
New Lanark Woodland Paths
Explore serene riverside trails through mature woodlands, with challenging inclines and scenic viewpoints.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

New Lanark Woodland Paths
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore serene riverside trails through mature woodlands, with challenging inclines and scenic viewpoints.
"A beautiful, peaceful riverside walk with stunning autumnal colors, though paths can be challenging."

π Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be muddy and roots slippery, especially near steep drops. Good grip is a must!
π Small Car Park Alert
The main car park is tiny. Arrive early or consider public transport from Lanark.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 Β· 32 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Various points along the path
Discover charming and creative trail markers crafted by local Lanark school children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Paths
Access and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
π Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be muddy and roots slippery, especially near steep drops. Good grip is a must!
π Small Car Park Alert
The main car park is tiny. Arrive early or consider public transport from Lanark.
πΊοΈ Tricky to Find Entrance
Turn right just after the bridge leaving Lanark. Look for the steps ahead.
πΆ Dog-Friendly (with caution)
Dogs love it, but be mindful of narrow paths and steep ledges.
Tips
from all over the internet
π Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be muddy and roots slippery, especially near steep drops. Good grip is a must!
π Small Car Park Alert
The main car park is tiny. Arrive early or consider public transport from Lanark.
πΊοΈ Tricky to Find Entrance
Turn right just after the bridge leaving Lanark. Look for the steps ahead.
πΆ Dog-Friendly (with caution)
Dogs love it, but be mindful of narrow paths and steep ledges.
πΈ Photo Opportunities
Capture the mature trees, riverside rapids, and autumnal foliage.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Given the steep inclines, narrow sections, and potentially slippery roots, these paths are generally not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
π« π« 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.
The paths are open year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times, allowing for flexible visits.
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.
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.
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.
π« ποΈ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
πΈ πΈ 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit