“One of the loveliest of western glens.” That’s what they called Calderwood Estate. We stand at Calderwood Glen today a place rich in history. The amber-tinted Calder still winds its way through the richly wooded valley.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the Maxwell family in their stately home. It was originally built in 1790. Sir William Alexander Maxwell added a grand gothic frontage in 1845. But the Maxwell lineage ended in 1900.
The castle then passed through different owners. The Scottish Co-operative Society worked the land. They opened the grounds to the public. Sadly, by 1951, the castle was beyond repair. It had to be demolished.
Today only traces of the formal gardens remain at Calderwood Glen. The family mausoleum also stands as a reminder. Most of the paths here are aggregate. They are made of plastic bottles packed bark or grit stone.
East Kilbride may intrude occasionally. However, there is still a countrified feel on the way to Langlands. There are several trails at Calderwood Glen to suit everyone.
The walk begins from the car park. We turn left at the Information Board. Then we turn right at a junction. It is sign-posted towards the BBQ area and Horseshoe Falls. At a T junction we turn left.
We go straight down to the Rotten Calder. It is so-called because of its color not its smell. This path is glorious especially when covered in snowdrops in March. It leads to the top of wooden steps. They zig-zag down to the river.
We turn right at the bottom and left over the river. Then we turn right away from the Horseshoe Falls and BBQ area. The sheltered stretch by the river is all-too-short. At the end of the path, we turn right. We cross back over a bridge.
Our path climbs high above the river. It drops down to the water again. It winds under the Strathaven Road through a tunnel. Once under, the path becomes increasingly attractive. It follows the river to a wooden bridge. There is a junction of paths. We turn left here.
We now enter open countryside at Calderwood Glen. We continue following the river to Hurlawcrook Road. A dogleg right and over takes us past the information board. This marks the entrance to Langlands Moss.
If the weather is kind go on a bit further and then return to this junction. The Tor Loop climbs up a little. It then turns left to follow the Kelvin Burn. The Tor Loop crosses the driveway. It enters woods. The path is dry and safe. There is a pretty bridge across a burn. There is a diversion to “The Tor”. It is the motte of a motte and bailey castle.
Calderwood Glen’s history stretches back to the 13th century. The name Calderwood predates castles. It descends from a small village. Or possibly a defended iron-age town.
Though the castle is gone Calderwood Glen’s beauty remains. It continues to enchant visitors. Remember the Maxwells and the glen’s rich past as you explore this lovely place.