Jookers Johnnie

Lanark centre to the Clyde Walkway

One of the historic little lanes of Lanark, which served as a thoroughfare for people to collect water from St Patrick's Well. In use for hundreds of years, closes like this in Lanark often changed names, frequently to reflect the nickname a notable person who lived nearby. In this case the name Jookers Johnnie seems to have stuck, and dates back at least a century or two. 

The lane provides a link between the Clyde Walkway and the centre of Lanark. From the town centre the lane starts by turning off the West Port opposite the petrol station (which is downhill from the High Street) where there is a sign. Head between the houses and into the lane. From here continue along the lane, ignoring the turnoffs for Silverdale Crescent.

Despite the narrorw feeling of the lane, it should be around four feet wide. St Patrick's Well, which was once located off St Patrick's Road, was an important water source for Lanark until the 1880s, which required people to transport water from the well up to the town. The council deemed that Jookers Johnnie should be at least four feet wide to allow people to carry water in buckets on a wooden yoke over their shoulders. 

After a short time the lane will meet St Patrick's Road. Please be aware that this final section is quite steep as it slopes towards the road! From here you can continue left to Castlebank Park and the Clyde Walkway, which leads to New Lanark in a few minutes. Or, if you turn right and walk along St Patrick's Road and onto the Clyde Walkway, you can eventually reach Glasgow, which will take a bit longer! 

Follow the link on the right to read the story behind the lane's name.