Spectacle E'e falls circular, Strathaven

Summary

This circular walk from the bustling market town of Strathaven heads out along the road and then down to cross the Avon Water before visiting a ruined mill and the Spectacle E'e waterfalls. The falls were 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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pavements, grassy paths (with stiles) and farm tracks.

Public Transport

Bus to Strathaven.

Start

Strathaven . Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.5km / 3.5 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 96m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS701444

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

Common Green is the large square at the heart of Strathaven, with a car park area just off. The square has plenty of cafes. Begin by leaving the car park and heading across the square, then turning right at the far side. Fork left to head along Bridge Street, soon turning right to cross a stone footbridge. This leads up to busy Kirk Street. To see the town's castle, cross this and turn left along the pavement on the far side. The current ruin dates to the fifteenth century.

Stage 2

After passing the castle turn right down a lane, then take the footpath from the far right corner. This passes round the back of the castle before eventually emerging back on the main road. Turn left here and head up Todshill Street, passing the museum and Drumclog Inn. 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 Scotways marker.

Stage 3

Cross the stile, and head across the field keeping to the right. The path is very faint - but just keep heading downhill until you reach a wooden footbridge over the Avon Water.

Stage 4

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.

Stage 5

The path is narrow and rough underfoot, with old roots and the remains of an old wall - it is slippery when wet so take care. The path continues alongside picturesque Kype Water for around 200m, ignore the footbridge on the right, before reaching wooden steps.

Stage 6

Turn right to explore the ruins of the old mill and to obtain a close view of the main waterfall. After viewing the falls, retrace your steps and turn right up more wooden steps. The path crosses a footbridge, gives views of further small waterfalls and then runs along the edge of a field before reaching another gate and stile. Cross the stile and follow the track to the right, passing some beautiful private houses before emerging in Sandford.

Stage 7

Turn right, cross the bridge and turn right again, effectively doubling back on the far side of the river. The asphalt road becomes a rough farm track before reaching the B7086 again. Turn right along the wide pavement and follow this back to the town. Note the fabulous view downriver from the road bridge over the Avon Water.

Route Profile

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