Melody Jacob

I visited Calderglen Country Park in East Kilbride on 5 June 2026, after work, because sometimes you just need to leave everything behind for a little while and clear your head. It was one of those lovely late afternoons where the greenery, fresh air and peace just make you feel better without you even trying. Calderglen is a beautiful country park stretching along the wooded gorge of the Rotten Calder, with waterfalls, nature trails, gardens, picnic areas and plenty of open space. The park was designated as a country park in 1979 and officially opened in September 1982, covering parts of the former Calderwood and Torrance estates. It is now managed by South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, with Grounds Services maintaining the open spaces and play areas. There are over eight miles of trails, an ornamental garden, children's play areas, the Courtyard Café, a golf course, The Gallery and the famous Calderglen Zoo and tropical conservatory. There are also regular activities and events, including craft workshops, animal activities, treasure hunts, seasonal events, art displays and environmental education. So, there is quite a lot going on at Calderglen, but on this particular afternoon, I was mostly interested in the trees, the fresh air and having somewhere peaceful to wander around.

Now, about the zoo. I almost entered, I really did. I walked through the front door and immediately knew this was not going to work for me. I cannot stand the smell of animals. I don't even go near the animal food section in Tesco because of the smell, so imagine me walking into a zoo. The smell was exactly what I was trying to avoid, so I turned around and left immediately. No shame in knowing your limits. I went back outside and carried on walking around the park instead, taking in all the greenery and watching some people playing football. I actually loved that part of my visit because there was something so simple about just wandering around, breathing in the fresh air and letting my mind settle. I also had my first ever taste of potatoes with curry that day, and honestly, it wasn't bad at all. Calderglen Country Park is on Strathaven Road in St Leonards, East Kilbride, G75 0QZ, with parking facilities including a main car park and accessible parking. There is plenty to do whether you want a peaceful walk, a family day out, a picnic, some food at the Courtyard Café, a little adventure with the children, golf, nature photography or simply somewhere to escape after work. For me, though, it was just a late afternoon visit that turned into a really lovely memory. Sometimes that is all you need.