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Clyde Walkway Community Links: Rosebank Circular via Ashgill and Dalserf
Rosebank Circular via Ashgill and Dalserf
Terrain: This route uses a combination of tracks and paths, some of which are unsurfaced. Short sections involve pavements and walking on quiet rural roads. Although predominantly on level or slight gradients there are one or two steeper sections where the route crosses water courses. Due to several sets of steps, the route is primarily for pedestrian use although sections might be suitable for equestrian use and mountain bikers.
Distance: 7 km / 4.35miles.
Time: 2 hours
Overview including alternative start / end points: A very pleasant circular trail which starts in the heart of the Clyde Valley next to the River Clyde, climbs steadily up the valley side through broadleaved woodlands and open countryside and farmland. The route provides extensive views across the valley before once again descending through woodlands to the valley floor. As the route is circular there are alternative starting points via linking paths from the settlements of Netherburn and Ashgill. The route also passes by the village of Dalserf, with its historic kirk which was a centre of Covenanter activity. The village derives its name from a combination of the 6th century Saint Serf, how reputedly lived there and the Gaelic word 'dail' meaning field.
Start / park: This route as described starts in the village of Rosebank. Parking is available at the carpark in the public play park which lies adjacent to the former village hall next to the Popinjay hotel and the garden centres. Alternative parking is also available a few minutes north west along the A72 towards Larkhall at the informal parking area at Mauldslie, access to which is via the Mauldslie gatehouse bridge across the River Clyde. The route meets this stretch of pavement so may be started from here also.
Public Transport: There is a bus service (No. 317) between Hamilton and Lanark which runs along the A72 passing through the villages of Dalserf and Rosebank. Check the Traveline Scotland widget (right) for details of the frequency of services.
Facilities: The hotel and local garden centres provide a range of services and facilities. During the summer months Dalserf Kirk provides weekend afternoon teas at the village hall . Please refer to www.visitlanarkshire.com for eating / drinking / staying recommendations throughout Lanarkshire.
Stage 1. Rosebank to Netherburn Road (1.2km)
From opposite the hotel take the signed footpath known as the ‘Clatty Brae’ (meaning cluttered or dirty!), which initially runs alongside the garden boundary of No. 21 Lanark Road before entering beech woodland.
The path ascends through the woodland by way of a former drove road for approximately 500 metres before emerging out of the woodland into open farmland.
The path continues for a further 700 metres running between hedgerows before exiting onto the Netherburn Road.
Stage 2. Netherburn Road to Old Railway Line (500 metres)
Taking care, cross the public road and continue along the path on the opposite side of the road for a further 75 metres as it descends through a small section of woodland, by way of a flight of steps and a footbridge across the Dalserf Burn, before climbing once again where the path emerges from the woodland into open fields.
Continue through the gate and along the edge of the field for approximately 400 metres where the path joins the route of former railway line running between Netherburn and Ashgill.
If you turn left here, where the trail joins the railway line section of route, the path continues to the village of Netherburn, which is one of two alternative starting points for this circular trail.Stage 3. Old Railway Line (400 metres)
At this point turn right and continue for 400 metres along the former railway line as it runs through a wooded cutting before joining the Candermill and Marlage Road at Overwood Farm. Please be aware that this section of the trail can be extremely muddy and at times waterlogged as the drainage system installed at the time the railway operated no longer works very effectively.
Stage 4. Overwood Farm (200 metres)
Turn right at the Overwood Farm junction and continue along the Candermill and Marlage Road for 200 metres to the T junction with Netherburn Road.
Nb. This section of road does not have a pavement and although generally it is not busy and with good sight lines, please keep dogs and young children under close control and walk on the right hand side of the road facing on-coming traffic.
Stage 5. Netherburn Road to Millburn Road via Auldton Farm (2.4km)
Turn right onto Netherburn Road, where there is a pavement on one side of the road and continue for 100 metres to the junction with Manse Brae.
Turn left and continue along the pavement for 830 metres, passing on the left the hamlet and now converted old village school of Meadowbank.
100 metres beyond the last house (this section of the route again does not have a pavement), the trail leaves the public road on the left hand side, just before the road descends downhill.
Follow the waymarked public right of way for 400 metres across an open field, which may contain livestock, so please proceed with care and keep dogs on a lead and across the Dalserf Burn by way of a footbridge.
Continue up the flight of footsteps on the opposite bank and, turn left onto Auldton farm track.
Follow the farm track for a further 300 metres to the junction with Millburn Road.
Nb. At this point another footpath joins from the left which links to the settlement of Ashgill, the second alternative start point for the circular trail.
Stage 6. Millburn Road to Dalserf Village (1.1km)
Take care turning right onto Millburn Road, as there is no pavement again.
After 400 metres you will see a waymarked footpath on the left.
Proceed along the path for 200 metres through woodland until the path, known as the 'Chucky Brae', exits onto the A72, Lanark Road.
Take care crossing the busy road, turn right and continue along the pavement for 500 metres to Dalserf village.
The kirk, built in 1665, an important centre of Covenanter activity in the 18th century, and churchyard are worth visiting.
Before the first Garrion Bridge was built across the Clyde in 1817, a ferry used to operate across the river at Dalserf.
Stage 7. Dalserf to Rosebank (1.2km)
The last section of the trail continues along the pavement by the A72 for 1.2km back to Rosebank village.
Views of the River Clyde can be glimpsed through the trees.
Just before Rosebank the route passes the entrance into Mauldslie woods (a South Lanarkshire Council owned area of riverbank and woodlands) by way of the gatehouse and bridge crossing.
The area offers further opportunities for recreational access and access onto the Clyde Walkway, one of ‘Scotland’s Great Trails’.
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Please respect the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Scotland’s outdoors is managed by a variety of people and organisations and many of them earn their living from the land. It is all of our responsibilities to respect each other’s activities and interests in the outdoors.
As with all outdoor activities walking can present hazards. It is the access-taker’s responsibility to judge whether they can take access safely in any given situation. This route guide does not give any guarantee of path conditions.
