Strathaven, Sandford and Spectacle E'e falls

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A short walk from the bustling market town of Strathaven, alongside Avon Water to a ruined mill above the Spectacle E'e (eye) waterfalls - so named as a result of an incident involving a local man who fell in love with the miller's daughter. The miller disapproved of the union and ended their relationship. As revenge the lad placed an eye glass in the mill's thatch, causing it to catch fire and the mill to be burned to the ground.

Terrain

Pavements, grassy paths, narrow earth footpaths and farm tracks. Several stiles of varying stature as well as flights of wooden steps.

Public Transport

Bus to Strathaven.

Start

Strathaven . Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Common Green is the large square in the centre of Strathaven, consisting of a car parking area surrounded by a major percentage of Lanarkshire's tea rooms and coffee shops. There is a free short stay car park on the south-west side of the square, which is also adjacent to the main bus stop; alternatively there is a long stay car park on Station Road (turn off the A71 at the traffic lights). The route begins by taking the alleyway on the south-east side of the square, confusingly named Main Street but in reality significantly smaller than the surrounding roads. Nonetheless, the alley contains several interesting shops, including a traditional sweet shop, fishmonger and butcher. At the end of the alley cross the road at the crossing and head alongside the pub onto Todshill Street (which can also be reached from the Station Road car park by simply continuing along Station Road).

Stage 2

Pass the Drumclog Inn as the street joins with the B7086 and crosses a bridge over a disused railway line before gradually leaving Strathaven behind. Continue along the wide pavement to reach a stile on the left with a Scottish Rights of Way marker. Cross this, and head across the field keeping to the right. There may be some semblance of a path, but if not just keep heading downhill to reach a well-engineered bridge over Avon water.

Stage 3

Cross the bridge and turn right along the riverside footpath. This narrow footpath crosses a couple of mini-stiles before curving left to follow Kype Water upstream. The path underfoot varies from the top of concrete piles to solid, intricate root networks, a veritable footwear grip test when wet (be careful). The path continues alongside picturesque Kype Water for around 200m, ignore the small bridge on the right, before reaching a wooden staircase. Turn right to explore the ruins of the old mill and to obtain a closer view of the waterfalls. The intricate ruins are well worth lingering over, but when satisfied retrace your steps to head up the steps.

Stage 4

Follow the stream as it tumbles over a series of small waterfalls, before leaving the woodland and skirting alongside an open field to reach another stile. Cross the stile and follow the track to the right, passing some beautiful private houses before emerging in Sandford. Turn right, cross the bridge and turn right again, effectively doubling back on the far side of the river. The asphalt road degrades to (at the time of writing) a rough farm track before reaching the B7086 again. Turn right along the wide pavement and follow this back into Strathaven. Note the entrance to the Strathaven Brewery on the the right immediately prior to the Avon bridge - excellent locally produced ales to toast the end of the walk?

Walk description and photos: Phil Turner

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Strathaven, Sandford and Spectacle E'e falls

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Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

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