Part of the original circular keep survives, but most of the castle dates from the 14th and 15th centuries in a beautiful setting overlooking the Clyde. Continue this afternoon to the Mausoleum in Hamilton and Chatelherault Hunting Lodge for James, 5th Duke of Hamilton and designed by William Adam, the Lodge was completed around 1744. It is set in a 500-acre country park. We will also visit the Old Parish Church in town as well. Overnight in Hamilton.
Dinner is provided tonight along with full Scottish breakfast tomorrow morning.
This morning, depart Hamilton for South Western Scotland. Our first stop however will be at Craignethan Castle, a short distance from the town of Hamilton. Situated in a picturesque setting above the River Nethan, the Castle was once a stronghold of the Hamilton clan during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. Continue your journey through Ayrshire. The region is particularly known for its famous golf links such as Troon and Turnberry, as well as its associations with Robert Burns, Scotland s national poet.