Falls of Clyde

The Falls of Clyde are a series of dramatic waterfalls in a wooded gorge beside the World Heritage village of New Lanark, south of Lanark. Corra Linn, the largest fall, drops in a thundering cascade through steep, tree-clad slopes, and after heavy rain the whole gorge roars. From the air the falls, the historic mill village, and the winding river make a rich and unusual composition for the central belt. This is a caution spot. The gorge is a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve and peregrine falcons nest on the crags in spring, so flying between roughly March and June risks disturbing a protected species and should be avoided entirely. The steep, tree-lined gorge also badly limits sightlines and can disrupt GPS and radio signal, so keep the aircraft high, in clear view, and never fly deep into the trees. New Lanark itself is a busy visitor attraction, so fly early or late and stay well clear of people and the mill buildings. There is no airport FRZ here. Best in autumn, when the falls run high, the birds have fledged, and the surrounding woodland turns gold and copper. Park in the New Lanark visitor car park and walk up the riverside path. Soft overcast light suits the moving water and avoids blown-out highlights on the foam.