Strathclyde Park
Categories: Parks and commons of the United Kingdom | Lanarkshire
Strathclyde Park (or Strathclyde Country Park) is a large country park located in North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
The park covers some 400 hectares, centred on the artificial Strathclyde Loch. It is located next to the River Clyde between Hamilton and Motherwell, and offers many amenities and attractions such as woodland walks, watersports, and a camping and caravaning site. Scotland's largest theme park, M&Ds is located within the park. Major events held at the loch include the 2005 World Rowing Masters Regatta, and the watersports events of the 2005 Glasgow Special Olympics. Although the focus of the park is on recreation, a variety of habitats are present, including wetlands and native woodland.
The Watersports Centre offers equipment hire and instruction for all types of watersports, from water skiing to pedalos. The loop path around the loch provides an ideal route for joggers and cyclists. Angling is permitted in the Loch and the River.
The west side of the park is bounded by the River Clyde, which was diverted when the loch was built in 1975. The original course can be seen between the east loch shore and the island. Across the Clyde is the M74 motorway, which creates a significant level of noise. The east side of the park is quieter, with woodland and paths leading up the slopes to Motherwell.
The remains of Bothwellhaugh Roman Fort and a Roman bath house can be seen in the park, where the South Calder Water flows into the loch. There is an arched Roman bridge across the South Calder nearby. The site of the Battle of Bothwell Bridge (1679) is to the north west of the park.
Strathclyde Park is used as a 'cruising' location by locals wanting to show off their modified cars, and is known as a gay cruising area. It has also garnered an unwelcome reputation as a site for drug dealing. Traffickers use the park because of its proximity to the M74, and other key routes.