The Complete Falls of Clyde circuit

This extended circuit from the World Heritage Site of New Lanark visits the spectacular Falls of Clyde from both banks of the fine wooded gorge - combining the two shorter circuits on either side and a section of the Clyde Walkway to make a full loop.

Terrain

Good paths throughout, lots of ascent and descent.

Public Transport

Bus to New Lanark.

Start

New Lanark. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.25km / 6.25 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 336m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS882425

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts from New Lanark. The collection of mill buildings and workers housing were built from 1786 and harnessed the power of the River Clyde to spin and weave cotton at the height of the industrial revolution. Robert Owen was manager from 1800 to 1835 and he transformed the lives of the mill workers with revolutionary ideas and opportunities. Corporal punishment and child labour were abolished and decent housing, free health care, education and affordable food were provided for the workers. Parking in New Lanark itself is restricted, so if driving park as directed in the car park above New Lanark and take the steep walkway down to the buildings. When the walkway comes out on the road turn left heading for the red phone box.

Stage 2

Turn right through the gateway and down past the visitor centre on the left, following the signs for the Falls of Clyde. At the next road turn left and follow this past the remains of mill number 4. Follow the road as it curves right and heads downhill. Stay left to pass the Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor centre and then turn left up through an archway to keep right onto the Clyde Walkway. After passing above the last building where there are good views back over the whole New Lanark complex. Below is the Dundaff Linn, though it is partly obscured by trees. Follow the path, never far from the tumbling River Clyde. Soon steps lead down on the right to a viewing for a short stretch of rapids. Back on the main path, keep right when the path forks.

Stage 3

This soon leads down to a section of boardwalk almost level with the water. The area has been a conservation success story, with otters and kingfishers often spotted and peregrine falcons returning to nest here in 1997 after a long absence. At the junction where the higher path comes back in, turn right. After passing a house bear right to pass the hydro-electric power station and continue to the viewpoint for the Corra Linn. This 27 metre waterfall - the most spectacular of the falls - was immortalised in poetry by Wordsworth as, 'the Clyde's most majestic daughter'. From the viewing platform return to the main path and continue up the steps and take the first right turn signed for Bonnington Linn. Follow the path as it leads around the top of the cliff.

Stage 4

When the path forks take the right hand branch path downhill to a view over the upper part of the falls. Ignore a path coming in from the left. Soon the Peregrine hide is reached. During the breeding season, it is possible to view the nest from behind the screens and watch the birds across the gorge, as well as on CCTV from back at the visitor centre. Continue along the path to reach a view of Bonnington Linn, a horseshoe of waterfalls. Further on the remains of an old iron bridge are passed. Continue upriver as far as bridge where water is funnelled off for the power station; cross this and then turn right on the far side. A track leads into the woods; when a fork is reached keep right to follow a path high above this side of the river.

Stage 5

Cross a small footbridge over a tributary and continue downriver. There are several viewpoints for the Bonnington Linn on this side - the last of them down a long flight of steps off to the right. After this the path ascends steps and continues, now high above a dramatic section of the gorge. There is another viewpoint with railings down to the right at one point. At a junctuon keep ahead, now following the orange waymarkers. Soon the route passes the ruins of Corra Castle, which dates back to the forteenth century. Today it is the home to colonies of Daubenton's bats.

Stage 6

The path now descends past a series of viewpoints for the greatest of the Falls - the Corra Linn - which perhaps looks even finer from this side. The lowest viewpoint projects spectacularly out above the gorge. Continue on the path, which descends and gives views through the trees to the hydroelectric power station past earlier on the opposite side of the Clyde. Keep right at a junction to descend to the level of the river.

Stage 7

Cross a footbridge over a tributary and stay on the path, rising slightly to a junction. Keep right to continue downstream through the trees soon with glimpses of the mill buildings opposite. The wide path can be muddy at times, it heads inland and reaches a track turn right along this (diverting into the woods to avoid muddy areas if necessary), the track soon improves and continues through the woods, crossing a stream tumbling down to the river and then running alongside houses on the left. As the track climbs it reaches more open land with views down to the river on the right and eventually emerges at Kirkfield Road through stone gateposts. Cross the road to reach the pavement and turn right heading downhill and at the bottom cross the road and head across the old bridge over the river.

Stage 8

Cross the bridge and go through the gate on the right at the house - it is unsigned apart from a CCTV warning sign. The lane leads down between the two houses. The riverside path soon climbs steeply past a sewage works and eventually leads up onto St Patrick's Road. Follow this and just beyond a sign for Jookers Johnnie turn right through Castlebank Park at stone gateposts. Here in 1297 William Wallace killed the English Sheriff of Lanark to avenge the murder of his wife, and began his fight against King Edward.

Stage 9

Turn sharp right off the main driveway to take a steep zigzag path down to the river bank. After a lovely section through woodland the path climbs up to reach a viewpoint over the mill buildings of New Lanark and soon after joins the road. Turn right to head down to New Lanark. Make time to explore this fascinating village and learn the story of Robert Owen, the mill-owner and philanthropist who built it.

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