After walking around New Lanark Village (see previous blog) we walked north along the river to explore the famous Falls of Clyde. The series of four waterfalls (also known as Linns) are the only waterfalls of any significance on the River Clyde. They are renowned for their beauty and have been often painted by artists including J.M.W. Turner. In literature, they have been referred to by Sir Walter Scott and in poetry by William Wordsworth.
As we leave the village, we have good views upstream before we pass the Falls of Clyde Visitors Centre. The Visitors Centre has a host of information about the falls and the surrounding wildlife, particularly vibrant as the river at this stage is within the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.
After we passed the Visitor Centre we had good views back along the river towards New Lanark and the mills which border the river bank.
The four waterfalls which comprise the Falls of Clyde are Bonnington Linn, Corra Linn, Dundaff Linn and Stonebyres Linn. The latter is to the north and downstream from New Lanark village so the first one we encounter as we head south is Dundaff Linn. It was magnificent after the recent heavy rain. In summer, when the water level is low flat rocks appear. At this time of year, no rocks are visible and the sound of crashing water hugely impressive.
After watching the Dundaff Linn for some time - it was quite mesmerising - we started along the riverside path.
Soon we arrived at a Hydroelectric Power Station. This generating station, powered by water was built in 1927 and was the first Hydroelectric Scheme in Scotland to be constructed for public supply rather than industry. Still in full working order today it generates 11megawats of electricity, enough to power 17,000 homes.
Known as Bonnington Power Station, because it takes the water from a point next to the Bonnington Linn some distance upstream, it lies at the foot of two massive pipes which deliver that water.
The path from the power station follows the pipes for a short while before reverting to the river bank. Soon we arrive at the highest of the waterfalls, the Corra Linn.
With a drop of 84ft (26m), it is the most impressive in size. Corra is thought to derive from the Scottish Gaelic meaning currach meaning marshy place.
There are a couple of legends about these falls. One is that the daughter (named Cora) of King Malcolm of Scotland, fell to her death over the falls whilst trying to escape an unseen enemy. Another is that William Wallace, whilst trying to flee his enemies, took refuge in a cave close to the waterfall, where he stayed until all was safe. These falls can be even more impressive when the power station is not taking water from upstream.
Our visit followed a recent storm and there were quite a few fallen trees around - in fact, at one point, the footpath had to be diverted up to the top of the valley to avoid the trunks which lay by the riverside.
Erosion of some other trees was evident as they clung precariously to the cliff tops.
As our journey progressed the views through the trees were impressive and tantalising. The autumnal colours still clung to some varieties. Soon we could see the final waterfall on our journey - the Bonnington Linn.
It was some distance off but the distinctive jet spout was visible.
After Bonnington Linn the river levels out again before a weir, a few hundred meters upstream, which was built to harness the water take-off for the power station.
We considered a walk down the other side of the river but on consulting a map on a nearby information board it appeared that a substantial detour would have to be taken downstream to enable us to return to our car at New Lanark. As the light was beginning to fade, we turned and retraced our steps after an enjoyable walk.
