The Nature of Scotland – Autumn 2011 – Issue 13

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7
There are good
numbers of badgers on
the reserve. Look for
clues that they're
present, such as tufts
of coarse grey or black
hair on fence wires and
posts or beside well
worn animal tracks.
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The Clyde Valley
Woods are rare
remnants of ancient
forests that once
covered much of
southern and central
Scotland.
5
5
Leitchford Bridge
Leitchford Bridge is one of the few locations where it's possible to cross the
Mouse Water and make a return to Lanark along Bellefield Road. However,
our walk continues towards Cleghorn Bridge, following the north bank of the
river. Listen out here for the whisper of aspen trees and the hammering of great
spotted woodpeckers. Also, when the water is low, you might spot one of the
ancient stones in the river that mark the boundary of the Royal Burgh of Lanark.
These 'march' stones are part of the Lanimer tradition dating back to 1140. This
tradition is celebrated each June when the townsfolk 'process' around the burgh
boundary.
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Cleghorn Gorge
The path now winds its way through gorge woodland for another 1.5 km (1 mile)
before the final viewpoint of the day. On your way, look out for treecreepers, roe
deer and the abundant signs of the many badgers that live here. In May, this area
is awash with bluebells, which benefit from the selective felling of beech and
sycamore. However, in the autumn the woodland is an enchanting ever-changing
patchwork of richly drawn colours, touched by frost and torn by gales.
Please take care near the eastern end of the reserve as the path is at the very
edge of the precipitous gorge, and you should keep children and dogs under
close control.
Near the end of the walk, there's an informal seating area that looks straight
into the dramatic rock chasm of Cleghorn Gorge. The walk concludes at Cleghorn
Bridge on the A706, from where you can retrace your steps or catch a bus back
to Lanark.
Clyde Valley
Woodlands is one
of over 50 national
nature reserves in
Scotland. Find out
more at www.nnrscotland.org.uk.
40 The Nature of Scotland