Bob Law’s outdoor blog Scotland: Corra Linn Waterfalls and New Lanark

Falls of Clyde Waterfalls

 

 Waterfalls above New Lanark. River Clyde

 

I’ve been to the world heritage preserved cotton mills complex of New Lanark several times before, however, another trip was long overdue. In particular I wanted to see the nearby falls on the River Clyde while they were in spate. 

Normally the adjacent power station drains much of the volume of water away from the falls to produce green energy. This has been the case for many decades so this was a rare opportunity to see the four major waterfalls upriver from the village in spate conditions.

In Victorian times these were widely regarded as some of the best waterfalls in the UK.  Folk came from many different countries to see them with visitors also attracted to the nearby mills complex; famous for Robert Owen’s pioneering social reforms. The mill workers would graft hard in the tall buildings beside the Clyde, one of Scotland’s great rivers.

The falls are opened fully during certain public holidays but most of the time, even during heavy rainfall, they are just a shadow of their former glory. This time was different though- with the falls thundering down into the impressive wooded gorge.  As this year’s summer (2017) has officially been rated very poor (aren’t they always in Scotland?) with heavy rain forecast most days visiting waterfalls seemed a logical option. We were not disappointed with the low lying shelter and majestic scenery.near the town of Lanark, just south east of Glasgow.

New Lanark View

After exploring the industrial village- a gem in itself- we followed the well trodden path slightly uphill to the falls. They sit a few km upriver with well placed viewing platforms along the way.  It is an easy walk and should only take an hour or two – even if you cross the bridge above and view the falls from the other bank. The latter is recommended for the extra views and it’s not a great deal more of an effort.  You can take the same route back to return to the village.

We chose to do the complete circuit, which is also a classic walk but much longer. Up past the falls then down the other bank all the way into Kirkfieldbank village to access the next bridge. Then across the gorge on the A72 and back upriver. We passed through scenic fields beside the Clyde until we reached New Lanark again. Allow 5 to 6 hours for this full circular walk. It is a long walk but worthwhile. 

River Clyde Valley View

Highlights of this longer walk included a lovely rural lane, a stunning small town park and the winding scenic drive along the A72 from the motorway. We walked through the green and lush valley following the river most of the way.

Before cheaper imports from sunnier countries took over this was the fruit growing region of the Central Belt. From here apples, plums and a whole range of soft fruits were supplied to Scottish towns and cities throughout the district.

Bob Law, September, 2017

Bob Law: eBook Guide to Walking and Cycling Around the River Clyde

Robert Owen and New Lanark

New Lanark World Heritage Site

Lifting the Lid – Scottish Food and Drink – 23 September – 12 November, 2017 New Lanark

Bob Law's photography: The Colours of Autumn in Scotland
Bob Law Blog: Kayaking on Loch Ard

This section: Bob Law: photographer, walker and writer

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Avatar of PatByrne Publisher of Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End; the community guide to the West End of Glasgow. Fiction and non-fiction writer.

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