Some extra content about the history of nearby places. Long before modern Hamilton rose to prominence, the area was home to the ancient royal settlement of Cadzow—a medieval stronghold nestled in what is now Chatelherault Country Park. The ancient kings of Strathclyde are believed to have used it primarily as a hunting lodge due to the close proximity of the forested parkland, itself part of the once more extensive royal forest of the Clyde Valley.
Following her escape from Lochleven Castle in 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed there.
Today, the castle ruins lie hidden among ancient woodland and Scotland’s oldest oaks, some over 800 years old. The site is now owned and managed by Historic Environment Scotland. There is no public access to the ruins, as the structure is unstable, and largely supported by scaffolding
It’s a place where royalty walked, but few know its full story.
Have you wandered its forgotten past?
