The
present structure is a complex spread of buildings
around
a mid 15th century tower house.
Dalzell
Castle as it was in the 1800s
Dalzell
Castle
Dalzell
Castle
Dalzell
Castle
Gardens
at Dalzell Castle
The
Japanese Gardens
in Dalzell
Estate
Gazebo
- Lord Gavin's Temple
in
Dalzell Park
Sign
to Clyde River Walkway
in
Dalzell Park
Route
Map for
Baron's
Haugh & Dalzell Estate
DALZELL ESTATE -
ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
Location:
Dalzell and Baron's Haugh, Motherwell
Map: OS
Landranger [ GR 726 579 ]
Distance: 7.5
miles ( 12km )
Time: 4 hours
Terrain: tracks
and paths
Dalzell
Estate and Baron's Haugh RSPB nature
reserve lie to the southeast of Strathclyde
Country Park but are easily
accessible from the park by a ramble along the River Clyde Walkway.
Dalzell House centres round a
16th-century keep which has been extended through the centuries,
although the original building can still be clearly
identified. James Hamilton
bought
the estate from the Dalzells in 1647 and Hamiltons lived there until
1952, when
the estate was bought by the local authority and the house
subsequently
divided into flats.
From the Beach car park at the southern end of Strathclyde Loch
follow
the lochside path to the road and cross directly over into Clyde Park.
Follow the tarmac cyclepath below the red iron bridge carrying the
A723
over the river and ascend to houses.
Go round these, then rightwards back into woodland and on past the
cemetery and below the railway viaduct. After a turning on the left the
path divides. Keep right along the river following the path
past two
bird
hides on the flooded meadows of Baron's Haugh. Go past a path off left
up the Chestnut Walk by the Dalzell Burn and on through an avenue of
lime trees to where the path divides, and swing left into Adders Gill
Wood.
Ascend through the woodland. keeping ahead at the next junction to
a T-
junction. Turn left and follow the path through woodland with a
diversion right to the Listening Cave and a view of the
house. Back on the
main
path. continue past a track off to the right over the river, then drop
down and cross a small stone footbridge over the Dalzell Burn to a
mausoleum and a cemetery.
Follow the path clockwise round the mausoleum then along the left
side
of the burn passing St Patrick's Well and a stone gazebo above the path
known as Lord Gavin's Temple. Continue on the path by the
burn to
the
larger Sow Bridge and exit left to the access road to Dalzell House.
Explore the Japanese garden opposite then follow the road down
past the
house passing an oak planted, according to folklore, by King David I (
1124 - 53 ) - which became known as the Covenanter's Oak after
the
outdoor services held in its shelter during the religious violence
which followed the restoration of King Charles II.
Continue left past the house, then left on to a path which crosses
the
top of the Japanese garden to an access road. Cross over this then turn
right to meet the main access road opposite the car park. Walk through
the car park on to a path which leads through open land before turning
down left to join a track. Turn right and follow the track
along the top end of
Baron's Haugh back to the Clyde Walkway
and retrace your steps to the
start.
For more on the reserve visit - www.dalzellandbaronshaugh.co.uk
Map
of Dalzell Park and Baron's Haugh
( Click here
or on Map
for large format version )
:: Falls of
Clyde Gallery 
::
Clyde River
Walkway 
