Tackle the triathlon in Lanarkshire
As Strathclyde Country Park prepares to welcome Commonwealth triathletes from all over the world this summer, families can run, cycle and swim ahead of their heroes with a half-term break in Lanarkshire.
Located within easy reach of both Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as the Borders, Lanarkshire has something to offer budding athletes of all ages and abilities.
Lanarkshire’s fine country parks and historic estates offer a multitude of walking routes, from serious hikes to gentle strolls. The routes which criss-cross the area include two UNESCO World Heritage Sites at New Lanark and the Antonine Wall, along with the 13th century Bothwell Castle. Families can follow the 37-mile Clyde Walkway, which takes in a range of sights, including Stoneybyre Falls, the RSPB’s Baron’s Haugh Reserve and Blantyre’s David Livingston Centre. The route can be joined at many points, with a host of stop-offs along the way to recharge the batteries.
For those who prefer to get about on two wheels, Lanarkshire is also home to a great selection of cycle routes. Every cyclist is catered for, with all grades of difficulty and endurance, along with a choice of distances. Mountain bikers are also well served with a variety of more challenging routes, including 50 miles of new biking tracks at Whitelee Wind Farm and Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, which is another Proud Host Venue for this year’s Commonwealth Games.
To complete the triathlon, families can make a splash at one of Lanarkshire’s several water sports facilities. Strathclyde Country Park’s water sports centre plays host to a range of activities, including canoeing, windsurfing and rowing. Over in East Kilbride, James Hamilton Heritage Park features a 16-acre loch, which provides a beautiful and tranquil backdrop for lots of different water-based clubs and events. Those who prefer their water sports a bit warmer can also head to Coatbridge’s Time Capsule, Scotland’s Water Park, which features a range of watery delights, including Splashdown Island and Riptide River.
There's more to discover in Lanarkshire this spring - to find out more about these and other great ideas and offers, log-on to visitlanarkshire.com.
