The Falls of Clyde classic, New Lanark

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This short walk along the Clyde from the World Heritage Site of New Lanark is a bona fide Scottish classic. Passing a powerful series of waterfalls as it passes up a beautiful wooded gorge before a more placid return route takes you through fields and woodland. The walk can be extended by following a waymarked additional route on the far side of the river. The route is also the final section of the Clyde Walk Way which finishes at the 4th waterfall, Bonnington Linn, although most walkers will then complete the loop described here to return to New Lanark.

Terrain

Clear path with many steps and lots of short up and down sections. Care should be taken with children on boardwalk section next to river or above cliffs. Suggested return route is muddy but you could return via the outward route.

Public Transport

Bus to New Lanark.

Start

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

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts from the World Heritage Site of 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. The complex now houses an extensive museum as well as a hotel, self catering, and private housing. 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.

Stage 2

When the walkway comes out on the road turn left heading for the red phone box. Robert Owen's house can be seen on the right hand side of the road just before the phone box. Robert Owen eventually bought out his business partners, who were unhappy about the extent of his philanthropic spending at New Lanark, despite the fact that the business was still able to trade very profitably. 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.

Stage 3

Below is the first of the waterfalls - the Dundaff Linn, though it is partly obscured by trees. Follow the path, never far from the tumbling River Clyde. This route is part of the 65km long distance route from Glasgow. 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 (the left hand path is the return route). This soon leads down to a section of boardwalk almost level with the water. If the water is in flood you may need to omit this section, taking the higher path and rejoining the route further on. The area is a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve and has been a conservation success story, with otters and kingfishers often spotted.

Stage 4

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 5

When the path forks take the right hand branch path downhill to a view over the upper part of the falls. Further on a path comes in from the left - this is used as the return route, but for now continue ahead. Soon a wildlife viewing area is reached. 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. It is possible to cross the bridge and explore viewpoints on the far side of the gorge if you wish to extend the walk. This is also the official end of the Clyde Walkway although walkers will have to walk back to New Lanark from here.

Stage 6

Return the same way until beyond the wildlife viewing area, then fork right at a junction marked with a blue marker posts. Keep left when the path forks. It climbs up to a viewpoint high above the gorge. Continue, passing to the right of a water tank, and following the blue waymarkers to the right of a fence to eventually reach a gate into a field. From here follow a track to the right through the field. The track leads to a gate and a minor road - turn left along this.

Stage 7

After a small pond on the right, turn right through a gate onto a marked path and follow this through the trees, ignoring the remains of the old path on the right, to reach a track where you go straight ahead. Take the next path on the left which soon returns to the Clyde Walkway - turn right to return to New Lanark on the outward route.

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The Falls of Clyde classic, New Lanark

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