Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve
Cleghorn Glen – the path between Cleghorn Bridge and Leitchford Bridge is closed until further notice due to a landslip.
A living history
Scotland’s oldest and richest forest lies hidden in dramatic gorges throughout the Clyde Valley. Since the last Ice Age, rivers have gouged deep clefts in the soft sandstone. Ancient woods of oak, ash, rowan and hazel now grow here. Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve (NNR) is made up of six of the best of these woodlands.
These outstanding tracts of ancient, semi-natural deciduous woods would once have covered much of lowland central Scotland. The woodlands have survived for hundreds of years relatively undisturbed, because the steep gorges would not allow timber harvesting.
The reserve is home to a rich diversity of birds, mammals and invertebrates. In spring the woodland is carpeted in wildflowers and in the autumn the rich colours are spectacular.
Find out more about visiting Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR.
Top attractions
- Come in spring to enjoy a glorious carpet of woodland flowers.
- Explore ancient woods on our way-marked trails.
- Look out for woodpeckers and tawny owls. Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.
What’s on?
Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.
Contact
Reserve manager: Martin Twiss
NatureScot
Cadzow Court
3 Wellhall Road
Hamilton
ML3 9BG
Telephone: 01698 421668
Email: [email protected]
Enjoyed your visit?
- Make a donation to support nature and visitor facilities on our NNRs.
- Let us know what you thought on TripAdvisor.
Find out more on
Related Links
- Designation and management of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves
- Learn more about other protected areas
- Follow our NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.
- Follow NatureScot’s Scotland’s Nature blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage.
- Visit the website of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, which manages the Falls of Clyde and Lower Nethan Gorge.
- Visit the South Lanarkshire Council website and discover other woodland walks at Chatelherault and Maudslie Woods.
- Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR is a member of VisitScotland and the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).
