Photographs and map of Baron's Haugh Nature Reserve and Dalzell Estate beside Strathclyde Country Park and the River Clyde Walkway in Lanarkshire, central Scotland

Route Map for Baron's Haugh & Dalzell Estate

BARON'S HAUGH & 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

Location Motherwell
Grade: Easy woodland and riverside walk
Distance: 3.5 miles / 6km
Time: 2—3 hours

Baron’s Haugh is an RSPB reserve covering wetland and woods beside the Clyde, just outside Motherwell. It links up with the Dalzell Estate, which
is managed by North Lanarkshire Council, and the two areas, although different, are promoted jointly for recreation.
An excellent walk can be achieved by linking the two. Baron's Haugh features a wide variety of birdlife at all times of the year, including
some surprising species such as great crested grebes and kingﬁshers, and careful habitat management has even led to otters being sighted here.
The walk round the reserve passes three hides which give a closer sight of wildlife, although the hides don't have information panels, which would be
helpful. There are wide views across the wetland area and over the Clyde beyond.
The route then follows the Clyde Walkway, although initially the river seems intent on hiding itself behind a screen of trees as it makes a big
meander round several bends before settling for a straighter course.
At a prominent junction you leave Baron's Haugh and enter the Dalzell Estate, passing an old curling pond on the left. This section of the riverside
is called the Lime Walk and there are indeed lovely old lime trees to be seen.
At a metal gate the walk swings left to start a steady climb up Adders Gill, an attractive wooded gorge, then steps lead down to a bridge crossing the
fast-ﬂowing Dalzell Burn. After a stroll through mature woodland, the walk passes Dalzell House, parts of which date back to the 15th century.
Like most buildings of its age, it has had a chequered history but the impressive frontage survives and the building is now divided into
apartments. It is said to be haunted by no fewer than three ghosts.
You next pass the Covenanters Oak, a venerable tree said to be 800 years old, making it the oldest living thing in North Lanarkshire. it got its name
from the period in the 17th century when Covenanters were persecuted for their beliefs and the Hamilton family, who owned Dalzell, allowed
them to hold open-air prayer meetings here.
Soon after comes another unusual feature, the Japanese Garden, based on the Temple of Buddha at Nagasaki, which makes a pleasant diversion
before you return to the start.

Map: OS 150,000 Landranger sheet 64 ( Glasgow ) or 1:25,000 Explorer sheet 343 [ Motherwell & Coatbridge ]. A tree
leatlet showing the walk may be available at the car park.
Start / Finish: Baron's Haugh car park, signed from BT54 in Motherwell ( GR: NS756553 ).
Transport: None to the start. Regular trains to Airbles Station, 1km away. Details from www.travelinescotland.com
Information: Lanark TIC, 01555 661661.

Route:
For much of this walk you are following red markers.
Take the path at the top left corner of the car park and walk across open ground, curving left and downhill.
At a junction go right. Pass the Causeway Hide and at afork go left through woodland to reach the Clyde Walkway.
Turn left and follow the walkway tor nearly 2km, passing the junction with the Chestnut Walk.
Go left through a gate (still with red markers) to follow Adders Gill uphill.
At a junction turn right down steps to cross the Dalzell Burn then go up more steps to reach a broad path.
In 500m turn lelt to pass Dalzell House then turn right.
In 250m go right, through the Japanese Garden and up the Temple Steps.
Turn left at the top and go straight on at a junction. Fork right to return to the car park.