Lanark: History and Walking Routes

The differences between Lanark’s sights and walking routes can help you plan your time in the area according to your interests.

Church, Museum and History

St Kentigern's Church in Lanark was built in the 13th century; the remains of the church have survived. It is associated with a traditional Wallace story: the church is traditionally linked to William Wallace’s meeting and marriage to Marion Braidfute. The Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum houses a collection that illustrates Lanark’s ancient and varied history. The first exhibition opened there in spring 1991; exhibitions have been held every year since. If a particular exhibition is important to your visit, check the current programme separately. The church and museum offer different points of connection with Lanark’s past: the traditional association with Wallace in one case, and the historical collection and exhibition history in the other.

Lanimer Traditions and Dates

The Perambulation of the Marches in Lanark dates back to 1752. The Lanimers developed from Lanark’s annual duty to inspect the boundary stones. The recurring celebration therefore has a practical connection to the former boundary-stone inspection. Lanimer Day traditionally takes place on a Thursday between 6 and 12 June. If your stay is planned around it, check the dates for that year’s event before planning your trip.

Walking Routes Through Lanark

The Lanark Heritage Trail is a walking tour through the historic market town of Lanark and begins at Lanark Train Station. As the published starting point may change if the trail is revised, check the latest route details before setting out. Another type of route is the circuit around Lanark Loch. Castlebank Park has the Wildflower & Tree Trail. The Stey Brae is a footpath in Lanark used year-round and offers views of the Mouse Valley below.

These routes offer different experiences: a walk through the market town, a route around the loch, a trail in the park and a footpath with views into the valley. When planning, you can distinguish between them by their individual character rather than treating them as equivalent routes. If historical context is important to you, the Heritage Trail passes through the market town; for a circuit by the water, the route around the loch is the specific option described here.

Routes in the Surrounding Area

From Lanark, you can enter the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR at Leitchford Bridge and take a circular route along paths and minor roads. The 65 km Clyde Walkway also runs along the river in the area around Lanark. It connects Glasgow city centre with the Falls of Clyde at New Lanark. The Clyde Walkway therefore differs from the routes described in Lanark in its length and the stated endpoints. The route manager recommends checking conditions before setting out.

Swimming and Hydrotherapy

Lanark - Lifestyles has a 25-metre swimming pool and a hydrotherapy pool. Facility availability and operating conditions may change; check the latest information before your visit. This activity can therefore be considered separately from the historic sites and walking options.

Discover more destinations: Leadhills, Larkhall, New Lanark, Carstairs, Hamilton, Carluke, Chapelton, Biggar.

For the broader travel overview: South Lanarkshire.