An important early artillery fortification with an exceptional residential tower and fine setting, Craignethan dates back to around 1530.
The oldest part is the tower house built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, and the castle’s defences include a caponier, a stone vaulted artillery chamber, which is unique in Britain. The castle sits in a beautiful setting with rugged surrounds providing magnificent views. | Location | 9km north west of Lanark off the A72.
Region - Glasgow, Clyde and Ayrshire.
Grid reference NS 815463
Post code ML11 9PL.
Cycle Routes - Site on the National Cycle Network
Public transport - From Glasgow Central train station, take First Scotrail train (Lanark) to Hamilton Central (26 mins). Walk 4 mins to Hamilton Bus station. Take McKindless bus group no 31 (Lanark) to Crossford Main Street (near Carluke) Tillietudlem Hotel (23 mins). Walk 15 mins to Craignethan Castle. If travelling by car, take Junction 8 (Blackwood) off M74 and follow the signs.
| | Contact | Tel 01555 860364
| | Opening times | Summer (1 April - 30 September), Monday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Winter (1 October - 31 March), Saturday to Wednesday (closed Thursday and Friday), 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
| | 2007 Admission prices | Adult £3.50 Child £1.75 Concessions £2.80
| | Accessibility | Visitors with physical disabilities can access the outer and inner courtyards, the ground level of the main tower, the display point, tea room and shop.
Access is not possible to the east wing vaults, the top of the main tower, basement, caponier and ditch.
Parking - visitors with disabilities can park or set down outside the castle gate.
Though toilets are large, visitors using wheelchairs would need assistance.
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