The Clyde Valley covers the area around the Clyde River and is home to Scotland’s largest city and one of the United Kingdom’s giants Glasgow. The Clyde region comprises picturesque scenery and gives some idea as to the nature of the rest of the country from within its boundaries. As well as a former European Capital City of culture and striking scenery, there are also towns and villages, castles and museums and history and industry in abundance.

The Clyde River is the ninth largest river in the UK and the third largest in Scotland; this, coupled with its position on the country’s western coast facing the Americas, meant the river and therefore Glasgow became a prime location for shipbuilding. In fact, at the height of the British Empire, Glasgow reached the heights of world shipbuilding, while trade in tobacco and cotton was also fruitful during the early-18th century.

Visitors to the region can enjoy the rolling hills of the valley, the beautiful countryside of East Dumbartonshire and the excellent views of the New Lanark World Heritage site – a former cotton mill with an award-winning visitor centre. The Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve are situated near New Lanark and are also worth a visit during your stay in the area. The striking and imposing Dumbarton Castle is located just to the north of Glasgow and was built on volcanic Dumbarton rock while the redbrick Bothwell Castle is a large fort which dates back to the 13th century and is set on a bend in the river Clyde.

Glasgow itself is also full of attractions, shops and history and so there is plenty for visitors to do during their stay. There are art galleries, festivals, museums and science centres in Scotland’s largest city, while one of the biggest rivalries in football is also confined to the Glasgow borders with Rangers and Celtic both taking up residence in the city. The two clubs have dominated Scottish football for decades and have struck up a sometimes unsavoury and ongoing battle.

Two more big names are also associated with this part of the world; they are great Scottish poet Robert Burns and explorer Dr Livingstone. Burns is Scotland’s most famous son and there is even a day set aside to remember and celebrate him. Livingstone explored parts of southern and central Africa, stumbling upon and renaming the Victoria Falls. The David Livingstone Centre is situated in South Lanarkshire near to where the missionary was born and gives a glimpse into the man’s life and achievements.