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Shaping the Landscape: Clyde Walkway - Garrion Burn to Mauldslie Bridge
A gentle, meandering Clyde
Since the end of the last ice age less than 20,000 years ago, the erosive power of rivers have shaped the landscape. The present day River Clyde exhibits a wide range of channel types, from high energy, to bedrock floored streams and gently flowing, meandering, channels.
A great example of the Clyde meandering can be seen along the Clyde Walkway between Garrion Burn and Mauldslie Bridge – glimpses of it can be caught through the trees when driving along the A72 Clyde Valley Tourist Route.
In this area, the river flows between steep banks of silt, and during floods, fine sediment is deposited along the valley floor, forming the broad floodplain on the inner bend of the meander which provides valuable agricultural land.
The geological sites and features of the Clyde and Avon Valley tell a dramatic story of the development of the landscape over 400 million years, from ancient sandy streams, river deltas, swampy forests and glaciers. The rocks and rivers of this story shaped the heritage, and remain a source of power, havens for woodland and wildlife, and places of recreation and creative inspiration today.
Travel through time to reveal the hidden history in the rocks and landforms by exploring the other ‘Shaping the Landscape’ museum items. Read the full report by clicking on the ‘Shaping the Landscape Trail Report’ link under ‘Find Out More’, to the right. Whilst many ‘Shaping the Landscape’ sites are accessible to walkers, some sites are inaccessible, but featured as museum pieces to help demonstrate the development of the Clyde and Avon Valley.
