The best walks and hikes around Blackwood And Kirkmuirhill
4.5
(221)
2,068
hikers
84
hikes
Hiking around Blackwood And Kirkmuirhill explores a landscape of rolling hills, historic woodlands, and river valleys. The area is defined by the River Clyde and its associated waterfalls, with many walking trails following the river's path through the Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve. The terrain offers a mix of riverside boardwalks, forest paths, and gentle ascents to viewpoints overlooking the surrounding glen.
Best hiking trails around Blackwood And Kirkmuirhill
- The most popular hiking route is Boardwalk by the River – View of Corra Linn Waterfall loop from New Lanark WHS, a 6.5 miles (10.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. This moderate hike follows the river and offers views of the Corra Linn waterfall.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is View of Craignethan Castle – Craignethan Castle loop from Crossford, an easy 3.7 miles (6.0 km) path. This route leads through a scenic glen and offers views of Craignethan Castle.
- Local hikers also love the View of Corra Linn Waterfall – Boardwalk by the River loop from New Lanark WHS, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) trail leading through the Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve, often completed in about 1 hour 33 minutes.
- Hiking around Blackwood And Kirkmuirhill is defined by dramatic waterfalls, serene riverside paths, and ancient woodlands. The network of trails provides accessible options for various fitness levels, from short loops to longer sections of the Clyde Walkway.
- The routes in Blackwood And Kirkmuirhill are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 2,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Blackwood And Kirkmuirhill's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4.7
(73)
434
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
79
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
16
hikers
6.00km
01:43
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
hikers
8.86km
02:27
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A television series entitled "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" that I can recommend without reservation presents the culture-loving viewer (in German) with remarkable examples of human achievement from many countries around the world. What they all have in common is that they have been given "World Heritage" status by UNESCO. One of the contributions documents: "In the south of Scotland, by the waterfall of Cora Lynn, there is a cotton mill from the 19th century. The birthplace of the Workers' Welfare Association, a model community whose core values still shape the world of work today. The manufacturer Robert Owen built clean accommodation for the employees, reduced working hours to 12 hours, provided schooling for the children and set up a medical station." This is what it says on the ARD media library website. The film contribution corresponding to the highlight (in German) can be found under the following link => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/new-lanark-grossbritannien-folge-201/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS8xNjQyMDIyNg
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walk along the front of New Lanark and look for a large window and this is where the turbine is located built in 1936
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The north viewpoint here is much closer to the falls but harder to really appreciate them. The larger viewpoint on the south east side of the river gives a better view.
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You can’t miss this mural when walking along the nature reserve trails, you just have to hope there are no cars parked in front ruining the view.
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The wildlife garden is a great place to stop and spot little creatures, great for the kids.
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There is an abundance of wildlife and plants to see along the boardwalk. Very accessible and there are benches dotted along the walk.
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One of the best views of a waterfall in Scotland. An enjoyable walk from the visitor centre, you can’t miss it, plenty of space to view and safety railing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the area?
Yes, there are many options suitable for families. A great choice is the Boardwalk by the River – View of Corra Linn Waterfall loop from New Lanark. It's a relatively short walk of about 4 km (2.4 miles) with boardwalk sections that make it accessible and engaging for children.
Where are the best places to see the waterfalls?
The most spectacular waterfalls are located within the Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve. The View of Corra Linn Waterfall – Boardwalk by the River loop from New Lanark is an excellent 5.5 km (3.4 miles) trail that provides fantastic views of Corra Linn, the most powerful of the falls.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Dogs are generally welcome on the walking trails around Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill. However, when hiking in the Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve, it is essential to keep your dog on a lead to protect the diverse wildlife, which includes badgers, otters, and over 100 species of birds.
Where is a good place to park for hikes around the Falls of Clyde?
The most convenient starting point for trails within the Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve is the New Lanark World Heritage Site. There is a large car park available for visitors, which provides direct access to the main footpaths and the Clyde Walkway.
How can I get to the hiking trails using public transport?
The best way to reach the trails by public transport is to take a train to Lanark. From Lanark station, it's a pleasant walk of about 25-30 minutes down to the New Lanark World Heritage Site and the entrance to the Falls of Clyde reserve, where many of the main trails begin.
Are there any challenging hikes for more experienced walkers?
For those seeking a more strenuous climb, the hike up Tinto hill is the main challenge in the region. While not directly starting from Blackwood, it's a short drive away and the ascent to the summit offers rewarding panoramic views across all of Lanarkshire.
What is the terrain like on the trails?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find a mix of well-maintained riverside paths, boardwalks along the Clyde, and forested trails with some gentle ascents and descents. Some paths can be muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the area?
The hiking routes around Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning series of waterfalls, the well-maintained paths through the ancient woodlands of the Clyde Valley, and the abundance of wildlife.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There are over 100 hiking routes to explore around Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill. These range from short, easy loops perfect for a quick walk to more demanding sections of long-distance paths like the Clyde Walkway, offering something for every fitness level.
Are there any quieter, lesser-known trails?
For a more tranquil experience away from the main waterfall trails, consider exploring the Blackwood Community Woodland. This restored 65-acre wood offers a peaceful network of paths through a habitat rich with wildlife, including kingfishers and tawny owls.
What should I pack for a hike here?
Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes are essential as trails can be muddy, especially along the river. It's also wise to bring waterproof clothing, as the Scottish weather can change quickly. Pack water and snacks, particularly for longer routes, as facilities are limited once you are on the trails.
Most popular routes around Blackwood And Kirkmuirhill
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