Visitor Centre Opening Times  9.00am. to 4.30pm.

Set in the hills to the south-east of Cumbernauld, Palacerigg Country Park is well signposted from the town centre road network 

Established in the early 1970's, Palacerigg has been developed around the objectives of conservation, environmental education and countryside recreation. More than 40 hectares of what was once a bleak upland farm have been planted with hundreds of thousands of native trees and shrubs. 

This new, sheltered environment provides a sanctuary for wildlife including thriving populations of roe deer, badger, fox and hare as well as sparrowhawk, kestrel, long-eared and short-eared owl.

Palacerigg's animal collection is unique in Central Scotland and provides an opportunity to see many rare breeds in addition to other friendly farm animals.   Rare breeds include Eriskay ponies, North Ronaldsay and Boreray sheep, Shetland and white park cattle, Bagot and Guernsey goats, Tamworth pigs and scots grey and scots dumpy poultry

The landscaping of the estate was an eighteenth century development carried out by Archibald Hamilton, who turned a wilderness area of rather barren land into an orderly and landscaped park, while, at the same time, improving much of the land of the estate for agricultural purposes.  Many of the trees, planted during this period were varieties introduced from other parts of the British Isles and planted for landscape effect.

Throughout this peaceful woodland, you will encounter some spectacular scenery, heritage monuments such as Dalzell House and Lord Gavin's Temple and perhaps even the ghostly figure of the 'Green Lady'.  You may also encounter a host of wildlife surprises such as woodpeckers or roe deer along with the thriving squirrel population.

Japanese Gardens - created in the 1920's the Japanese gardens are one of the most exotic landscaping features to be found anywhere in Motherwell.  Although currently requiring some replanting, they are modelled on a traditional Japanese garden, which once boasted a copy of the Temple of Buddha at Nagasaki.  Important features of the gardens are the exotic Japanese maple trees, renowned for their beautiful crimson foliage in autumn.  Positioned within a natural amphitheatre the gardens add a tranquil and spiritual dimension to Dalzell.

Covenanters Oak – the tree takes its name from the Covenanter's of the 17^th century who were granted permission by the Hamilton family to hold religious services under its branches.  Legend has it that the oak was planted in the eleventh century by the then King of Scotland, David I as part of a larger "Deer Park" hunting estate.  There are a number of the original oak trees still surviving at Chatelherault near Hamilton but the Covenanter's Oak at Dalzell is the only specimen remaining on the Motherwell side of the Clyde.

Dalzell House - Dalzell House is situated on a steep, rocky bank, above the Whinny Burn, about a mile from the centre of Motherwell.  The original building would have been a wooden structure, followed by the stone Keep that was probably built during the 15^th or early 16^th century and was purchased by James Hamilton in 1647.  The Keep was extended in 1649 with further substantial additions throughout the centuries that followed. Viewed from the west, near the Covenanters Oak, the Keep can be clearly seen at the heart of the house, the linchpin of this whole magnificent edifice.  Following restoration and conversion of the interior during the early 1980's, the house now consists of a number of dwelling houses, and your respect for their privacy is much appreciated.  A particular room known as the "the Green Lady's Bedroom" in Dalzell House is said to be haunted.  The "Green Lady" has a secret passageway that leads from the house to the terraced gardens.  You may also catch a glimpse of the ghostly figures of the "White Lady" or "Grey Lady" among the trees!

The Arboretum - the arboretum in Dalzell boasts a fine collection of indigenous and exotic trees.  Started during the early 19^th century from seeds collected by well travelled botanists and explorers, there are examples of trees from some exotic parts of the globe.  The collection was traditionally added to when ceremonial planting took place by nobility and royalty, staying at Dalzell House as guests of the Hamiltons.  The wellingtonias, Spanish chestnuts, yews and cedars of Lebanon are some of the most magnificent examples in the country.

Woodlands - although designed and planted by successive owners of the estate, the woods were originally laid out for screening, shelter, amenity and game bird holding areas.  A haven for a rich variety of wildlife, the woods now display more natural characteristics and the gorge through which Dalzell Burn flows is one of the most important natural habitats in the area.  Following the perimeter of the estate you will be treated to magnificent views over the River Clyde arriving at St. Patrick's Churchyard and Pet's Cemetery

St. Patrick's Chapel was the first wholly Christian church in Motherwell.  It was demolished in the 18^th century and some of the stonework was used to build the family mausoleum and the garden wall at Dalzell House.  Some of the gravestones date back to this period and the dog's cemetery clearly reflects the Hamilton's fondness of their pets which they wished to be buried close by.  Adjacent to the chapel is St. Patrick's well, a spring renowned through the centuries as having healing properties.  The Victorian well head was rebuilt in the 1990's.  In front of the mausoleum near the well stands a stone built summerhouse known as Lord Gavin's Temple.  Lord Gavin Hamilton was often to be found reading in this quiet spot that overlooked his beloved wife's grave.

RSPB Reserve, Baron's Haugh - Dalzell Estate adjoins the local nature reserve of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds at Baron's Haugh. Whether you are a complete beginner or an expert ornithologist you will find a visit to this reserve a fascinating experience. 

Visitor Centre Opening Times 10.30am. to 7.30pm

Drumpellier Country Park covers an area of 500 acres and comprises of two natural lochs (one of which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)), lowland heath, mixed woodlands and open grassland.  The Monklands Canal lies towards the southern perimeter of the park.  The lochs and the canal attract a large number of water birds, both resident and over-wintering migrants, and the loch shores and woodland floor provides an abundance of wild flora. 

Colzium Estate, Kilsyth

The estate is open dawn to dusk throughout the year, house and museum by arrangement.

The mansion was built by the Edmonstone family of Duntreath.  The work was started in 1783 and considerable additions were made in 1861. Some of the masonry from the demolished castle was used in its construction.  The architectural style is a mixture of the Scottish vernacular and the more modern renaissance mode.  After the first world war the family started to sell parts of the estate.  W. Mackay Lennox bought Colzium House in 1930.  Due to its poor condition, the old portion was pulled down after the second world war and the present interior courtyard occupies its site. 

Calderglen Country Park and Langlands Moss Nature Reserve

Calderglen Country Park is a 4-star graded tourist attraction which includes the conservatory, ornamental gardens, children's zoo (well worth a visit with meercats, wallabies, etc)  extensive nature trails and walks, Courtyard Cafe, toddlers adventure and special needs play areas and golf course. First point of contact is the visitor centre which houses Hidden Worlds and the gift shop. Admission to all facilities within the park is free of charge. Langlands Moss local Nature Reserve is an example of a lowland raised bog. Leaflets on all walks and trails are available from the visitor centre.

Calderglen Country Park and Langlands Moss Nature Reserve

Strathaven Road

East Kilbride

Chatelherault Country Park

Outside, visitors can access 10 miles of walks through ancient woodland.

Open 10am -5 pm daily (exc Tuesday)

Cumbernauld Outdoor Activity Centre,

Blairlin Cottages,

Luggiebank,

G67 4AA