Waterside camping in Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve

As the ice of the last Ice Age melted away, rivers gouged deep clefts into soft sandstone where oak, ash, rowan and hazel woodlands have thrived ever since. Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve is made up of six different woodlands, each set in its own dramatic river gorge. Paths through the woodlands follow the route of the River Clyde, from the Falls of Clyde to Chatelherault Country Park, passing through Cleghorn Glen, Cartland Crags, Lower Nethan Gorge and Maudslie Woods along the way. While there are no campsites within the reserve, Clyde Valley Caravan Park is located just outside.

The best time to visit the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve is from May to October. Spring sees the area carpeted with woodland flowers, such as bluebells and primrose, and the air filled with the song of birds including wood warblers and long-tailed tits. In summer you may see great spotted woodpeckers, tawny owls, badgers and roe deer. Autumn sees the leaves on the trees turn to beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red.

• The main visitor facilities are at Chatelherault and the Falls of Clyde. 
• Most trails are wide and well paved but can get muddy after rain. All paths have steps and steep gradients. 
• The reserve is walking distance from Lanark town centre, which is connected to Glasgow by train.
• Be sure to follow Scottish Outdoor Access Code while visiting the reserve.