On Glasgow’s doorstep, Rutherglen offers easy access to outdoor adventure.
Immediately south of Scotland’s biggest city, Rutherglen can be easily missed by visitors to Glasgow and the surrounding area. However, this attractive South Lanarkshire town set on the south bank of the River Clyde has a lot to offer visitors. The town’s broad Main Street is filled with interesting architecture, including Rutherglen Town Hall, which hosts arts and cultural activities, and Rutherglen also has a challenging moorland golf course, Cathkin Braes. It’s also a good base for heading into nearby countryside or starting the West Highland Way. Campers will find plenty of options within easy reach of the town.
The summer months are the best time to visit the area. While sunshine can never be guaranteed in this part of the world, you can, at least, long daylight hours. Winters can be chilly but relatively moderate: expect 4 p.m. sunsets, however. If planning to hike the West Highland Way, visiting in spring or autumn lets you avoid crowds.
A 15-minute drive south of Rutherglen, kayakers and windsurfers flock to Strathclyde Country Park to get in on the action at the Watersports Centre and on Strathclyde Loch. Within a short walking distance of the park, Strathclyde Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club site has room for tents and tourers.
Northeast of Glasgow City Centre, and a 20-minute drive from Rutherglen, Red Deer Village Holiday Park enjoys a countryside setting on the city’s doorstep. The site is well-placed for exploring the nearby Seven Lochs Wetland Park and has hardstanding pitches for caravans and motorhomes, a grass area with spacious tent pitches, and chalets and static caravans for hire.
Travelers wishing to embark on the 96-mile (154-kilometer) West Highland Way trail can set up camp in the West Highland Way Campsite, situated directly on the route, 35 minutes north of Rutherglen. The site has grass and hardstanding pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents, as well as a hut and furnished bell tents for hire.