Corra Linn - Falls of Clyde

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Throughout history, this region has drawn countless visitors. Renowned figures like the Wordsworths, Coleridge, and Sir Walter Scott were among those captivated by the allure of the Falls. In 1802, William Wordsworth captured the grandeur of Corra Linn, the largest cascade, in his poetry. Artists such as J. M. W. Turner have also sought to capture the beauty of Corra Linn on canvas. The name "Corra" traces its origins to the Gaelic word "currach," signifying a marshy locale. Legend has it that "Cora," believed to be a daughter of King Malcolm II, met her tragic end here, supposedly fleeing from imagined peril.
Adjacent to Corra Linn stands the Pavilion, erected by Sir John Carmichael of Bonnington, likely around 1708. Adorned with mirrors on its rear wall, the Pavilion offered visitors the illusion of standing beneath the falls when its doors swung open. Nearby lies the 15th-century Corra Castle, now a habitat for various bat species. With "Corra" translating to "weir" in Gaelic, some speculate that the castle may have been an early possession of the Weirs, a prominent landowning family in the area.
Corehouse, constructed in 1844, serves as the former residence of the Cranstoun family and lies in close proximity.
Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (formerly the Corehouse Nature Reserve), the Falls of Clyde are nestled within the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve. This expanse comprises a mix of woodland, encompassing semi-natural native oakwoods alongside sections of conifer plantation. It provides a suitable habitat for various wildlife, including badgers, roe deer, and over 100 bird species. The site is particularly renowned for its resident breeding pair of peregrine falcons, protected during their breeding season by Operation Peregrine, allowing public viewing through scopes and CCTV. Notably, a very rare pine marten was sighted within the reserve in October 2011. The Clyde River within the reserve is also conducive to otters and kingfishers, as well as the protected brook lamprey.
Operated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre showcases exhibits on the waterfalls, woodland, and local fauna, with a special focus on bats.