Step Out for Clyde and Avon Valleys Spring Walks Festival 2015

Explore beautiful spring landscapes and cultural heritage

People in the Clyde and Avon valleys are being invited to step out for a free Spring Walks Festival exploring beautiful spring landscapes and unique cultural heritage within the local area.

The Heritage Lottery Fund supported 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 curate the programme of nine specialist walks which run from Friday 22^nd to Tuesday 26^th May 2015.

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 & Play Area and spectacular views over the Clyde.

Or locals can join South Lanarkshire Council Ranger Team Leader Mike Brady on a journey through time, tracking the history of the landscape around the imposing former hunting lodge of the Dukes of Hamilton at Chatelherault Country Park. The group will find out about plans to reveal the southern views for the first time in decades and how this will improve the quality of the woodlands that form part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.  

But these two walks are only a taste of what’s on offer. CAVLP are inviting people to step out with them on the following free Spring Walks:

Friday 22^nd May

Discovering Castlebank Park, Lanark – 1pm

Bluebell Walk, Cleghorn Glen National Nature Reserve - 1pm and 3:30pm

A Walk in the Woods at New Lanark - 2pm

Saturday 23^rd May

Restoring the Historic Landscape at Chatelherault - 10am

Ranger Guided Walk to the Falls of Clyde, Peregrine Watch Site – 1pm

Sunday 24^th May

The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful at Dalzell Estate – 10am and 1:30pm

Kirkfieldbank Orchard Open Day – 2pm - 4pm

Monday 25^th May

Lanark Health Walks – 1pm and 3pm

Tuesday 26^th May

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. Join the Spring Walks discussion on Twitter using the hashtag #CAVLPSpringWalks.