The best walks and hikes around Forth

The trails around Forth are quite varied, but most fall into the easy to moderate range. Out of nearly 80 routes in the area, the majority are suitable for regular walkers, with only a few being classified as difficult. You'll find everything from gentle riverside strolls to more demanding hikes with some elevation gain.

Yes, the Forth region has many options for families. The area around the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies offers easy, flat paths that are great for all ages. You can also explore the The Lodge – Terraced Garden loop from Lanark, which is a moderately-rated walk through pleasant gardens and woodlands.

The Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve is the premier destination for waterfall hikes in this area. It features a series of spectacular waterfalls along the River Clyde. The Falls of Clyde (Waterfalls) – Boardwalk by the River loop from Lanark is a fantastic moderate trail that takes you along a boardwalk for great views of the water.

Most trails in the Forth valley are dog-friendly, but it's important to be mindful of the environment. In areas like the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve or near farmland, you'll be required to keep your dog on a lead to protect wildlife and livestock. Always check local signage at trailheads for specific rules.

Absolutely. Many of the best routes in the region are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. A great example is the Wilsontown Ironworks loop from Wilsontown, which takes you on a circular journey through woodlands and past the area's industrial heritage.

The hiking routes around Forth are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful riverside scenery, and the interesting mix of nature and local history.

Yes, the region's industrial past is a key feature of many trails. You can explore the remains of the historic Wilsontown Ironworks or walk along the Forth and Clyde canal towpaths, which were vital to the area's development. These routes offer a unique blend of natural scenery and historical discovery.

The terrain is quite diverse. You'll encounter gentle riverside paths along the Clyde and Forth, well-trodden woodland tracks, and some gentle inclines through rolling hills. Some routes, particularly in the Falls of Clyde reserve, include boardwalks and managed footpaths.

Many trails are accessible via public transport. Towns like Lanark have good train and bus connections, providing access to the popular Falls of Clyde routes. For other trails, it's best to check local bus services to nearby villages, though some more remote trailheads may require a car.

While most trails are moderate, you can find more challenging options. The Falls of Clyde (Waterfalls) – View of Corra Linn Waterfall loop from Lanark is a longer route at over 10 miles (16 km) that requires a good level of fitness. For a different kind of challenge, the Hiking loop from Breich offers a solid moderate walk with more elevation gain.

For impressive views of the iconic Forth bridges, you should explore the sections of the John Muir Way or the Fife Coastal Path that run along the shores of the Firth of Forth. These long-distance paths offer fantastic vantage points of the bridges from the coastline.

You can hike in the Forth region year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions with longer daylight hours and lusher landscapes. Autumn is also beautiful, with vibrant foliage in the woodlands. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for colder, wetter conditions and shorter days.