Abington on the River Clyde

Abington on the River Clyde

Abington lies on the River Clyde in the rolling Lowther Hills. The village is also the starting point of the Clyde Valley National Tourist Route. Other themes include walks in the Clyde Valley, cycling connections and historical traces. This gives you a range of points of interest for planning your trip: landscapes, specific routes and the history of the region.

Walking in the Clyde Valley

From Abington, you can walk along the riverbanks, through the surrounding woodland and on grassy paths in the Clyde Valley. The “Around Abington” circular walk is described in more detail: it leads down to the River Clyde and back through Glengonnar. For your planning, the distinction is between several types of walking terrain and a named circular route with a river and village connection. The first description covers landscape types; the second gives the route of a specific walk.

Cycling and comparing routes

The “Crawford & Abington” cycling route connects Crawford and Abington via quiet minor roads and a cycle lane along the A702. The River Clyde is nearby; the route first heads north on the eastern side of the river, then south on the western side. The route therefore describes both the two villages and the course along both sides of the river. Check road conditions and safety before setting out.

A cycling route connects Strathclyde Country Park and National Cycle Network Route 75 north of Hamilton with Abington in the south. The two cycling references answer different planning questions: “Crawford & Abington” specifies the type of road and the sides of the river; the other connection names its northern and southern reference points. This lets you distinguish a route between two villages from a connection with broader reference points.

Archaeological and historical traces

On the summit of Arbory Hill (429 m OD), about 1.2 km east-northeast of Abington, are prominent remains of a fort with two clearly distinguishable phases of construction. The hill overlooks the right bank of the River Clyde. There is evidence of ancient hillforts in the section of the Clyde Valley near Abington.

The road that passes Abington follows an ancient Roman route connecting the River Clyde at Abington with a Roman fort at Musselburgh. A medieval motte-and-bailey castle site was discovered near the M74 service areas. The historical references therefore include evidence of ancient hillforts and a Roman route, as well as a medieval castle site; the fort on Arbory Hill also has two distinct phases of construction.

River route and transport history

The River Clyde between Abington and the Falls of Clyde is designated as a 49 km core water route. Unlike the “Around Abington” circular walk, which leads down to the river and back through Glengonnar, this water route refers to a stretch of river between two named points.

The Caledonian Railway line to Glasgow at Abington was built in 1847; Abington station closed in the 1960s. The line and the station should be distinguished: 1847 refers to the construction of the railway line, while the closure in the 1960s refers to Abington station.

Discover more destinations: Chapelton, Carstairs, Lanark, Strathaven, Biggar, New Lanark, Lesmahagow, Larkhall.

For the wider travel overview: South Lanarkshire.