The Clyde Walkway Stage 5: Crossford to Falls of Clyde, New Lanark
Orchard country, spectacular wooded gorges and New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Village
From Crossford village in the heart of the Clyde Valley, the Clyde Walkway runs for 8 miles, through orchard country and spectacular wooded gorges, to New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Village and the natural wonder of the Falls of Clyde.
Start / park: You can park in the car park just off Smuggler’s Brig Road – turn left past the Clyde Valley Dental Practice and public toilets if following Lanark Road towards Lanark. If arriving by bus, the bus stops on the main Lanark Road, close to the car park, near the post office.
Public Transport: Take the 317 bus departing from Hamilton / Lanark and get off at Crossford. Check the Traveline Scotland widget on the right for details on the frequency of services.
If you are joining the Clyde Walkway at Crossford village, the route starts at the entrance to the Valley International Park visitor and garden centre, access to which is on the right-hand side of the B7056 Braidwood Road, immediately adjacent to Crossford Bridge.
The path follows the riverbank through woodland to the Carfin Estate suspension footbridge across the river.
An alternative detour from Crossford is a visit to the birthplace of surveyor and cartographer Major General William Roy (1726 - 1790).
Following the Jacobite rebellion, Major Roy was directed to produce a map of Scotland to enable more effective policing of the country. The hand drawn map that he produced between 1747 and 1755 can still be seen in the British Library.
Roy was later commissioned to set up the network on which all subsequent map surveying was based. It was his vision of an organisation responsible for mapping and surveying in the United Kingdom which resulted in the establishment of the Ordnance Survey a year after his death. From the Clyde Walkway at Poplarglen, continue uphill on the minor road past Waygateshawhead Farm, turn left at the T-junction and continue past Meadowhead Farm to Milton Road Turn left at the junction and continue along the road for approximately ½ mile. An ordnance survey triangulation pillar on the right-hand side of the road marks the site of General Roy’s birthplace.
*To take a direct route to Carluke railway station from this point retrace your steps along Milton Road, taking the first left onto Station Road continue on past Glenburn to the station. Alternatively, 400 yards along Milton Road from the memorial turn left through the gate onto the waymarked right of way to Jock’s Gill Wood continue through the woodland following the course of Jock’s Burn upstream back onto Station Road at Glenburn.
The Victorian wrought iron suspension footbridge was built as part of the Carfin Estate which once occupied the northern bank of the river at this point.
Little now remains of the estate buildings other than the stables and walled garden centre.
From the footbridge, the route continues upstream on a well defined path through woodland and alongside fields to Stonebyres Hydro-Power Station, the first of two electricity generating power stations built in 1927, to harness the power of the Clyde.
At 21 metres, Stonebyres Linn is the first natural barrier to migrating salmon and sea trout on the Clyde and prevents fish reaching the waters of the upper Clyde.
At this point, a pleasant diversion can be made through the village of Nemphlar to the A73 and the visually stunning Cartland Bridge. Built in 1822, it is one of Scotland's most elegant structures and best kept secrets. Designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford, the bridge rises 39 metres above the bed of the Mouse Water and is reputed to be the highest road bridge in Scotland.
Beyond Stonebyres Falls, the Clyde Walkway continues along the north bank of the river for a short distance before crossing to the opposite bank by way of the bridge at the power station weir. The route continues along the tarmac weir access road before rejoining the A72 at Kirkfieldbank village.
38. Crossford Village
39. Crossford Bridge
40. Detour: Roy's Monument
41. Carfin Footbridge
42. Stonebyres Hydro-Power Station
43. Stonebyres Linn
44. Detour: Cartland Bridge
45. Clydesholm Bridge
46. Castlebank Park
47. Braxfield Park
48. Bonnington Hydro-Power Station
49. Corra Linn
50. Bonnington Linn
End: Please respect the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . Scotland’s outdoors is managed by a variety of people and organisations and many of them earn their living from the land. It is all of our responsibilities to respect each other’s activities and interests in the outdoors. As with all outdoor activities walking can present hazards. It is the access-taker’s responsibility to judge whether they can take access safely in any given situation. This route guide does not give any guarantee of path conditions.
(!) Some sections of the Clyde Walkway pass close to or through areas of natural hazard such as cliffs, deep & fast flowing water, steeply sloping and uneven ground. Please keep to the path and ensure that children and dogs are kept under close control. Stay safe and enjoy your visit.