The best walks and hikes around New Stevenston

There are over 130 hiking routes in the New Stevenston area, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. This includes 67 easy trails, 60 moderate routes, and 5 more challenging hikes.

Yes, many of the trails around New Stevenston are circular. For example, the popular A loop of Strathclyde Loch & Country Park is an easy 4.0-mile (6.5 km) circular route. Another option is the Strathclyde Loch North Path – Strathclyde Loch loop from Hamilton, which is an easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) loop.

The area offers many easy, flat paths, particularly around Strathclyde Loch. The A loop of Strathclyde Loch & Country Park is an excellent choice, covering 4.0 miles (6.5 km) with minimal elevation. Another accessible option is the Strathclyde Loch North Path – Walk Around the Loch loop from Strathclyde Country Park, which is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long.

While not directly in New Stevenston, the spectacular Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve is located approximately one mile south of Lanark, offering scenic woodland walks and impressive waterfalls. It's a renowned natural feature in the wider North Lanarkshire area.

Hiking around New Stevenston provides access to several historical sites. Within Strathclyde Country Park, you can find the Duke's Monument and remnants of the former mining village of Bothwellhaugh, including a Roman fort. Nearby, you can also visit Bothwell Castle or the David Livingstone Birthplace.

Many of the trails, especially those within Strathclyde Country Park, are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife, livestock, or in busy areas, and to follow local signage regarding dog access.

The trails around New Stevenston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the accessible waterside paths, the diverse parkland, and the well-maintained routes suitable for various ability levels.

Yes, while many routes are easy, there are also moderate and a few difficult options. For a longer moderate hike, consider the Strathclyde Loch North Path – Strathclyde Loch loop from Motherwell, which spans 8.1 miles (13.0 km) and includes more elevation gain than shorter loops.

Yes, within Strathclyde Country Park, you can find the Waterfront Café, offering refreshments. There are also various pubs and cafes in the nearby towns and villages surrounding New Stevenston.

The primary natural feature is Strathclyde Loch, offering expansive waterside views. The surrounding country park provides diverse landscapes. Further afield, the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve boasts spectacular waterfalls and ancient woodlands, part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.

New Stevenston itself has bus connections, and nearby towns like Motherwell and Hamilton have train stations. Strathclyde Country Park is accessible by public transport, and the Falls of Clyde can be reached via the historic village of New Lanark, which has bus services.

While Strathclyde Country Park can be popular, exploring some of the less central paths or visiting during off-peak hours can offer a quieter experience. The wider North Lanarkshire area also has numerous smaller local trails that might be less frequented than the main park loops.