Chatelherault
The grounds are now a country park, so we chose the longest of its trails and set off on what must be the muddiest walk of the year so far: a 5 mile round trip down one side of the Avon Gorge to the Green Bridge and back up the other. (The Avon Water is a tributary of the Clyde.)
Just before arriving back at Chatelherault, we passed the Cadzow Oaks and the remains of Cadzow Castle. This might be the oldest surviving oak woodland in Scotland – some of the trees have been dated at over 500 years old.
The castle is of similar age, probably built around 1500-1550, and only seems to be held up by massive scaffolding, courtesy of Historic Scotland.
From here, it was a short trip across the Duke’s Bridge and back to the car-park at Chatelherault. We’d been so busy lacing our boots up when we arrived that we hadn’t noticed this totem pole behind the car.
Where has everyone else been walking lately? Find out at Jo’s Monday Walks.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Ive read about a chapel west of Cadzow Castle.I mean to explore for any remains..
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Interesting! I hope you find something.
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My goodness! I have so much to catch up with. I’d better get going 😉
Chatelherault is a beautiful place, but let me tell you that I’m just fascinated by Cadzow Oaks and Castle. I mean, that’s such a magic place, so different, so old. I really love it 🙂
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It’s all lovely in its different ways!
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Love the wild trees and the ruins and the mossy sign. As beautiful as the estate buildings are, if I had to choose, I’d explore the ruins and the woods.
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Me too – unless it’s raining of course!
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Good point. 🙂
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