Clyde Valley – the Garden of Scotland

One of the highlights of a trip to Scotland is the Clyde Valley and the area surrounding Glasgow. Many people concentrate their time in Scotland in the cities and although Glasgow and Edinburgh are great places to visit, the surrounding countryside is a fabulous place to rent a holiday home.

The Clyde Valley, which is the area between Glasgow and the source of the River Clyde, is known as the garden of Scotland and with its rolling hills and beautiful scenery it is not hard to see why. If you are after country air and outdoor activities then the Clyde Valley will not disappoint – from treks and hikes in the hills to leisurely strolls by the riverside, the area offers something for everyone.

The Clyde Valley is famous for its river and in the summer boat trips can be a pleasant excursion. There are also a number of attractions and historic towns that visitors in rented accommodation may want to explore. Among the area’s 24 towns and villages, there are a few destinations that stand out.

Hamilton, which is just a short distance from Glasgow, is great for shopping and nearby Paisley, Greenock, Biggar and Gourock are all worth a day trip or a short visit. The medieval town of Biggar is a highlight of most visitors’ trips to the Clyde Valley. It has fantastic Scottish architecture and a walk down the main street will reveal the town’s ancient buildings including the town church and the Corn Exchange.

Visitors who want to learn more about the area could pop into the Moat Park Heritage Centre, which has a fascinating array of information on display. Located in the heart of the Clyde Valley is the town Lanark, which is alleged to be the place where William Wallace married and then famously avenged the death of his wife by killing an English commander. There is a statue in the centre of the town of the legendary hero William Wallace which is worth a visit.