Stirling

Mill Lade

Deanston Mill Lade

Distance: 2.25 miles/3.4km, Time: 1 hour 15 mins

River and town A flat linear walk along the historic mill lade at the planned industrial village of Deanston.

From the Kilmadock Information Centre start off up Main Street to the Mercat Cross, then bear left down George Street to meet the A84 (T) at the Muir Hall. Bear left again and head down to and over the Bridge of Teith, where great views east to Doune Castle can be seen. Take care crossing the bridge, as the pavement is narrow.

Robert Spittal had the bridge built in 1535 after he was refused crossing by the ferryman because he had mislaid his purse and could not pay. On the bridge, a shield with a large pair of scissors denotes Spittal’s role as tailor to Queen Margaret.

Once over the bridge, immediately take the road to your right to Deanston and join the pavement. Keep right at the fork to Deanston. Keep to the path and walk parallel to the River Teith for 1/2 mile (800m).

The view ahead opens to the sizeable old mill building at the entrance to Deanston. The Mill, established in 1785 by the Buchanan brothers, was purchased and updated in 1807 by James Finlay and Company. It was the first integrated Cotton Mill in Britain. The building now houses Deanston Distillery.

Continue onwards, the road turns sharply left but keep going straight ahead and past The Cottages following the small path to your right. Continue on and soon the mill lade is reached.

Historically this provided water to the mill for generating power and also for washing the cotton material. Today the lade continues to be used in the distillery for electricity generation.

The route continues along the lade until a gate is reached. Beyond the gate are the sluices and an impressive weir built across the river in the 1820s by influential mill manager, James Smith.

To return to Doune retrace your steps back along the mill lade and across the Bridge of Teith.