Spring Walks Festival in the Clyde Valley

Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP) have teamed up with their partners including North and South Lanarkshire Councils, local organisations and conservation charities to run a programme of nine specialist walks.

These will run from Friday May 22 to Tuesday May 26.

From strolls around historic towns and majestic estates, to more secluded rambles along precipitous ancient wooded gorges and even an Open Day at an orchard, the walks are a great way to get to know your local landscape and its unique characteristics better.

Donna Marshall, Manager at CAVLP said, “One of the key aims of CAVLP is to strengthen the connection between communities and the landscape locally.

“The idea behind this weekend programme of free guided walks is to introduce families and outdoor enthusiasts to new ways to explore the local area and to some of the key projects we are supporting in the area.”

Walkers can explore the historic New Lanark woodlands with Lorna Davidson, Director of New Lanark Trust.

The walk follows the restored pathways originally laid out by Robert Owen in the 1800s, taking in the Burial Ground, Clearburn Natural Picnic and Play Area and spectacular views over the Clyde.

The programme is:

Friday May 22: Discovering Castlebank Park, Lanark – 1pm; Bluebell Walk, Cleghorn Glen National Nature Reserve - 1pm and 3:30pm; and A Walk in the Woods at New Lanark - 2pm.

Saturday May 23: Restoring the Historic Landscape at Chatelherault near Hamilton - 10am; Ranger Guided Walk to the Falls of Clyde, Peregrine Watch Site – 1pm.

Sunday May 24: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful at Dalzell Estate, Motherwell – 10am and 1:30pm; Kirkfieldbank Orchard Open Day – 2pm - 4pm.

Monday May 25: Lanark Health Walks – 1pm and 3pm.

Tuesday May 26: Spring Evening Walk at RSPB Baron’s Haugh – 7pm

The walks are free but booking is essential at www.cavlp.eventbrite.co.uk or by calling 01555 663 430. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.