Upper Nethan Gorge

Upper Nethan Gorge is a gorge carved by the River Nethan. This peaceful ancient woodland supports a huge range of species, including locally uncommon plants such as broadleaved helleborine, wood melick and meadow saxifrage. Great spotted woodpeckers and buzzards are often seen.

This reserve is part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.

Why visit?

Highlights include:

Woodland walks
Butterflies and wildflowers
Woodland birds

Best time to visit?

Apr to Jun for woodland flowers
May to Sep for meadow flowers
Autumn for woodland colours
Sep to Nov for fungi

Visit for:

birdwatching
woodlands
grasslands
wildflowers
scenery
mammals

Other information

The wildflower-rich grassland attracts a wealth of insects and birds. The flush of new growth in spring and warm autumnal shades of red, yellow and orange make this 2-mile walk mesmerising.

How to get there

Directions

The reserve entrance is on the minor road from Blackwood to Tillietudlem. Park on the the roadside and go through the kissing gate onto the disused railway line.

Getting onto the reserve

Access restrictions

There is open access across the reserve but be aware of steep slopes, cliffs and dense vegetation. The walk is easy-going on railway lines and moderate through areas of grassland. There are kissing gates and a short section of steps. The path continues on to Crossford via Craignethan Castle and Lower Nethan Gorge.