Dear Readers,
Two weeks ago, while Erika’s sister Jeni was visiting so we decided to go on an adventure her last full day here! Erika had the idea to rent bikes and bike to Bothwell Castle outside Uddingston in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The bike ride was just under two hours along the Clyde River from our flat in the West End of Glasgow. The start of the bike ride is where I usually run, but I have never run all the way through the city, and it was actually a really great bike ride down through the city centre, and into the East End of Glasgow before continuing along the River Clyde to Uddingston. 
The bike ride wasn’t too challenging, it was mainly flat terrain along a bike route, except for a few hills, and one small portion of the trail that followed along the road. Once we arrived in Uddingston we found a pub to have a quick bite of lunch and a pint before making our way to the castle. 
From Uddington it was just a ten-minute bike ride down to the castle. The construction of Bothwell Castle began in the midst 13th Century by the Clan Murray. Bothwell Castle played a major role in the Scottish War of Independence as ownership between the castle changed hands back and forth between the English and the Scottish. A portion of the castle was destroyed in this war, so the rebuilding of the castle began in the 15th century. Essentially this means that there are two parts of the castle! The castle today is in ruins which makes it a super fun castle to explore!! Plus, it wasn’t very busy, so, for the most part, we had the castle to ourselves. 
The “newer” portion of the castle was built by the Douglas’s in the 15th century. Most notably, Archibald Douglas who became Lord of Galloway and Earl of Douglas, and later his son finished the construction. Behind me to the right is where the chapel was and to the left was the great hall.
Following our adventure, we decided to take the train back to Glasgow! One of the cool things about living in Glasgow is how many adventures there are within range. If it’s a castle, a loch, a hike, or little town the options are endless, and I am definitely planning on going on more adventures this summer.
lauraalyre.com 