Carmichael Estate Walks
This walk explores the historic Carmichael Estate in South Lanarkshire.
The expansive estate offers a scenic and varied circular walk that combines natural beauty, history, and opportunities to explore the estate’s rich heritage. Covering over 2,000 acres, the estate has been home to the Carmichael family for over 800 years, with remnants of their ancestral history scattered throughout the landscape.
The walk begins near the visitor centre, where you can find information about the estate, a café, and a farm shop offering local produce. From here, the route winds through a mixture of open pastures, woodlands, and rolling hills. The paths are generally well-marked, but sturdy footwear is recommended as some sections can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
A highlight of the walk is Carmichael Hill, which offers a moderate climb rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Tinto Hill and the Southern Uplands. On clear days, you may even spot the distant peaks of the Pentlands and Clyde Valley.
As you descend from the hill, the route takes you through ancient woodlands filled with oak, birch, and Scots pine. In spring, the forest floor is adorned with wildflowers like bluebells and wood anemones. Following estate trails, you’ll encounter historical features such as old farm buildings, stone bridges, and the ruins of Carmichael House, a grand 18th-century mansion abandoned in the mid-20th century but still retaining its imposing facade.
The walk also includes stretches along the estate’s farmland, where grazing sheep and cattle highlight its continued agricultural use. The diversity of landscapes and habitats makes this walk particularly appealing for nature lovers, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the estate’s storied past.
Returning to the visitor centre, you can enjoy refreshments or learn more about the Carmichael family’s history through displays and exhibits.
Carmichael Estate Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Carmichael Estate Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Carmichael Estate OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Carmichael Estate Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Farm buildings and shop, Warrenhill
Carmichael Hill
Deer at the Carmichael Visitor Centre. The hill is dotted with heather, gorse, and grassland, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of bird species such as buzzards, skylarks, and finches.
Hyndford Monument and Tinto. One of the highlights of the walk is the Hindford Monument, a striking obelisk built to commemorate the Carmichael family’s contributions and legacy. This historic structure is perched on high ground, making it a prominent feature of the estate’s landscape. It offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, making it an excellent spot to pause and take in the scenery.
Ruins of Carmichael House
Southern slopes of Carmichael Hill