Walking The Falls Of Clyde
Walking the Falls of Clyde is an underappreciated, scenic day out in Central Scotland. Most people want to head off into the Highlands to experience Scotland’s natural beauty but this spot is only around an hour from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The River Clyde is often associated with shipbuilding and heavy industry but at New Lanark it’s different. Long before reaching Glasgow, the water crashes through a wooded gorge via a series of spectacular waterfalls. Before you walk the Falls of Clyde yourself, take the time to read up on the history and folklore of the area.
Walking the Falls of Clyde
First things first, these are the vital details you need for the walk. The starting point is the large car park at New Lanark followed by a steep descent down to the old mill buildings. The only parking in the village below is reserved for disabled badge holders.
You can find full step by step instructions for the full circular walk here which would take around 3-4 hours. If you only have an hour or so then you can just stick to this side of the river with plenty of time to see the waterfalls. Even if you aren’t up for walking the Falls of Clyde then you can visit the New Lanark museum or just enjoy the peace and quiet outside.
The walk starts by following the signs to the left of the mill where you will find an easy to follow track alongside the River Clyde. The only break to the peaceful walk is around the hydro electric works.
The Waterfalls
As peaceful as the riverside walk is, we’re here to see waterfalls! Before you even leave New Lanark you’ll spot the small Dundaff Linn but this is just a taste of what’s to come. The river seems deceptively peaceful as you walk alongside. There are a couple of spots for dogs to swim, just keep them far away from currents pulling towards the falls.
As you climb higher, you’ll hear the larger falls before you see them. Corra Linn is the highest and described by William Wordsworth as “the Clyde’s most majestic daughter”. Seen from the high viewpoint on this side of the river, it’s hard to argue with him. Cora Linn can change drastically depending on the water level, from a graceful tumble to a raging torrent.
If you have plenty of time then I’d highly recommend carrying on with the walk from here. The Bonnington Linn just a little further up is a large horseshoe style fall and often quite dry because of the hydro-electric dam controlling the flow. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a good spot for a picnic or a swim, if the literal floodgates open then the water will sweep you away without a doubt.
A William Wallace Hideout
Not many people walking the Falls of Clyde realise it has an important connection with our national hero. For those not familiar with William Wallace, he was a Scottish freedom fighter from the late 13th/early 14th century. His story starts with killing the Sheriff of Lanark, William Heselrig and then making his escape to start an uprising in the area. He hid out in a cave somewhere around this gorge while waiting for the heat to die down.
There is a “Wallace’s Cave” that you will pass high above while walking the Falls of Clyde but it’s not accessible. Instead, just use your imagination to envisage the warrior splashing through the water over 700 years ago. There can’t be many better places to hide from sight.
If you’re a Braveheart fan then have a read about how historically accurate the film is!
Corra Castle
If you have the energy to make it round to the other side of the Falls of Clyde walk then you’re in for some incredible views. Enjoy the walk through woodland, high above the gorge but keep your eyes out for a hidden door on a corner. This is the remains of the 16th century Corra Castle which once dominated from its clifftop position.
Today, the crumbling walls are almost entirely buried in vegetation apart from the mysterious looking red door. I’ve tried knocking but no answer, I’m hoping the noises that spooked Molly and I were just the colony of bats that live inside. Carry on down the sloping path a little for the best views of Corra Linn waterfall from a jutting viewpoint.
A tragic legend tells us that the original Corra was a daughter of King Malcolm II who had accompanied a hunting party to the Falls of Lanark. She had wandered off from the rest of the group on her horse when she stumbled upon a local lad fishing. He was so astounded by her beauty that he stood up to speak to her.
Warned about speaking to strange men, she kicked her horse into a run and fled down river. The man jumped onto his own horse to try and warn her of the dangerous waterfall nearby. This only made her ride harder and before she knew it, her horse stumbled and threw her down the waterfall to her death.
New Lanark Story
To finish your walk around the Falls of Clyde, spend some time at the planned mill village of New Lanark. If you really like it then you can even stay here in the hotel! This is evidence that industry can be beautiful and didn’t have to be a harsh, unforgiving life.
New Lanark was built in the late 18th century and it’s one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland. The story is one of mixed feelings. It was built to take advantage of the power from the Falls of Clyde as well as cheap labour. Many displaced Highlanders worked here alongside orphaned children. Huge cotton mills like these also put the small cottage weavers out of business.
Eventually, Robert Owen took over the mill and he started to introduce a series of reforms. Children’s education was improved and working hours phased out. A community shop was opened up where goods were bought cheaply in bulk and sold for a fair price. Sanitary conditions improved, employees received sick pay and the workforce became happier and healthier.
Robert Owens still answered to a board and they weren’t happy. They wanted every penny to reach their pockets but Robert just found a new board and bought his partners out. New Lanark became a global success story. The ideology of the day was that to be profitable, mills had to run cheaply. That meant squeezing as much from the workforce as possible. But Robert showed that a happier, healthier workforce was more productive and his accountant could prove it.
Where Next?
If you have any energy left after walking the Falls of Clyde then where should you head next? Stick to the south of Scotland and head for a trip to the Scottish Borders. Or head even further west and explore Culzean Castle and its caves.
Once you’re back let me know if you enjoyed your time in Lanark!
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2 Comments
Marianne · September 29, 2021 at 5:08 pm
On my ever growing list to visit. Also Galloway after reading an article. So many places in 🏴 It’s a hard choice. I suppose there’s more to just the Highlands , beauty is everywhere!!!!!
Graeme · October 1, 2021 at 5:03 pm
Everybody goes to the same busy places while you’ll be skipping the crowds!