New routes open at park
Changes welcomed at Chatelherault
Chatelherault Country Park is looking to the future with improved walking routes.
It is hoped that improved access and signage will let people delve into the history of the woodland and enjoy its cultural and ecological diversity.
And the new Make Your Way Chatelherault project was launched at a ceremony in the park last Friday.
Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina Mckelvie was there to do the honours, and said: “Joining in with Make Your Way Chatelherault is partly about being fit and active, but it may be even more important that the project gets people chatting, sharing their ideas, talking about their local area, their families and interests, and playing a real part in the future of our community.
“So get up and out to use the little paths in and around Chatelherault ; make new friends and break out of old routines.
“Discover some more about the landmarks and historical background to our own area, things you possibly never knew before.”
Communities across Hamilton, Larkhall and Quarter are now able to enjoy improved access and signage along six routes to Chatelherault Country Park. The six routes – Barncluith, Fairholm, Merryton, Millheugh, South Haugh and Sunnyside – encourage access on walking and cycling routes to the park.
A number of groups contributed to the project, which includes a series of colourful signposts, seating, paving markers and artwork as well as online and paper maps. Blantyre Cubs, Clydesdale Colts, Clydesdale Community Initiatives, Hamilton Natural History Society, Hamilton Ramblers, Larkhall and District Volunteer walking group, South Haugh volunteers, Quarter Primary School and Universal Connections Larkhall all played a part.
Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP) helped deliver the project and their development officer, Sarah O’sullivan, said: “CAVLP are delighted to launch the Make Your Way Chatelherault project, which encourages not just physical access to the wonderful park, but tells the varied stories connected to its history and heritage.
“For example, did you know that Mary Queen of Scots reputedly fell into the Avon Water at the area now known as Mary Hoses? Or that you can still detect many of the ancient ‘rig and furrow strips’ from medieval field systems? Or that Millheugh is widely known locally as the best picnic spot along the Avon Water?
“The new maps, signage, seating and artwork picks out these stories and brings them to life for visitors from both near and far.”
Maps of the routes are available at www.clydeandavonvalley.com/ trails or Chatelherault Visitor Centre, as well as in health centres, libraries and leisure centres in Hamilton and Larkhall.
Guests, including Ms Mckelvie (front centre) are pictured at a new bench which was installed.