Walks you can reach from Hamilton Central by train
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Hamilton West Station to Larkhall Station (Lanarkshire)
2m direct from Hamilton Central.
Wide pavements through Hamilton give way to a well-surfaced wooded cycle track, then long, undulating riverside paths along the Clyde and River Avon through wooded gorge and countryside. Moderately demanding with frequent changes of gradient, some steep steps and muddy sections. Passes through Chatelherault Country Park; a road alternative reaches Chatelherault House (with cafe and excellent views) avoiding woodland steps. The narrow Millheugh Steps can be bypassed via Sunnyside.
Tough: steep ascents. 12km.
After crossing the busy Bothwell Road, the riverside gorge path undulates with some steep steps. The route wrongly suggests access to the Duke's Bridge from the path below; leave the riverside about 1km earlier (signposted). A muddy path leads into Larkhall near the finish.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Hamilton West Station to Bellshill Station (Lanarkshire)
2m direct from Hamilton Central.
Mostly tarmac paths out of Hamilton through parkland and around the edge of Strathclyde Loch, with a short muddy wooded section and a stretch of road without pavement and then suburban pavements into Bellshill.
Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.
A short stretch of Bothwellhaugh Road has no pavement (quiet, with a soft verge); a short wooded section can be muddy.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Motherwell Station to Larkhall Station (Lanarkshire)
8m direct from Hamilton Central.
13km. Moderate ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Larkhall Station to Wishaw Station (Lanarkshire)
15m direct from Hamilton Central.
Tough: steep ascents. 9km.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Cambuslang Station to Uddingston Station (Lanarkshire)
15m direct from Hamilton Central.
Navigable throughout but relies heavily on pavements beside busy main roads, with relief on a parallel boardwalk path, a disused railway path and residential streets and a scenic farmland-and-woodland finish near Uddingston. One short stretch of ugly waste ground used as a trail-bike circuit. An alternative return follows the Clyde Walkway from above the Rotten Calder footbridge to Bridge Street in Cambuslang (scenic but a little isolated).
Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Rutherglen Station to East Kilbride Station (Lanarkshire)
15m direct from Hamilton Central.
Tough: steep ascents. 9km.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Glasgow Central Station to Shettleston Station (Lanarkshire)
30m direct from Hamilton Central.
A very direct, varied urban walk full of contrasts, mixing main roads, residential streets, high streets, footpaths, parks and greenspaces through old and new and upmarket and downmarket neighbourhoods. Some steps at the Shettleston end. Passes the Hovis factory and over the St Enoch subway station; intersects many bus routes.
Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.
The wooded entrance to Greenfield Recreation Ground may feel daunting for solo walkers at quiet times. Some steps, including at Shettleston station.
Lunch: Many shops, cafés, takeaways and restaurants, especially around Glasgow Central and Argyle Street; a wide choice of eating around the halfway point near Duke Street, then options thin out until Shettleston.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Glasgow Central Station to Bishopbriggs Station (Lanarkshire)
30m direct from Hamilton Central.
A fairly direct urban route on pavements that climbs out of Bishopbriggs to Springburn Park, then drops through Springburn and follows the main road into central Glasgow and weaving cleverly through underpasses and flyovers around the M8 junction. Includes a number of steps. Connects Glasgow's two main railway stations and the bus station, passing George Square; Springburn station is also on the route.
Tough: steep ascents. 7km.
A short stretch runs along the busy A803, and the footways negotiating the M8 junction can be fume-filled and tricky to navigate.
Lunch: Shops and facilities at Springburn around the halfway point.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
East Kilbride Station to Hamilton West Station (Lanarkshire)
2m direct from Hamilton Central.
some lovely sections. Some lovely sections, opening on a flat disused railway path, then a stretch along Stoneymeadow Road (a path runs parallel and a bit muddy) before passing through a green park near Blantyre. Pavement is intermittent in places.
Easy: 10km, moderate ascents.
The Whirlies Roundabout is busy with no pedestrian crossings; a section of Stoneymeadow Road has no pavement, forcing walkers onto the verge; a busy junction and Main Street crossing near Blantyre need care.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Uddingston Station to Hamilton West Station (Lanarkshire)
2m direct from Hamilton Central.
Tarmac and compacted-earth riverside footpaths (sometimes narrow) with good views over the river and plus longer stretches of pavement through Bothwell and a retail park. A varied route with an uphill finish. Follows the Clyde Walkway / National Cycle Route 75 along the riverside. Bothwell Castle was undergoing extensive restoration and closed to visitors (Sept 2022).
Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.
The riverside sections can feel isolated and may become muddy after rain.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
East Kilbride Station to Cambuslang Station (Lanarkshire)
15m direct from Hamilton Central.
A straightforward route running largely beside a busy dual carriageway and with a lovely stretch through Kirkhill golf course offering views over the city.
Easy: 7km, gentle ascents.
The dual carriageway has to be crossed a couple of times; use the controlled crossings.
Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route
Busby Station to Rutherglen Station (Lanarkshire)
15m direct from Hamilton Central.
striking views of the city, Campsie Hills and higher peaks beyond; excellent views to the south west with the peaks of Arran visible in the distance. A varied walk on mostly quiet roads, pavements and footpaths and climbing through farmland to the open paths and viewpoints of Cathkin Braes before descending through woodland (muddy in places) and parks into Rutherglen.
Easy: 9km, moderate ascents.
The wooded descent from the country park to Tormusk Road can feel remote when walking alone; the final stretch crosses the busy Stonelaw Road. Can be muddy.