Rural landscape encountered during the South Lanarkshire Hike

Introduction

This afternoon, I am posting information on a small group hike along a seven mile route route in South Lanarkshire. This covered Lanark to Cleghorn Bridge General location is about twenty-eight miles S.E. of Glasgow in the west of Scotland.

Information on the hike

As will be evident from the images herein, the landscape is rural with extensive range of trees and vegetation. Autumnal fruits such as elderberries and blueberries were encountered.

Wild Sloe Berries

Elderberries.

Interesting tree form.

Wooden footbridge.

Hiking group.

Scottish Thistle.(National Emblem)

Mouse Water (river).

Landscape View.

Note also the high incidence of fungi which thrive in the mild, wet environment. Rainfall in Lanark averages about forty four inches p.a. Here is a summary of some interesting facts on fungi:-

• Britain is home to some 12,500 species of fungi, a term which includes mushrooms.
• Many trees and fungi have symbiotic relationships with each other. Without fungi there would be no trees.
• Fungi contain enzymes which break down organic matter and facilitate decomposition of dead wood.
• The shape of fungi are moulded by the local environment.
• Many types of fungi are edible but, clearly, great care and specialist knowledge is required.
• Some fungi have medicinal, practical and even hallucinogenic properties. For example, Ink-caps were used for manufacture of ink in days past. Bracket Fungi have anti-septic properties and parts can be used as tinder for fire lighting.
• Fungi contain mycelium which is the vegetative element consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae.

Fungi growing on logs.

Fungi at base of tree.

Elaborate growth of fungi on tree.

Fungi growing on logs

More Information.

For more information on activities, sightseeing and help for tourists generally please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.