Best waterfalls around Carluke are primarily found within the nearby Falls of Clyde, a series of impressive cascades on the River Clyde. This area is known for its significant natural attractions, including four distinct waterfalls, or 'linns'. The region also features the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark, which harnessed the river's power. These sites offer a blend of natural grandeur and historical heritage.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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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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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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This waterfall is named after the supposed story of a young lad who loved the millers daughter. The miller didn't approve and refused to allow him, he left an eye glass in the thatch of the miller’s house and it burnt to the ground. The waterfall is therefore named Spectacle E'e (eye) Falls. You get a good view of the falls from the path, it's a nice walk from Strathaven.
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Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre is now open daily, 10:00-16:00 - but check the Scottish Wildlife Trust website before visiting. You can find interactive displays for kids, loads of information about the reserve and its wildlife and a board with latest sightings, as well as video footage of some local animals! You can also sit down and watch the river from the centre - we spent 15 min watching a family of mallards from the window.
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Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve is famous for stunning waterfalls and scenic woodland. Over 100 bird species have been recorded in the reserve, as well as Daubenton’s bats, badgers, otters, and many insect species. For more information, visit: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/falls-of-clyde.
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New Lanark was founded in 1786 by David Dale, who built cotton mills that took advantage of the power of the waterfalls and homes for the workers. In the 19th century, the village was transformed by the philanthropist and utopian idealist Robert Owen, Dale's son-in-law, who created a model industrial community. An early example of a planned settlement, New Lanark marked an important milestone in urban planning. UNESCO has recognised the village as a World Heritage Site. You find opportunities for food and drink and accommodation in the village.
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The primary waterfalls in the area are the spectacular Falls of Clyde, a series of cascades on the River Clyde. These include Corra Linn, Bonnington Linn, Dundaff Linn, and Stonebyres Linn. You can also visit Spectacle E'e Falls, known for its unique local story and good views from the path.
Yes, the Falls of Clyde area is very family-friendly. The Falls of Clyde (Waterfalls) are part of a nature reserve with well-maintained trails. The Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre offers interactive displays for kids, information about wildlife, and video footage of local animals, making it an engaging stop for families.
The Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve, home to the Falls of Clyde, is rich in biodiversity. Over 100 bird species have been recorded, including dippers, ravens, kingfishers, and peregrine falcons. You might also spot Daubenton's bats, badgers, and otters along the riverbanks. The Scottish Wildlife Trust manages the reserve and offers activities like badger watches.
The waterfalls are a stunning spectacle, especially after heavy rainfall when the river is in spate, making the cascades particularly powerful. The autumn months are also vibrant, with changing leaf colors along the scenic woodland walks. The Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre is open daily, but it's always a good idea to check their website for current hours before visiting.
Absolutely. The Falls of Clyde are intrinsically linked to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark, an 18th-century cotton mill village that harnessed the river's power. Near Corra Linn, you can also find the ruins of the 15th-century Corra Castle. An historic Power Trail allows visitors to explore the blend of history, nature, and renewable energy, passing by the Bonnington Power Station.
The Falls of Clyde are nestled within the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve, offering extensive and picturesque woodland riverside walks. These trails are generally well-maintained, though some sections can be steep and muddy with numerous steps. Circular walks are available, encompassing multiple falls and offering diverse views of the gorge and surrounding landscape.
Yes, there are several cycling opportunities around Carluke. You can find various routes for touring bicycles, such as the 'Black Law Wind Farm – Black Law Wind Farm loop from Carluke' or the 'Skellyton Footbridge – Cambusnethan Priory loop from Law'. For more details on these and other routes, you can explore the Cycling around Carluke guide.
Yes, the area offers various running trails. Options include 'Running loop from Carluke' and 'Jubilee Wood – St Luke's Church (Remnains) loop from Carluke'. These routes provide a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region while exercising. For more running trail options, refer to the Running Trails around Carluke guide.
Corra Linn is the most renowned and tallest of the Falls of Clyde, boasting a drop of approximately 26 meters (84 feet). Its sheer power and beauty have historically attracted famous visitors, including poets William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and artist J. M. W. Turner. A legend also associates Corra Linn with a princess named Cora. You can get a closer perspective from the View of Corra Linn from the north viewpoint.
The Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. You can find interactive displays, information about the reserve and its wildlife, and a board with the latest sightings at the Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre. For more detailed information, you can check the Scottish Wildlife Trust website directly.
Yes, the Carluke area provides options for gravel biking. Routes such as the 'Black Law Wind Farm – Black Law Wind Farm loop from Law' and the 'Black Law Wind Farm – Fast Gravel Track loop from Carluke' are available. These routes offer a different way to explore the surrounding landscapes. More details can be found in the Gravel biking around Carluke guide.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Carluke: