Chatelherault Country Park is situated about 2.5km south east of
Hamilton in the village of Ferniegair which lies on the A72
Hamilton to Larkhall/Lanark road, Clyde Valley Tourist Route.
Parking at the main car park, N55º 45.803 W004º 00.749 which is
near to the hunting lodge. The hunting lodge of Chatelherault
(locally pronounced as “chat-ler-o) was built over 250 years
ago, by the noted Scottish architect William Adam, for the Duke of
Hamilton. Like Hamilton Palace it fell victim to the extensive
local mining which caused subsidence.
Fortunately the Lodge was never demolished but lay in ruin from the
1920’s until 1979 when Historic Scotland obtained it, in lieu
of taxes, following the death of the 10th Duke, and spent 10 years
restoring it.
The park is famous for it’s white cattle but has been host to
many other species throughout it’s history, polar bears, a
leopard, a “munkie”, a wolf, an eagle, a peacock and
peahen have all resided there.
The park has plenty of amenities, garden centre, cafes, barbecue
sites, extensive children’s play area, the Lodge itself with
exhibitions, Duke’s apartment & banqueting room and 10
miles of footpaths, it would be best to go to the visitors centre
first and pick up a map.
The Cache
Follow the path over the Duke’s bridge, through the
“gate” at the site of Cadzow Castle and along the Green
Bridge path to Cadzow Oaks some of which are 500 years old, the
path is in good condition but can be wet underfoot in some
places.
Many species of small animals live here and ranger organised trips
are available throughout the year (check the website for
details)
You may lose the signal on several occasions but eventually after
about 1½miles from the centre you should find the remains of a
stile at N55º 45.170 W004º 01.120, the cache is located close
by.