Clyde Walkway 4: Maudslie Bridge to New Lanark

Summary

This stage of the walkway passes through what was once the horticultural centre of Scotland, but the smallholdings on which the industry was based were unable to compete when it became financially viable to import fruit and flowers into the UK. from the Mediterranean, and the glasshouses have since been replaced by garden centres. Today it provides pleasant walking, passing several villages before arriving at the World Heritage Site of New Lanark.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mix of tracks and paths; some rougher sections by the river bank.

Getting there

Start

Maudslie Bridge. There is limited parking at the bridge; Rosebank village is 1km south along the road and has a bus stop.

Public Transport

Buses serve Rosebank (1km from the start of the stage at Maudslie Bridge) and New Lanark.

Start Grid Ref

NS804502

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.5km / 8.5 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 234m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

This stage joins the Clyde Walkway on the north side of the river at Maudslie Bridge; if reaching this point from Rosebank follow the pavement beside the main road northwwards to reach the bridge; head through the arch and across the bridge before turning right on the far side where the information board is. From Mauldslie Bridge the path stays on the north bank of the river, and there are views across to the villages by the A72 on the opposite bank, Rosebank is soon seen. The route passes through the grounds of the former estates of Milton Lockhart and Maudslie Castle, which was pulled down in the 1970s and shipped to Japan where it was rebuilt, although the stable and lodge houses, lodge, walled gardens and the mature trees of the parkland remain. Continue by the riverbank, crossing a long boardwalk to reach a footbridge over Jock's Burn.

Stage 2

Eventually the path bears left away from the river and crosses a footbridge. A fenced section of path with two gates leads across an open pasture, then the path climbs steps up into the woods. After a steep climb it emerges through a kissing gate onto a track. Go straight across this; eventually steps lead back to the Clyde and the route turns left here to follow the riverbank once more.

Stage 3

After a riverside stretch the path climbs a long flight of wooden steps, passes Waygateshaw House on the left, and runs along the field edges. Follow the path when it bears right, soon running along the top of a bank high above the Clyde. Eventually another long flight of wooden steps leads back down to the level of the river. Continue along some wooden boardwalks, and then through a gate to continue close by the Clyde.

Stage 4

After a section alongside fields another boardwalk leads through woodland right by the river. Further on the houses of Crossford are well seen across the river. Cross a footbridge over a tributary and continue along the path until it emerges at the bridge carrying the B7056 over the river. There is a shop in Crossford, some distance along the main road once over the bridge. To continue the Clyde Walkway, cross the B7056 and take the lane opposite signed for Valley International Park but immediately turn right onto the path which continues along the riverbank. It passes a suspension bridge; further on Hazelbank is the next village seen across the river.

Stage 5

The valley becomes narrower with steeper sides from here, and the path climbs up to pass behind a hydro electric generating station above the river. Beyond this the path becomes very dramatic high above a wooded gorge - there are glimpses down through the trees to the very impressive waterfalls at Stonebyres Linn far below.

Stage 6

Eventually the path descends to reach another power station. Cross the river at the power station weir and follow the lane on the far side until it joins the A72 and turn left along the pavement to Kirkfield village - passing a shop. Where the A72 swings left to cross the river continue ahead down the side road which leads to the ancient Clydesholm Bridge on the left.

Stage 7

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 8

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. From here, the Clyde Walkway continues as a loop to visit the Falls of Clyde before terminating in New Lanark.

Final stage: Falls of Clyde

Route Profile

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