Carmichael History Walk
An excerpt from Walking in Clydesdale by Paul Lamarra
By the Way
The start of this walk is easily picked out as much by the wind turbine by the A72 as the sign pointing out the Carmichael Visitor Centre and its Clan Farmhouse Kitchen. The visitor centre includes a souvenir shop and a wax model exhibition detailing the Carmichael family history.
This has been the Carmichael family's patch since the 14th century. The nearby hamlet and the family take their name from a church dedicated to St Michael that was founded by Queen Margaret in 1058. The church was built on Kirk Hill which is on your right as you walk away from the visitor centre.
Not much further on, entirely enclosed by dense forestry is the Old Carmichael House which was built by the 3rd Earl of Hyndford in stages from 1734 - its predecessor was destroyed by Cromwell. The house is now ruined as the roof was removed in 1952 but there are plans to restore it and find a use for it.
At Westmains which is the present home of the chief of the clan Carmichael there is a very fine dovecot, built c. 1750 which stands 20 metres high and is reckoned to be one of the best examples in Scotland.
Also en route is the monument to the 2nd earl of Hyndford on top of Carmichael Hill. The 2nd earl was a distinguished diplomat who was commissioner of the Treaty of Union of 1701 and was ambassador to Russia and Vienna. He had a hand in making peace between Silesia and Prussia for which he was made a knight of the Thistle of George II. The hilltop also offers an excellent view of the surrounding countryside and especially of Tinto.
The Route
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