
Strathclyde Loch, looking north
'Strathclyde Country Park' is a
country park located in
North Lanarkshire,
Scotland.
The park covers some 4 km², centred on the artificial Strathclyde Loch. It is located next to the
River Clyde between
Hamilton and
Motherwell. Strathclyde Park forms what used to be known as the ''Low parks'' of the now demolished
Hamilton Palace and still includes buildings associated with the palace. The park offers many amenities and attractions such as woodland walks, watersports, and a camping and caravaning site. One of Scotland's theme parks,
M&Ds is located close to the park. Until 1996, the music festival
T in the Park was held here.
Although the focus of the park is on recreation, a variety of habitats are present, including wetlands and native woodland.
Rowing at Strathclyde Park

Logo of Commonwealth Rowing Championships
Major events held at the loch include the
2005 World Rowing Masters Regatta and the
2006 Commonwealth Rowing Championships. In 2007 the World Rowing Under 23 Championships were held within the park from 26 to 29 July.
The loch also hosts the
National Rowing Championships once every four years, which are normally held in
Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham.
Major Events
The watersports events of the
2005 Glasgow Special Olympics and
the
2006 Scottish Triathalon Championships were staged at the park.
The west side of the park is bounded by the River Clyde, which was diverted when the loch was built in
1975. The original course can be seen between the east loch shore and the island. Across the Clyde is the
M74 motorway, which creates a significant level of noise. The east side of the park is quieter, with woodland and paths leading up the slopes to Motherwell.
The remains of
Bothwellhaugh Roman Fort and a
Roman bath house can be seen in the park, where the
South Calder Water flows into the loch. There is an arched Roman bridge across the South Calder nearby. The site of the
Battle of Bothwell Bridge (
1679) is to the north west of the park.
Strathclyde Park is used as a '
cruising' location by locals wanting to show off their modified cars.
External links
★
Information from North Lanarkshire Council
★
The Strathclyde Park Cruising Scene
★
The National Rowing Championships homepage