Hamlar one

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Review of SlowWays Route Hamlar one (Hamilton to Larkhall)
This route begins at Hamilton’s West Railway Station and at first works its way between some big public buildings via wide roads with wide pavements. After crossing the busy Bothwell Road, the route heads downhill via “The Furlongs” (look to your left to get a glimpse of Hamilton Racecourse) and passes Hamilton Mausoleum before heading under the M74 motorway via an underpass. On emerging back into daylight, the route turns right and follows a very pleasant and well-surfaced cycle track through woodland, eventually arriving at the Clyde where it turns right to follow the river bank. After going under the Motherwell Road underpass, the route now finds itself following the bank of the River Avon (the Clyde having branched off). This river is followed all the way (through lovely countryside and numerous interesting sights) to Millheugh before the final approach to Larkhall. The only error I found was that the route suggests it is possible to gain access to the Duke’s Bridge from the riverside path 24 metres below. This is impossible and instead the route must be left at a path junction nearly 1km earlier (at NS729542). The Duke’s Bridge is clearly signposted from this junction and is soon reached and crossed. Thereafter the route undulates up and down (with some steep steps) and winds back and forward to follow the river gorge. Eventually the river is crossed via the road bridge at Millheugh and Larkhall is entered via a park (Morgan’s Glen) and a muddy path which emerges between a supermarket and a high school.
This is a long and moderately demanding route with lots of changes of gradient and some muddy sections. There is also the requirement for the slight deviation mentioned above. However these points taken into account, I am happy to recommend the route.

Hamlar One
Leaving from Hamilton West Railway Station. Head eastwards towards the Mausoleum. ( There is an App available for Apple or Android devices called Chatelherault to Low Parks which is near to the Mausoleum , it has interesting historical snippets of the route as far as Chatelherault- it seems currently (Sept 2022) to only function on ios 14 or below. )
Cross under the road but not the bridge over the Clyde. Turn south onto the Cycle route and follow the river through the woods. The route crosses under the M74 with its many concrete pillars. When you are at the Old Avon Bridge you can continue the Hamlar one route and enter the wooded trail into the Chatelherault Park or to avoid many irregular woodland steps, turn slightly to the east and use the vehicle road to Chatelherault House. There is a steady incline to the House - but the views once you are there are excellent, plus there is a cafe. Rejoin the Hamlar One route by using the Duke’s Bridge to cross Avon water to the west side. The footpath is now on the top of the gorge in and out of the woodland. When you have past the trail turn to White Bridge, currently (Sept 2022) closed due to landslip, you have to decide if you need to avoid over 50 uneven woodland steps and very narrow path of the Millheugh Steps (the clue is in the name! ) section. To avoid the Millheugh section take the south westwards track to Sunnyside and then turn onto the road to Millheugh. Cross over Avon Water via the bridge. This will take you to the entrance of Morgan Glen and rejoin Hamlar One. The route takes a steady incline through the heathland towards the old railway viaduct. Follow the old railway track as it merges into the outskirts of Larkhall and the easy access to Larkhall Station, the end of the route.

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