Cleghorn Glen, north side of Lanark, South Lanarkshire

Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve (Cleghorn Glen)

Ancient woodland

Place photograph

7.6

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Wild

Feel

WoodlandValleyRiversideRemote countrysideWalkersWildlife loversPhotographersDogs

Why it's Wildland

7.6

A gorge-side stretch of ancient woodland where a path follows the river between Cleghorn Bridge and Cartland Bridge, with spring wildflowers beneath the trees and wildlife signs in the deadwood.

Cleghorn Glen offers more than a pleasant woodland stroll: ancient woods cling to a steep river gorge, and the reserve’s seasonal wildlife gives the walk a clear sense of place. The gorge edges are unstable, so stay on the paths and well back from the cliffs.

Wild · Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Peaceful

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Cleghorn Glen, north side of Lanark, South Lanarkshire

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The experience

Follow the gorge-side trail through ancient woodland and take time to notice the spring flowers, birds and signs of wildlife in the trees and deadwood. The reserve’s longer gorge trail is 6 km one way between Cartland Bridge and Cleghorn Bridge; plan your return or transport separately.

Things to do

Follow the gorge trail

Walk a section of the gorge-side path or, with return transport planned, take the 6 km one-way trail between Cartland Bridge and Cleghorn Bridge.

Variable; 6 km one way for the full gorge trail.

Look for spring woodland flowers

In spring, look for wood anemone, wild garlic, dog’s mercury, wood sorrel, bluebell and primrose on the woodland floor.

Listen for woodland birds

In spring, listen for wood warbler, chaffinch and long-tailed tit. In summer, look for great spotted woodpeckers and signs of treecreepers nesting in mature trees.

Inspect the deadwood for fungi

Look closely at standing and fallen deadwood, which provides habitat for fungi and insects behind the bark.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; duration is an estimate.

Quick gorge-side woodland walk

01
Start from the informal parking area at the end of Bellefield Road.
02
Follow the paths into Cleghorn Glen and enjoy a short out-and-back section beside the gorge.
03
Pause to look for woodland flowers in spring or signs of wildlife in the trees.
04
Turn back before the route becomes longer than you want; keep well away from the gorge edges.

Half day · 6 km one way; allow half a day including return arrangements and stops.

Walk the gorge between the bridges

01
Arrange how you will return to your start before setting out: the gorge trail between Cartland Bridge and Cleghorn Bridge is 6 km one way.
02
Enter from your chosen end and follow the path through the gorge for the length of the reserve.
03
Take time to look for spring flowers, woodland birds and wildlife signs in deadwood.
04
Keep to the paths and well back from steep, unstable cliffs; keep children close and dogs on leads or at heel.

Verified history

Clyde Valley Woodlands is a National Nature Reserve made up of six protected woodland sites along steep river valleys. The supplied sources describe the woodlands as ancient and explain that steep valley landscapes have helped them survive for centuries. The reserve’s current trail links Cartland Bridge and Cleghorn Bridge through the gorge.

Hidden details

Wild garlic and other spring flowers — The woodland floor can hold wild garlic, wood anemone, dog’s mercury, wood sorrel, bluebell and primrose. Look carefully rather than walking off the paths.

Wildlife signs in mature trees and deadwood — NatureScot notes that treecreepers nest in cracks in mature-tree bark, while deadwood supports fungi and insects. Look for signs without disturbing the habitat.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · October · No source-supported time-of-day recommendation; check conditions before visiting.

NatureScot identifies May to October as the best visiting period. Spring brings woodland flowers and birdsong; summer offers chances to see or hear woodland wildlife; autumn is a good time to examine deadwood for fungi.

Gorge paths and edges require care. Stay on paths and keep well back from steep, unstable cliffs. Check current conditions before setting out.

The route

stiles: Check before visiting
surface: Check before visiting
distance: 6 km one way between Cartland Bridge and Cleghorn Bridge
duration: Check before visiting; no sourced duration.
difficulty: Check before visiting; steep gorge terrain and unstable cliffs are noted.
waymarking: Check before visiting
route shape: One way between Cartland Bridge and Cleghorn Bridge; return arrangements required for a through-walk.
start point: Cartland Bridge or Cleghorn Bridge; the source describes the trail between them.
parking start: Small parking area at Cartland Bridge; informal parking at the end of Bellefield Road near Cleghorn Glen. Check before visiting.
shorter alternative: Walk a short out-and-back section from an access point and turn around when ready; no shorter marked route is specified in the supplied evidence.

Ancient woodland in a steep river gorge
Spring woodland flowers and birdsong
Deadwood habitat and seasonal fungi

Worth pairing with

Cartland Bridge

A stated access point for the reserve, with a small parking area on the north-west side of the bridge. It can serve as the other end of the 6 km one-way gorge trail; arrange return transport if walking through to Cleghorn Bridge.

New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde

A separate nearby day-out option described by New Lanark, with a self-guided waterfall trail and the New Lanark visitor centre. This is not part of the Cleghorn Glen trail; check current access and facilities before making plans.

What to look for

01
In spring, look for wood anemone, wild garlic, dog’s mercury, wood sorrel, bluebell and primrose. Listen for wood warbler, chaffinch and long-tailed tit. In summer, look for great spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers, tawny owls, badger signs and roe deer
02
in autumn, inspect deadwood for fungi and insect activity.

The story

Protected ancient woodland and river-gorge landscape

Best time to go

May–October; spring brings woodland flowers and birdsong, while autumn is a good time to look for fungi among the deadwood.

Visit in spring for woodland flowers and birdsong. In autumn, look closely at standing and fallen deadwood for fungi. Stay on the paths and well back from gorge edges in every season.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Dogs

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Lanark ML11 7RH

Phone

+44 1698 421668

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.3 · 43 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

NatureScot describes a trail through the gorge between Cartland Bridge and Cleghorn Bridge. Cleghorn Glen has informal parking at the end of Bellefield Road. Keep to paths and well away from the steep, unstable gorge edges; keep children close and dogs on a lead or at heel.

Parking

Informal parking at the end of Bellefield Road, off the A706 on the north side of Lanark; nearest postcode ML11 7RH. Check before visiting.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

Dogs should be kept on leads or at heel, according to NatureScot.

Accessibility

The source listing reports no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance. The gorge route includes steep terrain; check current access information before visiting.

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Cost

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Water

River