Folklore, local legends, hidden features, listed buildings, wildlife and famous visitors from past and present. This is just some of what you can expect from the new Victorian trail through the truly magnificent landscape of the old Bonnington Estate, now Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) Falls of Clyde.

The new trail leaflet, part funded by Heritage Lottery funded Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership, launches this May. To celebrate, SWT are offering a specialist and normally charged guided Victorian tour to the public for free!

The tour, as seen on BBC2’s Great British Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo, celebrates the no longer forgotten history of Falls of Clyde. Led by storyteller and folklorist Allison Galbraith in full Victorian costume, the tour focuses on the Lockhart Ross family who left a legacy of paths, viewing platforms and designed landscapes on the old Estate, taking in spectacular vistas and even stopping for Victorian treats of tea and fudge.

Victorian lady Geraldine Lockhart-Ross at the Falls of Clyde (c) Paul Watt

“The trails and tour offer visitors to the Falls a chance to see a different interpretation of the site,” explains Lyndsay Mark, Visitor Experience Manager at Scottish Wildlife Falls of Clyde. “Tales of the aristocratic family’s connection with sheep farming in the highlands, grand scale designed landscaping and myths perpetuating the local William Wallace connection mingle with folk beliefs and ancient customs inspired by the flora and fauna of this truly magnificent landscape.”

These specialist tours are available throughout the year for £120 per booking by appointment only with Scottish Wildlife Trust Falls of Clyde. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this free tour which takes place as part of the New Lanark Spring Food and Gift Fair on Monday 4^th May 1:30 – 4pm. Spaces are limited so booking is essential at www.cavlp.eventbrite.co.uk or by calling 01555 663 430.