This gem of a walk, with great panoramic views, starts in Strathaven Park and heads south through the town towards Sandford. Leaving the B7086, the route then cuts across country to a footbridge over the Avon Water. There is then a short steady climb up to the falls, following the course of the Kype Water.

After taking in the falls, the path continues its climb to the other side of the valley, before joining a small road leading into Sandford. Following the gently rising road out of Sandford, the route then heads across country to join an access road back to the Avon Water and the footbridge. This walk provides, on a clear day, glorious views over the surrounding countryside.

Getting there from Glasgow: 28 miles / 38 minutes

From Cresswell Street take your favourite route onto the M8 (westward), cross the Kingston Bridge and exit at Junction 20 to join the M74 (southwards). Exit the M74 at Junction 8 and take the A71 (westwards) to Strathaven. Park at the northern carpark of Strathaven Park (off George Allan Place) in Strathaven – OS Reference NS 697 450. There are toilets available in John Hastie Park.

The Walk: Spectacle E’e Falls (6.5 miles/10km)

From the car park, cross Strathaven Park (which, according to maps, comprises Strathaven Park, George Allan Park and John Hastie Park). This area is collectively known as Strathaven park. Pass the boating pond and bowling green and exit left onto Lethame Road. At the traffic lights, cross straight over into Common Green and then left into Bridge Street. Turn right over the old bridge, crossing the Powmillon Burn, and cross Kirk Street into Todshill Street. Continue into Avon View and then turn right into Newton Road. Continue through an area of housing and then onto a country road. At the fork in the road go left on a single-track road and follow this until it meets the B7086. Cross the B7086 and go uphill until a finger post on the right, indicates a route to the Spectacle E’e Falls. Continue past this until a gravel track leads off to the right. Follow this track and at the junction turn right. Continue slightly downhill until a small path leads off to the right. Follow this until it meets a slighter larger path. Turn left and go down hill to the footbridge over the Avon Water.

Cross the footbridge and turn right to follow a narrow, uneven path along the side of the Kype Water. This rising path passes the Falls (a minor diversion from the main path). Take time to enjoy the views of the falls before rejoining the main path. Continue the climb to the top of the gorge looking out for the Kype Water below. At the top of the climb, cross a field and exit it through a gate/style. Turn right into Waterside Street, passing the old mill, and continue into Sandford. At the junction turn left into Sandford Road and follow the road as it gently climbs. At a finger post on the left (Waukmill), go through the gate and follow a broad path by a copse of trees. At the bottom of the copse cross a style and turn left into a narrow lane/path which, after a short distance, exits onto the bend of a small road. Turn right and gently descend to the Avon Water. The road passes around the front of a large bungalow, complete with ducks and duck pond. Continue past the garage and through the gate to join a small path that tracks the course of the river on the east side. At the footbridge, which was crossed on the way out, cross the river again but this time, turn right to follow the course of the river on the west bank. After a short distance this path curves left and ascends a short hill to join the farm track used on the outward journey. At the B7086, turn right and follow this road back into Strathaven. Immediately before Kirk Street turn right to descend wooden steps. Note the remains of Strathaven Castle high above. The walkway exits onto a small road which joins Stonehouse Road. Cross the road, and enter Bridge Street before turning right into Waterside Street. At the green, cut left (noting The Waterside), cross a grassy area, and then turn right onto the A723. Follow this road until Holm Street and turn left to re-enter Strathaven Park. Head north, past the Strathaven Miniature Railway, to end the walk at the car park.