Walking
3.Beattock; NCN 74; Crawford; Abington; Roberton; Tinto; Carmichael; Sandilands; Bonnington Linn; New Lanark; Clyde Walkway; Kelvin walkway; WHW
This route leaves the NCN 74 at Crawford to follow the Clyde Valley north for a short distance to Roberton. The climb from Roberton to over 1000 feet offers great views of the Border hills and the Southern Highlands.
It squeezes through a narrow pass in Tinto’s western flanks and then follows peaceful back roads through ancient hamlets and scenic countryside to join the Clyde Walkway at Bonnington Linn – the first of four spectacular waterfalls on the river Clyde.
Beattock to Abington – 18 miles
NCN 74 to Abington. Follow Carlisle Road through Crawford to mercat cross on grassy traffic island. Turn right signed for Camps Reservoir; Castle Crawford. Cross river Clyde and take next left uphill at trees.
Follow minor road with railway line to Abington. For Abington cross the railway bridge and continue uphill to village.
Crawford: accommodation; eating & drinking; camping; shop.
Abington: accommodation; eating & drinking; camping; shop.
Abington to New Lanark – 15 miles
To continue with route return to the railway line and turn left once over the railway bridge by the campsite at Abington (continue straight-on if you do not visit Abington). Follow to minor road to A702. Turn left at A702 and follow for 500 yards. Turn right onto Bridgend Road and follow to A72.
Turn right onto A72 and follow for one mile. Watch out for right-of-way sign on left – Lythgate, Roberton. Follow right-of-way to Roberton.
At Roberton follow minor road north out of the hamlet and up over the pass. Continue straight through at crossroads. At T-junction go straight over and through gate. Follow rough track uphill through the Howgate Mouth.
Follow road from Howgate. Continue straight on at first T-junction and then to the left in Carmichael at second.
At Carmichael turn left signed for Douglas and continue to A70. Cross A70 and join short cycle-path to left. Turn right downhill to Sandilands.
At Sandilands turn right at telephone box and then first left. Follow road past milk tanker depot. Cross the Douglas Water on humpbacked bridge and continue uphill.
At top of the hill turn right and take narrow lane off to the right as road swings left. Follow lane to weir. Cross Clyde and follow footpath downstream into New Lanark.
Roberton: no services
Carmichael: no services
New Lanark to Glasgow: The Clyde Walkway – 40 miles
Signposted route. Follow the main road out of New Lanark to 200 yards beyond tenement row. Join walkway on left.
Approaching Motherwell there are sections which are prone to flooding and as a result there is no clear footpath in places – let the Clyde be your guide. However the banks of the river are unstable and you should not follow the river too closely.
At Bothwell Bridge go through the village of Bothwell and take the second left after the Bothwell Bridge hotel – Blantyre Road. Follow to Blantyre Mill Road and turn right down to river. Resume Clyde Walkway at suspension bridge by turning downstream(bridge leads to David Livingstone Centre).
Also at Newton walkway is being improved and redeveloped and the route may not be obvious in places.
New Lanark: accommodation; youth hostel; eating & drinking; heritage/museum; wildlife.
www.newlanark.org.uk
Kirkfieldbank: accommodation; eating & drinking shop; campsite.
Crossford: eating & drinking; shop.
Barons Haugh RSPB nature reserve: www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/baronshaugh/index.asp
Motherwell: accommodation; eating & drinking; heritage symbol; shop
Strathclyde Park: accommodation; eating & drinking; campsite; visitor centre.
Bothwell: accommodation; shop; eating & drinking; heritage/museum.
Uddingston: accommodation; shop; eating & drinking.
Cambuslang & Rutherglen: accommodation; shop; eating & drinking.
Glasgow: accommodation; youth hostel; shop; eating & drinking; heritage/museum.
The Kelvin Walkway: Glasgow to Milngavie (West Highland Way) – 9 miles
The Kelvin Walkway leaves the Clyde Walkway at the Heliport by the river Clyde and follows the river Kelvin through Kelvingrove Park and the Botanic Gardens.
Short detours to the Glasgow transport museum, Glasgow Youth Hostel, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the University of Glasgow.
The West Highland Way: Milngavie to Fort William – 95 miles
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