What to do…
Discover Natural Wonders
Punch Tree Cabins is inspired by the incredible countryside so close to our accommodation. It was a king's fancy for figs and pears that led to the “fruit basket of Scotland” first being planted almost 900 years ago. Since the 12th Century, the sheltered, fertile soil of the Clyde Valley has produced rich pickings with the area once a major force in Scotland's food industry. Now, it is full of great Garden Centres and local shops that sell fresh produce in their delicious coffee shops. The Clyde Walkway is a foot and mountain bike path which runs from Glasgow, Scotland, to just above the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark. The path runs close to the River Clyde for most of its length. It was completed in 2005, and is now designated as one of Scotland's Great Trails by NatureScot. The route is 65 kilometres (40 mi) long, and combines rural sections on the upper Clyde in South Lanarkshire, including the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve and the Falls of Clyde, with urban walking through the centre of Glasgow. About 155,000 people use the path every year, of whom about 7,750 undertake multi-day journeys including those covering the entire route.
Now we have created two beautiful peaceful and comfortable log cabins for you to relax in after a day spent exploring, with the Clyde Walkway right on our doorstep. There is plenty to see and do, including stunning woodland and river walks that stretch for miles, pretty villages, nature watching, hills and mountain ranges and lots of history. Some excellent attractions will get you up close to the scenery.
Here are some highlights, for more information visit our local directory, linked below.
The Clyde Walkway
Follow the brown Tourist road signs to discover beautiful villages, natural wonders, charming shops and cafes, plus starting points for adventures by foot, bike and car through the beautiful scenery.
A section of the trail starts close to our accommodation at Mauldslie Bridge, The walk can be done as a linear walk and doubling back on yourself, or you can extend it into longer walks along the Clyde Walkway upstream and downstream.
Follow the link on our 'local directory' for more trails on the Clyde Walkway.
New Lanark Heritage Centre
New Lanark is a former 18th century cotton spinning mill village located on the banks of the Falls of Clyde 20 minutes from Mauldslie. New Lanark has a resident village community of 65 households, set within a National Nature Reserve with outstanding designed landscapes and woodlands. In the village there is an award-winning Visitor Centre offering a range of visitor attractions, the New Lanark Mill Hotel, and Mill Shop and Cafe. They even spin their own traditionally produced organic wool, produce our own hydro-electricity, and make delicious ice-cream based on a traditional recipe.
Wildlife Watching on the River Clyde
Over 100 bird species have been recorded including Dipper, Raven and Kingfisher. Daubenton's bats can be spotted feeding over the river in the evenings. Badgers forage in the undergrowth and otters are sometimes seen along the riverbank. The Falls of Clyde is part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. On top of the vast sea bird population, there are also some fabulous raptors to spot. Ospreys, Buzzards, Golden Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons are often seen at Mauldslie and in our private gardens.
Attractions
Visit Lanark Loch for a walk and a spot of lunch, or enjoy a stunning walk to the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve. For family fun head to the Clyde Valley Family Park or go for a horse ride at the Scottish Equestrian Centre. For some history, visit Craignethan Castle, where it is said to be haunted with the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots or New Lanark Visitor Centre and step back in time.
Walking and Cycling and Fishing
There are many walking and cycling routes to enjoy, something for every level of fitness. Mauldslie Woods has an outstanding mountain bike trail for you to explore and the Clydevalley Walkway will not disappoint. You can access a day permit pass to try your hand at some Trout Fishing too on the beautiful banks of the River Clyde. The Clyde Valley is all about outdoor pursuits, so get your walking boots on and explore this incredible countryside. At the local directory you will find useful online resources with routes and practical advice.