The best walks and hikes around Calderglen Country Park

Yes, dogs are welcome in Calderglen Country Park and it's a popular place for dog walking. Please keep them under control, especially near the Children's Zoo and wildlife areas. The trails along the Rotten Calder River provide plenty of space for them to explore.

Absolutely. The park has many gentle paths suitable for all ages. A great option is the Steps at the Bridge – Calderglen Zoo loop from The Boardwalk, which is a short 2.1-mile (3.4 km) walk. It's a great way to see the central part of the park and is close to the zoo and play areas.

Many trails along the Rotten Calder River offer views of waterfalls. The Calderwood Trail, one of the park's official routes, is particularly known for its picturesque waterfalls as it follows the river downstream through the glen.

Walks can range from short strolls of under an hour to longer hikes of 2-3 hours. For example, the Steps at the Bridge – Calderglen Zoo loop from Birniehill is a moderate 3-mile (4.8 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a good overview of the park's scenery.

While most trails are easy to moderate, you can find more challenging terrain by exploring the steeper sections of the glen. For a longer and slightly more demanding walk, consider the Sandy Cove (Old Picnic Spot) – Hermits Glen loop from The Boardwalk. It's a 4-mile (6.4 km) route with more elevation gain than the shorter loops.

The park is located in East Kilbride and is accessible by car, with parking available at the main visitor centre. For those using public transport, several bus routes serve the East Kilbride area, from which you can walk to the park entrances.

Some of the main paths near the visitor centre, gardens, and zoo are paved and suitable for buggies. However, many of the nature trails within the glen are narrow, uneven, and include steps, making them unsuitable for prams. It's best to stick to the main park area if you have a buggy.

The park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its geology. The Rotten Calder River has carved a deep glen, exposing layers of rock and creating numerous waterfalls. For a unique habitat, you can follow the Calderglen-Langlands Trail to the Langlands Moss Local Nature Reserve, a rare raised bog with its own distinct plant life.

Calderglen offers a variety of attractions. There is a Children's Zoo and a tropical conservatory, adventure play areas, and ornamental gardens. You can also see historic sites like the 17th-century Torrance House and the remains of Calderwood Castle's gardens.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful riverside scenery, and the variety of trails that wind through peaceful woodlands. The mix of nature and family-friendly facilities is a frequently mentioned highlight.

There are over 200 routes mapped on komoot around Calderglen Country Park, ranging from short, easy loops to longer, more varied hikes. This includes four official waymarked nature trails that start from the main information point.

Yes, many of the trails are popular with runners. The mix of flat riverside paths and undulating woodland tracks provides varied terrain for trail running. The Calderglen Zoo – Steps at the Bridge loop from Torrance is a good 4.1-mile (6.7 km) circuit to consider for a run.