Explore local landscapes
Routes were artists’inspiration
Walkers with an artistic eye are being encouraged to take part in a series of“local Landscape Hero” walks.
The project, led by the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP), offers a “fascinating insight into the local landscape which inspired famous artworks”.
Organisers have identified over 80 pieces of art from the Clyde and Avon Valley, which can be seen in a virtual art trail on the CAVLP website at www. clydeandavonvalley.org/museum.
Each guided walk is between one and five miles in length and all are an easy ramble through woodland or country lanes.
They trace the artistic footsteps of local landscape heroes and track down the subjects used in selected paintings.
The group will photograph a version of each landscape view, adding in frames and comparing them to the original works of art. Participants will also be guided to conduct a walkover survey and record any archaeological sites encountered on the trail.
The first of six took place from Boss Oak to Old Mill in Hamilton at the weekend, with the next – “Tannery to Tolbooth” – taking place on Friday, October 13.
It will be followed by “Cadzow Clothes Drying” on Friday, October 27; “Meikle Burn” on Saturday, October 28; “The Seasons of Crossford” on Friday, November 3; and “The Falls” on Saturday, November 4.
A CAVLP spokesperson said: “The Clyde and Avon Valley has long been a destination for visitors, including esteemed artists and writers such as JMW Turner, the Wordsworths and Sir Walter Scott. Known for its patchwork of nationally important woodlands and stunning geological formations, crumbling castles and orchard heritage, the area has fired the imagination of visitors throughout the ages.
“We are keen to explore whether the subject matters in the paintings can still be identified today.”
The Local Landscape Heroes walk will take place whatever the weather so sturdy walking boots and raincoats are advisable. To find out more about CAVLP Heritage projects, contact the team at cavlp.heritage@gmail. com, find them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/cavlpheritage or on Twitter @Cavlpheritage.