours and entry prices: https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/113/calderglen_country_park

"This family-friendly menagerie occupies a small corner of Calderglen Country Park on the edge of East Kilbride, and has around 50, mostly fun-sized species housed around an attractive garden area, with a few more inside a warm conservatory." Source: https://sobt.co.uk/calderglen-zoo.

The Duke's Monument was erected in 1863 as a tribute to the Duke of Hamilton. Originally there was a bronze bust of the duke but that has been moved to the visitor centre nearby.

A World War II anti-aircraft battery was sited at Blantyreferme, near Blantyre to the southeast of Glasgow, west side of Blantyre Farm Road. Site number GSG1 (early), S1 (later). Part of the Clyde AA Defences, the site was also known as Blantyre Ferme, Blantyre, or Uddingston. The battery is described as having four emplacements armed with 4.5-inch guns (1942-43 then re-equipped with 3.7-inch guns (1945), command post, magazine, gun store, and other support buildings, with an accommodation camp located to the east. Records indicate the later addition of two further emplacements. A GL Radar mat lay to the northwest of the site, reported to operate Mk II radar in 1942-43. No significant remains survive of the accommodation camp, and while much of the battery and its buildings can be found, the emplacements have been vandalised, some heavily, while others appear to have been lost in the undergrowth. Numerous small details remain scattered about the site, such as small shelters made of corrugated iron sheeting, and ground features which may be related to sewage handling, such as manhole covers. Although a third magazine was known to have been reported on the site, possibly under a spoil heap, this was not confirmed until 2009, when it was found buried beneath the spoil during the winter, when the vegetation had died back, and photographs could be taken of the roof, entrance, and storage bays within. source: https://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/AABatteryBlantyreferme

Nice, moderate hike. Not a demanding one but wear warm clothes during winter obviously. The terrain means that often the path would not be covered by sunlight so it can get cooler than expected or forecasted. Some dog walkers not in control of their pups in my opinion.

Erected by the people of Hamilton in memory of William 11th Duke of Hamilton in 1863, the year he died. The bronze bust of the Duke which used to sit on the centre plinth in the monument is now on display at the visitor’s centre at Chatelherault. There are nine steps leading up to the entrance of the monument and it is mainly constructed from red sandstone. On the left of the steps at the bottom is a carved coat of arms for the Hamilton Clan. And, on the right is the Chatelherault Crest. There are also nine pillars made from polished granite that support the roof. The inside underneath part of the roof is constructed from oak which has been stained. It is a paneled design with a centre rose. Behind the monument is a very sharp drop leading down to the Avon Water. During the same year of 1863 before the Duke died, he commissioned the construction of the “Dukes Bridge” located behind Chatelherault Hunting Lodge (now Visitor’s Centre). The bridge crosses the River Avon and allows access to the Cadzow Castle Ruins, Cadzow Oaks and the Dukes Monument, which is located on the edge of the Barncluith Estate, On the road leading to the entrance to the High Parks Farm. There are some fantastic woodland walks around these areas and you truly experience a real feel of the history around you. The Cadzow Oaks and Earthworks area is enchanting! Written by Hamilton Historian Terence (Terry) Murphy Ref. SLC Website https://www.google.com/amp/s/hamiltonhistorian.wordpress.com/2016/05/12/dukes-monument/amp/

the track is quite muddy