Falls of Clyde Walk from New Lanark
South Lanarkshire
The Falls of Clyde reserve sits in a wooded gorge on the River Clyde just below New Lanark, the UNESCO World Heritage cotton mill village built by Robert Owen. Dogs are best on a lead here, given the steep drops. This circular walk of around 6km climbs from the visitor centre through ancient semi-natural woodland past three waterfalls: Dundaff Linn, close to the village, Corra Linn, the largest and most dramatic, and Bonnington Linn further upstream, where many walkers turn back. The path is clear but demanding, with many steps and short, steep up-and-down sections through the gorge, and around 230 metres of climbing in total. The final leg can be muddy, and retracing the outward path is often the better option.
This is a walk where dogs need to stay on a lead throughout. The Scottish Wildlife Trust's own guidance for the reserve mentions assistance dogs specifically rather than pet dogs in general, and the steep slopes, high cliffs and fast-flowing water along the gorge make close control essential regardless, whatever your dog's recall. Dog walkers do use the reserve's paths regularly, and there is plenty to interest a dog in the ancient woodland scent and the sound of the falls. Dogs are not allowed inside the mill buildings or the visitor centre exhibits. Parking is at the main New Lanark car park, at the top of a steep hill above the village, with a steep path down to the reserve; there is no dog friendly cafe on site, though the Woodpecker pub in nearby Lanark town welcomes dogs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.0 km (3.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Waterfall, River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- None confirmed dog friendly on site; the Woodpecker pub in Lanark town, about 0.7 miles away, is dog friendly.
- Parking
- Pay and display car park at New Lanark World Heritage Site, with a steep path down to the reserve.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Falls of Clyde Walk from New Lanark, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Greenbank Farm Cottage
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £572 / 7 nights
Crofthead Steading
Sleeps 8 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £878 / 7 nights
Farmhouse Holidays - Muirston Farmhouse
Sleeps 8 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,042 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in South LanarkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Falls of Clyde Walk from New Lanark dog friendly?
It scores 6 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Dogs are regularly walked here and there is a lot for them to enjoy in the gorge woodland, but the Scottish Wildlife Trust's own access guide for the reserve mentions assistance dogs specifically rather than pet dogs, and the steep cliffs, many steps and fast-flowing water mean dogs are best kept on a lead throughout rather than let loose.
Can dogs be off lead at Falls of Clyde Walk from New Lanark?
No, off-lead potential is low. The gorge has high, unfenced cliffs and steep drops close to the path in several places, along with fast-flowing water, so dogs should be kept on a lead for their own safety throughout. The Scottish Wildlife Trust's published guidance for this reserve is also written around assistance dogs rather than pet dogs generally, so a cautious, on-lead approach is the sensible one here.
What should I know before visiting Falls of Clyde Walk from New Lanark with my dog?
Expect a demanding path with many steps and steep sections over around 6km and 230 metres of climbing, so allow a couple of hours. Keep dogs on a lead given the unfenced cliffs and fast water in the gorge. Dogs cannot go inside the mill buildings or visitor centre. Parking is at the main New Lanark car park at the top of a steep hill, with a steep walk down to the reserve entrance.
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