New Lanark Woodland Paths
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New Lanark Woodland Paths

4.5
Β·32 reviewsΒ·, United Kingdom

Explore serene riverside trails through mature woodlands, with challenging inclines and scenic viewpoints.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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New Lanark Woodland Paths

New Lanark Woodland Paths

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore serene riverside trails through mature woodlands, with challenging inclines and scenic viewpoints.

4.5
(32 reviews)

"A beautiful, peaceful riverside walk with stunning autumnal colors, though paths can be challenging."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be muddy and roots slippery, especially near steep drops. Good grip is a must!

πŸš— Small Car Park Alert

The main car park is tiny. Arrive early or consider public transport from Lanark.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 Β· 32 reviews

Type

Park

πŸ‘Ά Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Woodland Walk

Riverside Woodland Walk

Mouse Water Gorge

Meander along the Mouse Water, surrounded by mature trees and the soothing sound of rapids.

Cartland Crags Views

Cartland Crags Views

Cleghorn Glen SSSI

Ascend to Cartland Crags for panoramic views and explore this significant Site of Special Scientific Interest.

School Children's Trail Markers

School Children's Trail Markers

Various points along the path

Discover charming and creative trail markers crafted by local Lanark school children.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Paths

Be prepared for varied terrain; some paths are narrow and overgrown, with steep, hidden ledges. Sturdy footwear is essential, especially after rain, as mud and slippery tree roots are common. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds, as weekend parking can be limited.Reddit

Access and Parking

Finding the main entrance can be tricky; look for the turn right immediately after the bridge leaving Lanark. The car park is small, accommodating only a few vehicles. Consider public transport options from Lanark for a less stressful arrival, especially on busier days.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Vibrant colors underfoot
Crowd
Medium
When
After rain
Why
Hear the gurgling river
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be muddy and roots slippery, especially near steep drops. Good grip is a must! Reddit

πŸš— Small Car Park Alert

The main car park is tiny. Arrive early or consider public transport from Lanark. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Tricky to Find Entrance

Turn right just after the bridge leaving Lanark. Look for the steps ahead. Reddit

🐢 Dog-Friendly (with caution)

Dogs love it, but be mindful of narrow paths and steep ledges. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸ‘Ÿ Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be muddy and roots slippery, especially near steep drops. Good grip is a must! Reddit

πŸš— Small Car Park Alert

The main car park is tiny. Arrive early or consider public transport from Lanark. Reddit

πŸ—ΊοΈ Tricky to Find Entrance

Turn right just after the bridge leaving Lanark. Look for the steps ahead. Reddit

🐢 Dog-Friendly (with caution)

Dogs love it, but be mindful of narrow paths and steep ledges. Reddit

πŸ“Έ Photo Opportunities

Capture the mature trees, riverside rapids, and autumnal foliage. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(32 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the New Lanark Woodland Paths for their natural beauty, peaceful riverside setting, and the vibrant autumnal colors. The opportunity to spot wildlife and the unique trail markers add to the charm. However, some find the paths too narrow, overgrown, and potentially hazardous due to steep, hidden ledges and slippery conditions, with parking also being a noted issue.

"Beautiful location, the walk was lovely very quiet being a weekday even though the car park was decently full of campers once back. The cafe was a little too hot inside for the dogs but choice of drinks and little cakes and things is really good. Would definitely return, not sure I'd risk a weekend visit though."

Joanne Pettinger

"Really disappointed with this walk. Very narrow and over grown in areas. Steep ledges which are hidden by shrubbery. Steep incline to start with high steps. Car park is small, 4 car spaces at max."

Su Gill

"I reviewed this very pleasant riverside path through mature woodlands last summer, but haven't done the walk in autumn for ages, so I'm reviewing it again. I did it from the Lanark end of Bellefield road starting at Hope street - and it's quite a long trek from Lanark High Street (or the station). The top of Bellefield road is about 1 mile from the river at the iron footbridge. I crossed the footbridge and turned left heading towards the Cartland Crags section of the Cleghorn glen SSSI. The riverside path takes around 40 to 45 minutes comfortably, with time for photos. From Mousebank bridge you can either follow the sign (on the right just up the hill 30 yards) and continue up onto the Cartland Crags and descend to the main road at Cartland bridge, then walk up the hill back to Lanark. (2 buses also take you back up to Lanark, the 41 is every 15 minutes on weekdays, 20 minute intervals on Saturdays.) There's also the X240 Express between Lanark and Glasgow, roughly once an hour Mondays to Saturdays, but check the timetable online.
Alternatively you can turn left when reaching the bridge on the Mousebank road - no pavement, so watch for vehicles on the sharp bends - and follow the Mousebank road back up quite steeply to start with, to the main road at Lanark near Kirkfieldbank brae. A variation is to look for the sign for Stey Brae on the left just after the Mousebank road curves right. Climb the rough - and very steep - Stey brae footpath and return to Lanark Hope Street by carrying straight on when you emerge from Stey Brae beside the residential streets. That was my chosen route.
I saw a roe deer and a heron on my 90 minute walk. Plenty of autumnal colours underfoot from the mixture of native trees.
Parts of the path are muddy, and tree roots can be slippery when wet, so take care where the path is right beside a steep drop into the Mouse gorge. If it wasn't for these two slight nuisances I'd give the walk the full 5 stars. It is a very attractive walk to do, all year round. I've repeated it several times and always enjoy it, despite the mud and the parts of the path where the density of trees and branches obscure views of the river. Many of the trees are superb specimens. Most of the walk is peaceful, the only real noise is the ever-gurgling river, as it drops over several small but attractive rapids or mini-waterfalls."

Derek Pendrey

What People Like

Beautiful riverside setting
Peaceful atmosphere
Autumnal colors

What People Dislike

Narrow, overgrown paths
Steep, hidden ledges
Slippery conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The main entrance is often described as tricky to find. Turn right immediately after the bridge when leaving Lanark. You'll see steps leading to the walk in front of you. The car park is very small. Reddit

Yes, there is a small car park, but it can accommodate only about 4 cars. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider alternative transport. Reddit

Yes, you can travel from Lanark. The 41 bus runs frequently on weekdays and Saturdays, and the X240 Express connects Lanark and Glasgow. Check timetables online for specific routes and times. Reddit

Starting from the Lanark end of Bellefield Road (Hope Street), it's about a 1-mile trek to the river. The walk itself can be extended or shortened depending on your chosen route. Reddit

Given the steep inclines, narrow sections, and potentially slippery roots, these paths are generally not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the New Lanark Woodland Paths is free. There are no admission fees to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Reddit

The paths are open year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times, allowing for flexible visits. Reddit

Information regarding car park fees is not consistently available, but it's generally understood to be free. However, due to its small size, it's best to be prepared for potential alternatives if full. Reddit

While there aren't official guided tours specifically for the woodland paths, local enthusiasts or groups might occasionally organize walks. It's best to check local community boards or Lanark tourism information. Reddit

Yes, the New Lanark World Heritage Site is adjacent to the woodland paths. You can easily combine a visit to the historic village with a walk in the surrounding nature. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The terrain varies significantly. Some sections are pleasant riverside paths, while others are narrow, overgrown, and feature steep inclines with high steps. Be aware of muddy patches and slippery tree roots, especially near steep drops. Reddit

A comfortable walk along the riverside path from the iron footbridge towards Cartland Crags can take around 40-45 minutes one way. Including exploration of Cartland Crags and the return journey, a 90-minute to 2-hour walk is common. Reddit

There is a cafe near the car park which offers drinks and cakes, though it can get warm inside for dogs. Dedicated toilet facilities directly on the paths are limited; it's best to use facilities at the start or end of your walk. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing roe deer and herons. The mature woodlands are home to various bird species and other small wildlife, adding to the natural charm of the walk. Reddit

While generally peaceful, some paths have steep ledges hidden by shrubbery and can be narrow. It's advisable to stick to clearer paths, be aware of your surroundings, and inform someone of your route if venturing off the main trails. Reddit

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Focus on the riverside views with the gurgling water and rapids, the mature trees showcasing their specimens, and the autumnal colors underfoot. The Cartland Crags offer elevated viewpoints. Don't forget the unique school children's trail markers! Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour effects, especially filtering through the dense woodland canopy. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities for capturing the vibrant greens and textures. Reddit

The dense tree cover can lead to low light conditions, requiring a higher ISO or tripod. Slippery paths near the river mean careful footing is needed when setting up shots. Overgrown sections might require patience to frame your shots effectively. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive woodland and river scenes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod is beneficial for low-light photography. Ensure your gear is protected from potential dampness. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to local regulations and permissions. It's essential to check with the relevant authorities and respect privacy and safety guidelines before flying a drone in the area. Reddit

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