GO WILD – CENTRAL SCOTLAND FALLS OF CLYDE
SPRING Spring offers the best opportunity to see the peregrine falcons. One of the larger birds of prey, the peregrine has long, broad, pointed wings and a relatively short tail. It is blue-grey, with a blackish top of the head and an obvious black 'moustache' that contrasts with its white face. Because of the lay of the land, the Falls of the Clyde offer a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing birds. Te best vantage point is the Wigeon Hide, a 90-minute walk from New Lanark Youth Hostel. Te hide also offers a superb view of the salt marshes and a wide range of water birds
A CENTRAL GEM
renowned for its magnificent waterfalls, ancient wildflower and fungi-rich woodlands – and is less than an hour’s travel from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Covering 59 acres of stunning woodland and
S
natural landscapes, all set within a National Nature Reserve, the area offers a superb destination for wildlife enthusiasts and those keen to learn more about the nature of the region. Set in one of the historic buildings within the
village, our New Lanark Youth Hostel (given 4.5 stars by visitors) is in a unique position. Industrial heritage and natural history go hand-in-hand and for the wildlife enthusiast, the four-star Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor centre is a great place to start. Set within an area of both ancient natural woods and modern mixed plantation, the wildlife reserve has walks of all levels and superb opportunities to spot some wildlife on the way. Tree spectacular waterfalls force their way
through the gorge and can be reached along easily accessible tracks. Te nearest of the waterfalls, Dundaff Linn, is three metres high and a short walk from New Lanark. A longer walk, of between 20 and 45 minutes along tracks, reaches the larger falls of Corra Linn and Bonnington Linn. Te extensive woodlands are worth exploring and there are tracks and paths with marked
42 SCOTTISH HOSTELLER 2012
ome of the most fascinating wildlife is often right under our noses. Te Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve is internationally
You don’t have to head for the hills to enjoy wildlife – in fact, you might find nature right on your doorstep
routes that lead through the woods, often with wildlife hides on the way to help spot animals and birds. Te reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including badgers, bats, foxes, roe deer and otters. More than 100 species of birds can also be spotted, offering the chance to see kingfishers, dippers, woodpeckers, the resident peregrine falcons and even ospreys. As the seasons change in the wildlife reserve,
there is much for the wildlife expert to spot. If you want to know more about the
Falls of Clyde area or to be guided around the walks and hides in the reserve, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Ranger Service organises educational events and guided walks. Tese include peregrine viewing, badger watching and children’s activities, as well as guided walks to look at fungi, flowers, waterfalls and bats.
With thanks to Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve
SUMMER In summer, the warm and drier weather creates the perfect habitat for honeybees – one of our threatened species. Te observation hive set within the visitor centre at New Lanark offers a fascinating glimpse of 25,000 bees in action as they build their honeycomb. With the other exhibits including a bat booth and wildlife crafts, this is a superb spot on a summer’s day to learn more about the area before a refreshing walk through the gorge.
AUTUMN
Come autumn, as the leaves turn, the colours around the Falls of Clyde are superb. Te backdrop of the russets, orange and brown are brightened with flashes of autumn flowers. Species on view include the
cheerful pink of Herb Robert, with its
characteristic beak shaped fruits, which lasts
well into October.
HOSTEL TO VISIT New Lanark Youth Hostel Tel: 01555 666 710 Email:
newlanark@syha.org.uk Book online at:
www.hostellingscotland.com
Add to that the array of funghi that can be foraged during the autumn months, and it is clear to see why the season is so special in this natural hotspot.
Top left: the Falls of Clyde Nature Reserve Above: Black grouse Right: an osprey captures a tasty trout
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