Stonebyres Falls

Stonebyres Falls (Stonebyres Linn) is a waterfall on the River Clyde near the village of Nemphlar and the small town of Crossford in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The river drops about 21 metres here. It is the lowest of the four Falls of Clyde, and the natural stopping point for salmon and sea trout swimming upstream.

What is this place?

The falls lie on the former Stonebyres estate, where Stonebyres Castle once stood. The Clyde valley is narrow and wooded at this point, and the river cuts through rocky ledges. The better-known Corra Linn and Bonnington Linn sit further upstream near New Lanark, so Stonebyres is a separate stop, reached from a different side of the valley.

A hydro-electric station opened here in 1927, one of two built on this stretch of the Clyde. Some of the river's flow is diverted for power, so how the falls look depends on water levels and the season.

How do you get to Stonebyres Falls?

Most visitors approach from Crossford. Park off Smuggler's Brig Road and walk through Big Wood to the power station, roughly 2.5 km each way.

You can also follow the Clyde Walkway out of Crossford. This is one of the more demanding sections of the whole route, with steps, steep gradients and unfenced drops near the edge. Wear shoes with good grip, because the paths turn slippery after rain.

Which route should you pick?

• Short: the walk from the Smuggler's Brig Road car park through Big Wood to the power station and back.
• Loop: a circular route from Crossford via Stonebyres Falls and Nemphlar covers about 8.6 km, mixing riverside paths with quiet roads between fields.
• Longer: the Clyde Walkway continues towards New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde reserve, where you can see the other cascades.

What will you see?

The waterfall is partly screened by trees, especially in summer when the canopy is full. Late autumn, winter and early spring give the clearest views. Look for the power station building, a reminder of the valley's industrial past, and watch the river during the salmon run for fish leaping at the ledges.

When should you visit?

After heavy rain the flow is at its most powerful, but the paths are muddy. In dry spells the falls are gentler and the trail easier. The woodland descent gets dark early in winter, so bring a torch if you set off late in the afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stonebyres Falls the same as the Falls of Clyde? Not quite. Stonebyres Linn is one of the four Falls of Clyde, but it lies well away from the New Lanark reserve. You visit it separately from the Crossford side.

How high is it? About 21 metres. Corra Linn, the tallest in the group, is about 28 metres.

Is the walk difficult? The short walk from the car park is easy, but the Clyde Walkway section from Crossford has steps, steep slopes and unprotected edges. It is unsuitable for pushchairs and for young children without close supervision.

Why do people mention salmon? Stonebyres Linn is the first natural barrier on the Clyde for migrating fish, so it marks the upper limit of their journey up the river.