A Weekend of Expert Talks and Guided Walks 20/21 August

When Save Our Landscapes was established 5 years ago, we made clear that we were more than an anti-quarry action group. We wanted to “protect, preserve and promote” New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde.

Now that the Scottish Government has prevented CEMEX from quarrying the area around the Falls of Clyde (within the New Lanark World Heritage Buffer Zone), we are delighted to have joined up with other local heritage groups to stage a weekend of talks and guided walks about the Falls of Clyde.

Saturday 20 August:

A one-day conference takes place on Saturday, which includes a series of talks and discussions about the Falls of Clyde in the morning, followed by guided walks in the afternoon. Booking is required for this using this link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-celebration-of-the-falls-of-clyde-free-tickets-26661944594

Sunday:

A drop-in day. Members of the public can drop-in to listen to talks and to join the guided walks. Booking is not required for this.

The talks by experts in their field will cover the rich diversity that the Falls of Clyde have to offer, including: the Geology of the Falls of Clyde, the Falls of Clyde as a Designed Landscape, Artists and the Falls of Clyde, and the role of Waterfalls in early Tourism. Discussions will include the future protection and enhancement of the Falls.

Guided walking tours include the Secrets of the Falls (which will take participants beyond the waterfalls to see the View House and the designed landscape), and to the historic ruin of Boathaugh, home of the 18^th century traveller, “Lugless Wull”.

On Sunday there will also be an opportunity to see inside the Bonnington Hydro-electric Station.

SATURDAY 20 AUGUST: CONFERENCE (BOOKING REQUIRED)

09.30: Registration opens

10.15: Introduction

10.30: The Geology of the Falls of Clyde (Katie Whitbread, British Geographical Survey)

11.00: The Falls of Clyde as a Designed Landscape (Peter McGowan, Landscape Architect)

11.30: Waterfalls in Early Tourism (Ed Cole, University of Glasgow)

12.00: Artists and the Falls of Clyde (Jane Masters, New Lanark Trust)

12.30: Opportunities for the future (Mark Stephens, Save Our Landscapes)

+ Panel discussion

13.15: Lunch

14.15: Tours

Secrets of the Falls (Leader: Christopher Dingwall)

New Lanark – Bonnington Saw Mill and Pumping Station – Site of Bonningtonn House – Gentleman’s Mound – View House – Curved Terrace – Corra Linn –Bonnington Power — New Lanark

In Search of Lugless Will (Leader: Ed Archer)

New Lanark –Bonnington Parkland – East Lodge – Drove Road and Parliamentary Wall – Boathaugh – Drove Road – East Lodge – View House – Corra Linn – New Lanark

14.45 Tours

Secrets of the Falls (Leader: Allison Galbraith)

New Lanark – Bonnington Saw Mill and Pumping Station – Site of Bonningtonn House – Gentleman’s Mound – View House – Curved Terrace – Corra Linn –Bonnington Power — New Lanark

In Search of Lugless Will (Leader: Graham U’ren)

New Lanark –Bonnington Parkland – East Lodge – Drove Road and Parliamentary Wall – Boathaugh – Drove Road – East Lodge – View House – Corra Linn – New Lanark

 

SUNDAY 21 AUGUST: DROP-IN DAY

10.00: Open for registration for walks and activities

From 11.00 and from 14.00: Short Talks

An Overview of the Falls: Graham U’ren (Friends of New Lanark)

Famous Visitors to the Falls: C.A. Hope (author of New Lanark trilogy)

The Story of Lugless Will: Allison Galbraith (storyteller)

Wildlife and the Falls: Steve Blow (Scottish Wildlife Trust)

14.15: Tours

Secrets of the Falls

New Lanark – Bonnington Saw Mill and Pumping Station – Site of Bonningtonn House – Gentleman’s Mound – View House – Curved Terrace – Corra Linn –Bonnington Power — New Lanark

In Search of Lugless Will

New Lanark –Bonnington Parkland – East Lodge – Drove Road and Parliamentary Wall – Boathaugh – Drove Road – East Lodge – View House – Corra Linn – New Lanark

The Ruin of Braxfield House (Chris Ladds)

New Lanark – Braxfield Row – Braxfield House – Graveyard – Owen’s walks – New Lanark

Bonnington Power Station (Ross Galbraith)

Visit(s) to the UK’s first commercial hydro-electric power station

The Big Walk

A 6 mile circuit of the gorge beginning and ending at New Lanark, and taking in Alistair Gray’s mural of the Falls of Clyde at the Riverside Tavern.

New Lanark – Bonnington Weir – Corra Castle – Kirkfieldbank – Riverside Tavern – Castlebank Park – Clyde Walkway – New Lanark

 

Note: Programme subject to change

 FAQs

How do I book?

Booking is required for the conference on Saturday, using this link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-celebration-of-the-falls-of-clyde-free-tickets-26661944594

Booking is not required for Sunday.

When?

Saturday 20 August: 9:30-16.30

Sunday 21 August: All day (see programme)

Where?

New Lanark Visitor Centre, ML11 9DB

How do I get there?

By train: Lanark is served by a direct train from Lanark. A bus is available from the bus station to New Lanark.

By car: New Lanark is about one hour’s drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh. There is plenty of free parking in the visitor car park.

Is there disabled access?

There is disabled access to the first floor of the Visitor Centre where the conference will be held. Regrettably, the walks are not suitable for wheelchair users.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?

Please bring your own lunch. Alternatively lunch may be purchased from the New Lanark Mill Pantry.

What footwear and clothing do I need?

Walking shoes or boots and waterproofs are advisable for the walks.

What if I’ve booked but can’t come?

Please let us know if you have booked for the conference, but are unable to attend. This will allow us to allocated your place to someone else.

Who is organising the event?

The event is being organised by the Falls of Clyde Heritage Group, an ad hoc group of people from local societies, including Save Our Landscapes, the Friends of New Lanark, Lanark & District Archaeology Society, and the Lanark & District Civic Trust.

Who is funding the event?

The organisers are grateful for financial support from Border Biscuit Trust, South Lanarkshire Council, and private individuals. Save Our Landscapes, Friends of New Lanark and LADAS have also made contributions.

Who do I contact if I have a question?

Mark Stephens: markstephens64@aol.com

Graham U’Ren: carseview@care4free.net