Route Heritage – New Lanark to Bothwell

The Kentigern Way

Following the Saint's journey from Hoddom to Glasgow

Route Heritage – New Lanark to Bothwell

Introducion

The following historical ‘snapshots’ are intended only to give the walker some brief details of the various places of interest that he will pass as he proceeds along the Kentigern way. They are organised south to north in the direction of the walk and in the order he will encounter them. It is hoped that they will serve to add interest to the route and offer a glimpse of the rich historical context of the landscape he is traversing.

The information contained in these short descriptions has been gleaned from many sources – too many to list individually here. The author wishes to pay due tribute to the work of those others that he has made use of while admitting full culpability for any errors or misinterpretations that have occurred.

New Lanark to Bothwell

Kentigern Lanark Loop	An optional loop which adds about 2 kilometres to this section of the walk and takes in a visit to the ruins of the St Kentigern church in Lanark.
Lanark Museum	Lanark is one of Scotland’s most ancient burghs. The museum presents a time-line of its history down through the ages.
Kentigern Church	This is the only Church which carries the Saint’s Kentigern name. It is reputed to have been founded by the Saint himself in 603. Its location outside the main burgh is indicative of its antiquity.
Dalserf Church	Situated in the Clyde Valley, renowned for its fertility since Roman times, the church carries the name of St Serf who is reputed to have raised Kentigern. Although the connection with St Serf is ambiguous this little church has a big history to tell in its own right.
Dukes of Hamilton Mausoleum	Built as a family chapel and final resting place by the 10th Duke of Hamilton.
Low Parks Museum	The museum occupies the few remaining buildings which were situated in the palace grounds and which once formed part of the Duke of Hamilton’s estate. The building serves as the regimental museum of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) which were formed from Covenanting roots.
Strathclyde Country Park and Roman Baths	These spacious recreational parklands were once traversed by the Roman Wattling Street and contain the site of a major fort and marching camp. All that now remains are the reconstructed vestiges of the Roman bathhouse.