9k Run Lanark: Scenic Journey Through Clyde Valley

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.3km circuit through the heart of the Clyde Valley offers a quintessentially Scottish trail experience, blending moderate undulations with a total ascent of 114m. Starting in the historic town of Lanark, runners will transition from paved surfaces onto scenic woodland paths that hug the contours of the river. The natural highlight of the run is crossing the Bonnington Weir bridge, where the sound of the rushing Clyde provides a powerful backdrop. With a "Hilly 2" rating, the terrain provides a rewarding challenge for intermediate runners looking to test their climbing legs while enjoying the soft, sheltered trails of the valley floor.

Steeped in industrial and natural heritage, this area is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of New Lanark. As you navigate the winding paths, you are running through the same landscape that inspired 18th-century social reformers and fueled the cotton milling industry. The Clyde Valley is also famous for its orchards and dramatic waterfalls, including the nearby Falls of Clyde. Runners should keep an eye out for local wildlife; the ancient woodlands here are a haven for peregrine falcons, badgers, and kingfishers, making every kilometer feel like a true escape into Scotland’s rich ecological history.