An exciting new food and drink trail has placed Lanarkshire firmly on the map as a go-to destination for the most discerning of foodie tourists.
The cartographer behind the 48-mile trail is Scotland’s newest regional food group, Lanarkshire Larder, which has identified 27 exceptional food and drink producers and establishments that grace the picturesque tourist route that’s within easy reach of both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The Lanarkshire Larder food and drink trail – whose architects were inspired by the best of similar tourist routes on Orkney and in Ayrshire, Ireland and Catalonia – promises to introduce to visitors from near and far fresh, home-nurtured, culinary delights from a land that has produced rich pickings from its sheltered, fertile soil for more than 800 years.
Remaining a major force in Scotland’s food and drink industry today, the rich pastures covering much of Lanarkshire have helped produce some of the country’s most exceptional beef, venison, lamb, dairy and cured meats.
Throughout the region, there are entrepreneurial artisan producers, farm shops, cafes, breweries, distilleries and hospitality venues which are committed to using local produce.
Lanarkshire Larder came to fruition in April last year, when its founding members submitted a plan to South Lanarkshire Council and Scotland Food & Drink, whose objective was to create memorable food tourism experiences which would increase visitor numbers.
Successful in leveraging funding from the VisitScotland Destination and Sector Marketing Fund, Lanarkshire Larder – which now has almost 60 members in North and South Lanarkshire – set about creating a food and drink trail for the region in Scotland’s heartland.
“Nowadays, there’s a real demand for quality food and drink with provenance, alongside real and memorable experiences that capture the essence of the region,” said Selina Cairns, founding member of Lanarkshire Larder and owner of Errington Cheese, near Lanark.
“I believe the food trail will help small businesses, the local economy and help to create pride in the region.”
Starting from the charming market town of Strathaven, blazers of the food and drink trail can collect the first souvenir stamp on their easy-to-navigate map at the Heron Farm Shop and Kitchen, before moving on to sample the other jewels in the town’s crown, from coffee roasters, to purveyors of fine wines and spirits, and ale producers.
It’s within this South Lanarkshire town that they’ll discover, at stop number three, the oldest bakery in Scotland.
In 2020, Alexander Taylor Bakery marked 200 years in business, during which six generations of the Taylor family have been trading on the same site in Bridge Street. It’s fair to say they know a thing or two about baking a loaf a bread.
Heading out towards the beautiful Clyde Valley, at stop number 10 is Overton Farm Shop where the Young family have been breeding their own cattle for more than 40 years.
Tourists can stop along the trail to recharge their batteries over a coffee or a cold beer and a sandwich at The Duke’s Deli in Lanark, before heading out to the UNESCO World Heritage site of New Lanark, whose weekend market sells, among other locally-made artisan delights, its own award winning ice-cream – a marked shift from its origins as Robert Owen’s social utopian mill village.
Wind your way to the market town of Biggar, where you can feast your eyes on a banquet of food and drink producers, each with their own fascinating stories.
At stop number 20 is The Crown Inn, a 17th Century coaching inn where the local ale has been flowing since the 1600s.
Four stops later, experience Shirley’s Kitchen Garden, where Shirley Graham will delight in sharing the eco-friendly secrets of her no-dig method of producing exquisite, seasonal, fresh fruit and veg for locals and tourists to savour.
The trail is also rich in natural beauty, winding its way past waterfalls and lochs as it skims the brooding Tinto Hill, passing by artist Ian Hamilton Finlay’s Little Sparta, before reaching its final destination, The Wee Farm Distillery, whose well-stocked shop sells small-batch gins.
“In launching the food and drink trail, we want to give people a reason to stop in Lanarkshire to experience its quality food and drink, and to discover more about its heritage and culture,” explained Gillian Rae, project coordinator of Lanarkshire Larder, which offers opportunities for producers and retailers to promote the provenance of sustainable produce to the people of Lanarkshire and beyond.
“Visitors are increasingly seeking out experiences to immerse themselves in a destination’s story and engage with locals. The collaboration of our members on the food trail will help boost local trade, strengthen local food systems and increase tourism in Lanarkshire.”
Visitors can decide to select three or four stops along the trail for a great day out, or embark on the entire 48-mile route, breaking it up with an overnight stay at one of the six hotels on the map – including, at Quothquan, Biggar, the luxurious Shieldhill Castle, which dates back to 1199.
Its general manager, Jane Frame, said: “We are really pleased to be part of Lanarkshire Larder and the new food and drink trail which will help showcase some of the fantastic businesses that exist in Lanarkshire.
“Lanarkshire is a hidden gem and a great region to explore. As a hotel and restaurant, we actively try to source the best food and drink from local producers, and we really believe in supporting local businesses. We are excited about promoting the trail to our guests and encouraging them to explore Lanarkshire.”
Whichever way you choose to sample them, a plethora of food and drink gems await discovery along the trail, from farm shops, butchers and delis, to distilleries, cafes and restaurants.
* Get your map stamped at six stops on the trail and enter Lanarkshire Larder’s prize draw to win a hamper worth £400, including Lanarkshire craft gins and beer, the finest Lanarkshire dairy produce, locally-farmed meat, fabulous handmade chocolates, award-winning jams and biscuits, and hospitality venue vouchers to sample local produce in lovely surroundings. Visit Lanarkshire Larder for terms and conditions.
The food trail is available to view here.
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