The best walks and hikes around Douglas Water And Rigside
4.6
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1,216
hikers
49
hikes
Hiking around Douglas Water And Rigside explores the rolling hills and river valleys of South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The landscape is shaped by the Douglas Water and the nearby River Clyde, which features notable waterfalls. Many routes in the area follow serene riverside paths and wind through woodlands. This diverse terrain offers a mix of gentle and moderate hiking opportunities.
Best hiking trails around Douglas Water And Rigside
- The most popular hiking route is Boardwalk by the River – View of Corra Linn Waterfall loop from New Lanark WHS, a 6.4 miles (10.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. This route follows a boardwalk along the river to a viewpoint of the Corra Linn waterfall.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Falls of Clyde (Waterfalls) – View of Corra Linn Waterfall loop from Corra Linn, an easy 3.8 miles (6.1 km) path. This route provides access to the series of waterfalls known as the Falls of Clyde.
- Local hikers also love the View of Corra Linn Waterfall – Boardwalk by the River loop from New Lanark WHS, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) trail leading through the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve, often completed in about 1 hour 33 minutes.
- Hiking around Douglas Water And Rigside is defined by riverside walks, woodland paths, and rolling hills. The network of trails includes options for different ability levels, from easy circular walks to more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Douglas Water And Rigside are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. More than 1,100 hikers have used komoot to explore Douglas Water And Rigside's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.7
(73)
434
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(25)
333
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
67
hikers
6.10km
01:40
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A television series entitled "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" that I can recommend without reservation presents the culture-loving viewer (in German) with remarkable examples of human achievement from many countries around the world. What they all have in common is that they have been given "World Heritage" status by UNESCO. One of the contributions documents: "In the south of Scotland, by the waterfall of Cora Lynn, there is a cotton mill from the 19th century. The birthplace of the Workers' Welfare Association, a model community whose core values still shape the world of work today. The manufacturer Robert Owen built clean accommodation for the employees, reduced working hours to 12 hours, provided schooling for the children and set up a medical station." This is what it says on the ARD media library website. The film contribution corresponding to the highlight (in German) can be found under the following link => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/new-lanark-grossbritannien-folge-201/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS8xNjQyMDIyNg
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The north viewpoint here is much closer to the falls but harder to really appreciate them. The larger viewpoint on the south east side of the river gives a better view.
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You can’t miss this mural when walking along the nature reserve trails, you just have to hope there are no cars parked in front ruining the view.
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The wildlife garden is a great place to stop and spot little creatures, great for the kids.
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There is an abundance of wildlife and plants to see along the boardwalk. Very accessible and there are benches dotted along the walk.
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One of the best views of a waterfall in Scotland. An enjoyable walk from the visitor centre, you can’t miss it, plenty of space to view and safety railing.
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The mural of a badger is located on the side of the substation at Bonnington power station at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Falls of Clyde reserve. The mural of Clyde the Badger was painted over two days by artist ATMstreetart and can be seen on the Clyde Walkway, which leads visitors past several stunning waterfalls including the Corra Linn. London based ATM has a lifelong love for nature. He has a particular connection to birds, their songs, calls and habitats. He uses his skills as an artist to celebrate the beauty of birds and communicate the extinction crisis. His giant wildlife murals fill walls across London to Bristol and on to Poland and Norway.
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Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre is now open daily, 10:00-16:00 - but check the Scottish Wildlife Trust website before visiting. You can find interactive displays for kids, loads of information about the reserve and its wildlife and a board with latest sightings, as well as video footage of some local animals! You can also sit down and watch the river from the centre - we spent 15 min watching a family of mallards from the window.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks in the Douglas Water and Rigside area?
Yes, the area offers numerous circular trails. A great example is the Historic Douglas Walking Route, a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) loop that takes you past the historic site of Douglas Castle and the scenic Stable Lake. Many other paths in the region are also designed as loops, making it easy to return to your starting point.
Are the hiking trails suitable for families with children?
Definitely. You'll find several easy, family-friendly options. For a shorter walk, consider the Boardwalk by the River – View of Corra Linn Waterfall loop from New Lanark. It's a manageable 2.4-mile (3.9 km) path with a boardwalk section that is engaging for younger walkers. The Loudon Pond Nature Reserve also has accessible paths perfect for a family outing.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails around Douglas Water and Rigside. However, you'll be walking through areas with farmland and potential wildlife. It's important to keep your dog under close control, especially near livestock, and on a lead where required.
Where can I find hikes with waterfalls?
The nearby Falls of Clyde at New Lanark are the main attraction for waterfall hikes. Several trails explore this series of spectacular waterfalls. For a moderate option, the Boardwalk by the River – View of Corra Linn Waterfall loop from New Lanark WHS is a 6.5-mile (10.4 km) route that leads to a fantastic viewpoint of the Corra Linn waterfall.
What is the terrain like on the hiking routes?
The terrain is quite varied. You can expect a mix of riverside paths, woodland trails, and walks across rolling hills. Many routes, especially along the Douglas Water and River Clyde, are relatively flat. Other trails, like those heading towards Hagshaw Hill, involve more ascent and offer wider, panoramic views.
Are there any easy walks for beginners?
Yes, there are plenty of options for beginners. A particularly pleasant and easy route is the View of Corra Linn Waterfall – Boardwalk by the River loop from New Lanark. It's a 3.4-mile (5.5 km) walk that is mostly flat and offers beautiful river and waterfall views without being too strenuous.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails here?
The trails around Douglas Water and Rigside are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the beautiful riverside scenery, especially the paths through the Clyde Valley Woodlands and the views of the waterfalls. The mix of natural beauty and local history is another frequently mentioned highlight.
How many hiking trails are available around Douglas Water and Rigside?
There are over 50 designated hiking routes to explore in the area. These range from short, easy walks suitable for the whole family to more challenging moderate hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.
Are there any historically significant walks?
Yes, the region is rich in history. The Historic Douglas Walking Route is specifically designed to showcase this heritage, passing the site of Douglas Castle, which was a stronghold of the Douglas family. The area also has strong connections to the Covenanters, with several memorials found along the local paths.
What is the best time of year to hike in this region?
You can hike here year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful. In spring, the woodlands are full of wildflowers, and in autumn, you'll see stunning foliage colours. The waterfalls at Falls of Clyde are most impressive after heavy rainfall, which can occur at any time of year.
Are there any opportunities for wildlife spotting?
Yes, the area is great for wildlife enthusiasts. The Loudon Pond Nature Reserve is a key location, transformed from a former mining site into a haven for birds, with over 130 species recorded. The Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve is another excellent spot to see local flora and fauna.
Most popular routes around Douglas Water And Rigside
Most popular attractions around Douglas Water And Rigside
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