attractions in 2008
Wallace Cave
A unique, little known landmark near Westoun is our very own Wallace Cave and a must see for all William Wallace enthusiasts. Reputed to be the hiding place of William Wallace in the late 1200's, this cave can only be reached by foot and is close to Craigend Bed and Breakfast. William Wallace was well known in Lanark, this being the home of Wallace's wife Marion, where he was married and the scene of Wallace's infamous skirmish with English soldiers in May 1297. There is much Wallace history to be found in the area, even as recently as August 2005 when the William Wallace Memorial Tomb at St. Kentigern’s Church in Lanark was designated as the final resting place of the Spirit of William Wallace – The Soul of Scotland .
Peregrine Falcons
Just a few minutes walk up from the Falls of Clyde is a site is well-known for its resident breeding pair of peregrine falcons, which are protected during the breeding season by Operation Peregrine, providing security for the birds and a chance for the public to view the birds through scopes and CCTV. Generally nest building starts in March with eggs appearing in April and fingers crossed chicks in May. A great opportunity to catch a rare site if you are visiting at this time.
Visit this site for more details.
Falls of Clyde
Truly one of THE most beautiful sites in Lanarkshire. The Falls of Clyde comprise the upper falls of Bonnington Linn, Corra Linn, Dundaff Linn, and the lower falls of Stonebyres Linn. Corra Linn is the highest, with a fall of 90 feet. Bonnington Linn [fall of 30 feet], Corra Linn and Dundaff Linn are above New Lanark and located within the Falls of Clyde Reserve. Famously painted by Turner and an inspiration to Wordsworth it really is a must see. The best time to catch the falls is when they are in ‘full spate’ (about 6 times a year). This is when the water is allowed to flow freely down the Clyde creating a thundering display especially at Corra Linn.
Waterfall Days at the Falls of Clyde 2008 - 24th & 25th May and 23rd & 24th August.
Visit this site for more details
Lanimers
By far the biggest even in the Lanark area is Lanimers, an ancient festival that last for a whole week and culminates in a gala day procession featuring pipers, floats, bands rides and much more. It is a fabulous tradition and is unlike any other ‘gala day’ in Scotland. This years parade falls on the 12th June.
Visit this site for more details.
Lanark Medieval Festival
An annual event that sees Vikings and Scottish clansmen re-enact the history of the country. Reenactors and stall holders from all over the world set up camp on Lanark Racecourse for a fascinating weekend of fun and history. Battles, Medieval bands, Archery, Birds of Prey, Arts and Crafts all come together to form a wonderful day out for any age. This years festival falls on the 16th and 17th August.
Visit this site for more details.
New Lanark Heritage Village
New Lanark is the award winning World Heritage site that is an absolute must for every visitor. This beautifully restored Cotton Mill, which lies beneath the Falls Of Clyde, regularly has special events which are well worth checking out.
Visit this site for more details.
Distance and Links to Local Areas of Interest
Auchlochan Trust Village -10 minutes click here
Biggar – 30 minutes click here
Carmichael Estate – 15 minutes click here
Clyde Valley – 20 minutes click here
Douglas Heritage Village – 10 minutes click here
Edinburgh – 1 hour
Falls of Clyde – 15 minutes click here
Glasgow – 45 minutes
Happenden Services – 10 minutes
Lanark Market – 15 minutes click here
New Lanark – 15 minutes click here
Tinto Hill – 25 Minutes
Golf
Being the birthplace of Golf, Scotland is obviously spoilt for choice when it comes to golf courses. We have a number of local clubs which are open to the general public and offer varying degrees of difficulty.
The Hollandbush Golf Club - This is our nearest golf course which is 10 minutes up the road and has a club house and immaculately kept greens click here for details
The Lanark Golf Club - The Lanark golf course is about 20 minutes away and is about 5 minutes from Lanark town Centre. You could even round off the day with a meal at the recently refurbished Inn on the Loch or any of a number of restaurants in Lanark click here for details or click here for more details
Biggar Golf Course – There is no dedicated website for this course, but easily found due to Paul Lawrie's unbroken professional course record of 63 click here for details
Cathkin Braes Golf Club – About half an hour away click here for details
This site lists most of the golf courses in Lanarkshire click here for details
Green Free – There a number of Green Free courses in the area and it is always worth checking this site before you decide where to play. click here for details
Bird Watchers Welcome
With little to disturb them, you are sure to see many different types of wildlife in the gardens and fields around Craigend Bed and Breakfast. As well as the 100’s of birds which visit our feeders everyday, the fields and moors minutes from our door, offer plenty for the bird watcher to see. With miles to walk and terrain featuring Marshy Moors, farmland, Pine Trees, Lakes and Native Deciduous Woods you are sure to see a wide range of bird types. Hen Harriers, Sparrowhawks, Buzzards, Kestrels, Lapwings, Skylarks, Curlews, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Owls (as yet unidentified!) Chaffinches and Siskins by the 100’s.
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IN
Once you have exhausted the area around Craigend Bed and Breakfast you can then take a trip to the Clyde Valley where you can see Peregrine Falcons nesting and rearing chicks or you can visit RSPB Lochwinnoch, one of the few wetlands left in West Scotland.
We are happy to help you with your bird watching trips, providing information on where to go, maps, Bird books, Binoculars and even Wellies!
Classic Cars Welcome
Craigend Bed and Breakfast is happy to welcome Classic Car Owners either attending shows in Lanarkshire or on their way further afield. Located at the end of a dead end lane, with ample off road parking and security lighting this makes the ideal, safe place to stay. We are able to offer the use of a secure garage (on a first come first served basis!) or one of our three off road parking spaces. We can also provide basic tools, Car washing facilities, or anything else you might need to help you on your way. We recommend our Eynsford room where you will able to keep an eye on your pride and joy.
Title: Classic Cars Welcome
URL: http://www.classic.cars-wecome.co.uk
Description: Classic Cars Welcome: Bed and Breakfast/Hotels and Self Catering accommodation details for Classic Cars and their owners.
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Cyclists Welcome
Whether you want to take a leisurely ride around Lanarkshire’s country lanes, or you fancy some demanding off road rough cycling, Craigend Bed and Breakfast can offer you both. The restored former Dalqhandy quarry behind Craigend B&B affords a particularly testing ride, taking you over open countryside and then through to Forestry commission land. We provide secure, dry, overnight storage for your bikes, hoses for washing down and even a downstairs shower room for those mud splattered excursions!
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Genealogists Welcome
Lanarkshire has been through some difficult times in the past and over the last few hundred years many of it’s residents have left to lead new lives overseas. Now, generations on, the descendants of those early travellers return to Lanarkshires to see where their forebears lived and worked. Visitors from Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand regularly stay at Craigend Bed and Breakfast as part of their family research normally visiting the old coal mining towns of Douglas, Lesmahagow and Coalburn. We try to do everything we can in advance of your visit, to help you make the most of your trip and can put you in touch with the local Historical Organisations, Registrars, and Libraries. Below are some useful links to get you going, but we are here to help with local knowledge before you visit.
Coalburn Heritage Group http://www.coalburnheritage.org.uk/coalburn.asp
Douglas Community Council Heritage
http://www.douglascommunitycouncil.info/index.asp?pageid=80
Lesmahagow Parish Historical Association - Mr R McLeish, 8 The Crescent
Lesmaghagow, Lanarkshire, ML11 0DP Scotland
Lanarkshire Family History Society http://www.lanarkshirefhs.org.uk/
UK & Ireland Genealogy
http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/sct/LKS/index.html#societies
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The Westoun Estate in it’s heyday
Golfers Welcome
Being the birthplace of Golf, Scotland is obviously spoilt for choice when it comes to golf courses. We have a number of local clubs which are open to the general public and offer varying degrees of difficulty.
The Hollandbush Golf Club - This is our nearest golf course which is 10 minutes up the road and has a club house and immaculately kept greens click here for details
INSERT PICTURE OF HOLLANDBUSH GOLF COURSE HERE
The Lanark Golf Club - The Lanark golf course is about 20 minutes away and is about 5 minutes from Lanark town Centre. You could even round off the day with a meal at the recently refurbished Inn on the Loch or any of a number of restaurants in Lanark click here for details or click here for more details
Biggar Golf Course – There is no dedicated website for this course, but easily found due to Paul Lawrie's unbroken professional course record of 63 click here for details
Cathkin Braes Golf Club – About half an hour away click here for details
This site lists most of the golf courses in Lanarkshire click here for details
Green Fee – There a number of Green Fee courses in the area and it is always worth checking this site before you decide where to play. click here for details
Walkers Welcome
Walkers will find differing levels of walks to keep them busy whilst here at Craigend. The walk to a unique and little known landmark near Westoun is our very own Wallace Cave and a must see for all William Wallace enthusiasts. Reputed to be the hiding place of William Wallace in the late 1200's, this cave can only be reached by foot and provides some spectacular views.
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Wallce Cave View from above Wallace Cave
Alternatively you can walk cross country to the Douglas and Angus Estate where you can visit Castle Dangerous, St Brides Church, the Cameronian Cairn, the Polish Memorial Garden, the Mausoleum of the Black Douglases and much more.
A short car journey away will also take you to a stunning walk along the River Clyde taking in the two falls Corra Linn and Bonnington Linn. Or if you are feeling really adventurous a walk up to the top of Tinto Hill ( 2333 ft) which on a clear day will reward you with the most far reaching views of Lanarkshire.
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