🌲****************** 🌲******************** 🌲
This cache is part of a series of geocaches called Park Life. Caches are placed within our urban parks, community gardens or country parks. For more details and statistics on how you can expand the Park Life series please visit the Park Life webpage.
🌲*** Lanark Loch *** 🌲
Lanark Loch is a man made body of water which lies on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Lanark. The story of the Loch began in the 18th century when around the year 1745, the population of the town was increasing, and water shortages were reported to be threatening the well-being of the residents of the town.
Three extra wells were added to the several wells which already supplied the town with water. These extra wells were The Tron Well, The Kirk Well and The Castlegate or Stampie’s Well. But by about 1843 the population of the town had grown to four thousand and the supply of water was found to be inadequate again, allowing only three and a half gallons of water per day per person, as opposed to the twenty four gallons available daily, per person in Glasgow.
Other sources of water were necessary and springs in an area named the Muir at Whitelees, on the outskirts of the town, were found to be an excellent source of clear and pure water. The depth in this marshy area of springs had already been extended to form the Lanark curling pond in the 1840’s.
Hugh Marr, a local architect, drew up the plans for the conversion of the curling pond into a reservoir and after the reservoir was established, the loch became known as Marr’s Loch. The population of the town continued to increase, by 1850 it had grown considerably, and in spite of the new reservoir, the water supply to the town was again declared inadequate. There were problems in delivering the water to the town because supply pipes were corroding quickly, and water levels in the loch dropped seasonally. This recurring shortage of water resulted in several of the old wells in the town being brought back into use, again.
In 1878, water from the loch was analysed in a chemical laboratory and was found to contain vegetable matter. The loch water was pronounced unsafe and unwholesome, and not fit for human consumption.
A new reservoir was built at Lochlyoch, on the north-west slopes of Tinto, this reservoir supplied the town of Lanark with an adequate flow of fresh water and by 1881 Lanark Loch and it’s surrounds were returned to being a public recreational facility.
The local council approved the repair of ditches surrounding the loch and the clearing away of dead trees and brush from the loch side. Scotch Fir and Spruce Fir were planted, along with a large amount of trees of the hardwood variety.
Back in 1860 the curling club had obtained permission from the local council to build a house to store their stones, this house was at the top of the loch. Curling on the loch continued until around 1952. Angling was permitted on the loch after 1898, perch and pike were in good supply and angling on the loch became a very popular recreation. At around this time, the Earl of Hume presented the town with two swans, and to the present day swans are present and breed on the loch.
Boating was very popular with visitors and the steamboat, which resembled a large rowing boat, arrived on the loch in 1905.
1913 photographs of the top of the loch show three buildings, “The Lake Pavilion Tea Rooms”, the small sweetie kiosk and “The Loch Ballroom”, which was later to become known as “The Palais”.
Visitors to the area arrived on foot and in horse drawn vehicles, including carriages. Wedding and funeral parties were held at The Tea Rooms, and families came from as far away as Glasgow to picnic and enjoy the loch and it’s surroundings. Music Hall songs, music, choruses and sketches were part of the summer entertainment at The Pavilion, and local bands played in “Grand Musical Programmes”.
During the First World War, and during the great depression of the 1930s, there appears to have been less activity on the loch. The boathouse and the sweetie kiosk were demolished in the nineteen forties and a car park was built on the site. The Tea Rooms were extended to become The Lanark Loch Hotel, which is now a popular local amenity.
Amenities at the Loch now include :
Boating, confined to a small, enclosed area on the loch. There is a 9 hole putting green and a 9 hole pitch and putt course. Coarse fishing is available with permits issued on request. There is disabled access throughout the area, and picnic benches are set out throughout the area. Well maintained pathways which surround the Loch are ideal for jogging on, and walking. There is a children’s play area and a refreshment kiosk.