Falls of Clyde Circular

Circular walk taking in New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde. Walk done on 30 April 2013. Boots needed. Some steep bits and steps. Depending on your speed and how much time you spend taking photos and exploring New Lanark this 7 mile walk will take anything from two and a half to four hours or more.

Park in Kirkfieldbank near the old bridge on Kirkfield Road.

Cross the old bridge and turn right between some cottages and go downhill to the start of a grassy path along the river.

looking back along the grassy path

Go through the gate and follow the path. It leaves the river and climbs up past some water works.
Continue climbing until you reach a tarmacked road (St Patrick's Road).

Walk along the road looking out for a signpost (just past asign for Jookers Johnnie) for the Clyde Walkway to the right. (Certain Ooters have been known to miss this!)

Turn right

Follow the tarmacked road with 5mph speed limit sign for a short way and a second sign  to the right leads you to a zigzag path through woodland down to the river again.

Follow this path along the river. At the top of the climb there is a viewpoint balcony from where you get your first view of New Lanark.

The path leads you up to the New Lanark Road and go down this road into New Lanark.


Make your way through the streets to the far end and climb the steps with signs for Falls of Clyde/Corra Linn/peregrines (in spring). There are lots of viewpoints.

Corra Linn in spate June 2012

Keep following the river until you eventually get to the bridge at Bonnington Linn. Cross it and follow the paths back along the river. You pass the ruins of Corra Castle. After you have passed New Lanark on the other side the path moves away from the river. Keep bearing right and soon you pass new houses on your left and you come to Kirkfield Road.  Go right, back down to the bridge.

Lade at New Lanark June 2012

Distance: 9.4 km (map by ooter Paul)