Introduction

This evening I am reprising an autumnal hike through some fascinating scenery in Calderglen Country Park.

Information with images on the Hike through Calderglen Country Park

The ‘Catswhiskers’ team undertook a six-mile hike along on the banks of the Rotten Calder River in Calderglen Country Park. Location is about ten miles south of Glasgow in the West of Scotland.

The entire valley of the Rotten Calder includes hermitages, islets, caves, crannies, ancient markings, fountains and fairy wells. there are also countless waterfalls, over 200 nature trails, summerhouses, ruined castles, steep cliffs, etc. This must rank amongst some of the most romantic, rugged and beautiful scenery in Scotland.

The weather was dry and facilitated photography which was enhanced by the varying shades of Autumn sunshine.

In addition to the excellent scenery we encountered four different species of fungi. Most of these omnipresent organisms are decomposers, making them essential recyclers. They break down dead tissues and return essential nutrients back into ecosystems.

NB: The ‘rotten’ in Rotten Calder is nothing more sinister than a corruption of a word meaning ‘red’. This refers to the colour of the ironstone over which the Rotten Burn flows.

More information

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes sections on wildlife, hiking plus much more. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.