Cadzow Castle

Heritage Site in Lanarkshire

Scotland

Cadzow Castle

Signage - M74 southbound Credit: Dave Thompson

Cadzow Castle, located in the town of Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, is a historic site of great significance. The castle is situated on the southern bank of the River Clyde, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. With a history dating back to the 12th century, Cadzow Castle has witnessed numerous events and transformations.

Originally built as a wooden fortress, Cadzow Castle was later reconstructed in stone during the 15th century. The castle served as the stronghold for the powerful Hamilton family, who held the title of the Duke of Hamilton. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several renovations and expansions, with the addition of a tower house and a large courtyard.

Today, the ruins of Cadzow Castle showcase its former grandeur and architectural prowess. Visitors can explore the remains of the tower and the outer walls, providing a glimpse into the castle's past. The castle's strategic location, overlooking the river and the surrounding landscape, offers a sense of its defensive capabilities.

The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, which has undertaken conservation efforts to preserve its historical significance. Interpretive panels provide visitors with information on the castle's history and its prominent role in Scottish heritage. The castle's proximity to other notable attractions, such as the nearby Chatelherault Country Park, makes it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

Cadzow Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's rich past and serves as a reminder of the country's historical and cultural heritage.

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Cadzow Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.758/-4.015 or Grid Reference NS7353. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Signage - M74 southbound

Dave Thompson

Over the field to Divoty Wood

Gordon Brown

Looking over the gorge of the Avon Water at Hamilton High Parks

The rosebay willowherb in profusion in the foreground.

Gordon Brown

A72 near Ferniegair

Steven Brown

A72 towards Hamilton

Steven Brown

Bridges over the M74

The A74(M) & M74 run over 80 miles from the M6 at the Scottish border near Gretna to the M8 at Glasgow. This is one of the two most important routeways into Scotland from the south. The last stretch of the M74 opened in 2011 (see Link ). Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

M74, southbound

N Chadwick

M74, southbound

N Chadwick

Chatelherault Hunting Lodge

Hunting Lodge build in the 18th century by William Adam for the 5th Duke of Hamilton:- Link

Now within a country park that has woodland trails either side of the River Avon:- Link

Adam Ward

Signage - M74 southbound

Dave Thompson

Pylons - M73 southbound

Dave Thompson

Chatelherault car park

On a day which according to the weather forecast was going to be very wet the car park at Chatelherault was initially quite empty.

Malcolm Neal

A damp road around Chatelherault

It rained quite a lot in the night as can be seen by the wet road near the entrance to Chatelherault. Chatelherault is an extensive visitor attraction with walks of varying lengths, some interesting ruins and a small visitor centre with a cafe and small museum.

Malcolm Neal

Chatelherault visitor centre

This is the visitor centre to the Chatelherault Country Park which has extensive grounds of more than 500 acres with extensive walks and a cycle route.

Malcolm Neal

Avon Water

This river flows through Chatelherault and at this point forms a fairly impressive gorge.

Malcolm Neal

A woodland path

A cool and shaded walk on a hot day, but today was damp with dripping trees following rain last night.

Malcolm Neal

The view across the Deer Park

Built to provide an impressive view but now very altered following the extraction of much sand for industrial purposes.

Malcolm Neal

The vista from Chatelherault

The Duke of Hamilton built a hunting lodge at Chatelherault, just outside Hamilton. This vista, looking north, has been irrevocably changed due to extensive sand quarrying, which has lowered the ground level just in front of the lodge by around 60 feet. The explanatory plaque shows the changed ground profile. His avenue of trees has been replanted, but needs a few years of growth yet.The Duke's mausoleum (red sandstone, domed roof) can be seen in the distance above the plaque.

Gordon Brown

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Cadzow Castle is located at Grid Ref: NS7353 (Lat: 55.758, Lng: -4.015)

Unitary Authority: South Lanarkshire

Police Authority: Lanarkshire