The best waterfall hikes and walks around St Leonards

There are 8 dedicated waterfall hiking trails around St Leonards, primarily located within Calderglen Country Park in East Kilbride. These routes offer a variety of experiences through ancient woodlands and along the Calder Water.

The waterfalls in Calderglen Country Park are beautiful year-round. However, they are often at their most impressive after periods of rain, when the Calder Water is flowing strongly. Spring and autumn also offer vibrant seasonal foliage, enhancing the scenic beauty of the trails.

Yes, many of the waterfall trails in Calderglen Country Park are very family-friendly. For instance, the Calderglen Zoo – Courtyard Cafe loop from East Kilbride is an easy 3.1 km route that takes less than an hour, passing by the zoo and cafe, making it ideal for families with children.

Calderglen Country Park is generally dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife, other visitors, and around the waterfalls themselves for safety. Always ensure you clean up after your pet.

Yes, most of the waterfall trails in Calderglen Country Park are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Small Waterfall – Courtyard Cafe loop from East Kilbride, an easy 5.2 km path that offers lovely views of a small waterfall and follows the river.

The waterfall hikes around St Leonards are predominantly easy, with 7 out of 8 routes classified as such. There is also one moderate route available. This makes the area accessible for a wide range of hikers, from beginners to those looking for a slightly longer stroll.

Beyond the beautiful waterfalls, the trails wind through ancient woodlands and along the Calder Water. You might also encounter the Calderglen Zoo and Courtyard Cafe. Nearby attractions include the impressive Linn Park Waterfall and the historic Bothwell Castle.

For those seeking a longer walk, the Small Waterfall – Calderglen Zoo loop from East Kilbride is an easy 7.3 km route that takes approximately 1 hour 57 minutes to complete, offering an extended exploration of the park's features.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 210 reviews. Hikers often praise the scenic beauty of the waterfalls, the well-maintained paths, and the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient woodlands within Calderglen Country Park.

Yes, within Calderglen Country Park, you can find the Courtyard Cafe, which is a convenient spot for refreshments before or after your hike. Several routes, such as the Courtyard Cafe – Calderglen Zoo loop from East Kilbride, pass directly by it.

The terrain in Calderglen Country Park features a mix of well-maintained paths and natural woodland trails. You'll navigate through ancient woodlands, deep ghylls (steep-sided ravines), and along the riverbanks of the Calder Water, which creates the numerous cascades and waterfalls.