With miles and miles of paths, Kilsyth is a great place for gentle cycling away from the traffic.
Colzium Estate, the Forth and Clyde canal, the Dumbreck marshes and a brush with the Antonine Wall mean that there is enough interest to turn a short route into a full day of exploration.
Highlights
Colzium Lennox Estate Centred on the 18th Century Colzium House, the surrounding parkland includes the ruins of the 15th Century Colzium Castle, the site of the Battle of Kilsyth (1645), a walled garden and one of the oldest curling ponds in the world.
Forth and Clyde Canal Engineer John Smeaton chose a similar route to the Antonine Wall for his canal linking the North Sea and the Firth of Clyde. Work began in 1768 and it was opened in 1790.
Route
From Market Square go to the left, turn left into Burngreen and along cobbled road past park and old library.
Continue straight on to road indicated as dead end. Dismount to tackle small sets of steps, emerge at Stirling Road.
Cross Stirling Road on to Tak-ma-doon road. After short distance take right on to path signposted for Banton, Colzium and Bluebell Wood. Short steep climb takes you to level path.
Keep right along path (though you can climb to Colzium house by taking a left at the small stone bridge) until you reach driveway at children’s playpark.
Turn right on to drive and follow to entrance to estate on Stirling Road.
Turn right and follow footpath for 250 yards, then turn right, carefully crossing main road to take the road for Dullatur.
Follow minor road round to the left and then round to the right. Take left fork for Dullatur on the downhill.
Continue to canal and go to the right to join towpath. Follow towpath under bridge at Auchinstarry and continue to Twechar.
Leave towpath at Twechar bridge and loop back on to road and take next left towards Queenzieburn. Continue for 150 yards and take up footpath on right for Dumbreck Marsh and Kilsyth.
Follow tarmac path downhill and over narrow bridge then follow gravel path – Dumbreck Marsh is on your left. Stay with the gravel path and the Dock Water.
Just after Dumbreck marshes take left fork signed ‘Kilsyth town centre’. Path becomes rough.
Follow stream into Kilsyth past Astroturf playing fields. At St Patrick’s Primary follow gravel path straight ahead. Dismount, go under bridge.
Continue through small shopping centre. Follow stream through Burngreen park and cross park to war memorial, turn right and right again to return to Market Square.
At Auchinstarry take the gravel path signed Colzium Lennox Estate via Coach Rd. After ½ mile of continue onto Coach Rd for 1 mile.
At the end of Coach Rd turn left, continue carefully on main road for 200 yards. Just before entrance to Colzium Lennox Estate take gravel path on the left behind row of houses for ½ mile, cross road at Burngreen Brae and follow signs for Burngreen park and Town Centre.
This route follows much of the Lanarkshire leg of the Glasgow to Edinburgh national cycling network (NCN 75). Avoiding busy roads it carves a pleasant route through central Scotland.
Not far beyond Bargeddie station, the route leaves the roads behind to follow the towpath by the Monkland Canal and to explore the tracks through Drumpellier Country Park and around Lochend Loch. That peace is shattered, however, when you reach your final destination – Summerlee... known as ‘Scotland’s noisiest museum.’
Highlights
Monkland Canal
Designed by James Watt in 1770, the 13-mile-long canal was built to take coal from Coatbridge and Airdrie to Glasgow. Look out for the quays and ‘windings’, where boats were loaded with coal.
Drumpellier Country Park
54 hectares of ancient, semi-natural woodland. Stop off at the visitor centre for a snack. Tel: 01236 422257.
Bank Street Basin
Bold art installations bring alive memories of the area’s iron, coal and steel industries. Look out for the stick of gelignite and Bleezin, an excerpt from a poem, recalling the sight of tens of blazing factory chimneys, by Janet Hamilton.
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Heritage
Based around the site of the Summerlee ironworks, this vividly recreates Lanarkshire’s industrial past. There are tram rides, tours of the recreated mine and working machinery. Hundreds of exhibits tell the story of the area. (free entry; open daily) Tel: 01236 638460. Read more about it here
Route
Leave Uddingston railway station and continue to Main Street. Cross at the pedestrian crossing to the right and straight over to join the cycle path on the opposite side running parallel to the railway track – signed as NCN 75, Bargeddie 3, Coatbridge 6.
At the end of the cycle path, you’ll enter a residential cul-de-sac. Continue straight on to the mini-roundabout and turn left. Follow NCN 75 (not NCN 74).
Follow the cycle route through an underpass and continue to the traffic lights at New Edinburgh Road. Go straight over and climb a moderate slope up Spindlehowe Road to the junction with Old Edinburgh Road and turn left.
At Tannochside Old Club, turn right on to Armstrong Crescent. Opposite No. 35 Armstrong Way take the short cycle path off to the right. At the end of the path turn left and follow NCN 75 along Vallantine Crescent. Continue to the junction with Guthrie Drive – second on your left – and follow to a roundabout.
Join the footpath/cycleway at the roundabout on the right as directed. Continue over Tannochside Drive and past Tannochside Business Park to take the next exit, Aitkenhead Road. Follow the cycle path down then uphill towards Showcase Leisure Park. Follow the cycle path to the right and then over a road. Return to Aitkenhead Road and continue under the M8 - signposted Drumpellier Country Park 2.
Remain on the footpath, and use it to negotiate a roundabout at the entrance to the leisure park and travel in the direction of the A752, Gartcosh and Muirhead. After a short distance, enter Bargeddie and follow the road to Bargeddie railway station (an alternative starting point).
Continue past the Langmuir Inn – using the footpath/cycle path.
At the roundabout at Bargeddie Community Centre, turn right and continue to a pedestrian crossing and across the dual carraigeway.
Travel a short distance to the left and then turn right down a lane. At the end of the lane, turn right along Maple Grove, with good views of Tinto Hill.
At the next junction, turn right into Cherryridge Drive, and follow to a roundabout. Turn right and then immediately go off to the left and join a red gravel path signed for Drumpellier 1, Coatbridge 2, Airdrie 5.
Cross a steel bridge and continue through woods to emerge at the Monklands Canal. Turn right and follow a towpath. Go under the Drumpellier Bridge and then uphill to the right and cross over the bridge. At the T-junction of paths, turn left to follow a gravel path running parallel to the railway line. After a short distance, turn right over a railway bridge and continue to the entrance of Drumpellier Country Park. Lift your bike over a specially lowered fence and turn left to follow a gravel path downhill through woodland, then to the right. Stay on the red ash path, keeping left, until it joins an access road. Turn left and continue through a gate at nursery woodland. Continue to Lochend Loch and go around the loch in a clockwise direction to return to nursery woodland (there is a visitor centre halfway round).
Leave the loch by the Country Park access road and follow uphill, then downhill past a school and playing fields. Go under the railway line and continue to the junction with Blair Road. Turn right and descend over Blair Bridge. Go through a gateway on the right signed for Monkland Canal NCN 75.
Turn right and go under the Blair Bridge and up a tarred path that follows the route of the filled-in canal across West End park and then under Merryton Bridge. Follow a broad tarred path, past the artworks in Bank Street Basin. At the giant Lees’ snowballs under the railway bridge, turn left and go between barrier and bridge support to join West Canal Street
Take the first left, Heritage Way, and follow to the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Heritage.
Making use of part of the Glasgow-Edinburgh National Cycle Network 75, the route starts at Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Heritage and finishes at Drumgelloch train station. You could choose to return the same way by bike, instead of taking the train.
Highlights
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Heritage
Based around the site of the former 19th century Summerlee Ironworks, the visitor attraction vividly recreates Lanarkshire’s industrial past. There are historic trams, tours down a recreated mine, working machinery and many exhibits that tell the human story. Find out more about visiting Summerlee.
Monklands Canal
Now home to ducks and heron, the canal was designed by James Watt as a route for carrying industrial goods. The building project started in 1770 and the canal opened in 1794. It was used for carrying mainly coal to Glasgow. Closed in 1935, much of the canal was then filled in.
Route
From Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Heritage, head towards Coatbridge Town Centre on the Heritage Way.
At the T-junction turn right and once under the bridge continue for a further 100 yards.
Turn left to enter the park that now occupies the Bank Street basin and follow the lower path under the railway bridge.
Go up the ramp and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing.
Go to the left and follow NCN 75 signs to the right past Reilly’s.
Cycle round to the left at the police station. NCN 75 then goes right.
Continue up ramp and follow road past Coatbridge health centre.
Cross the road at the supermarket to follow NCN 75 signed for Edinburgh, Airdrie and Caldercruix.
Follow NCN to the right and over dual carriageway on footbridge.
On the far side go to the left and rejoin the canal. Emerge at Locks Street
Turn right towards the railway bridge and then turn right again before you reach the railway bridge and go uphill.
At the top, turn left and join a railway path. Continue straight on when NCN 75 goes to the right. The cycle path eventually starts to climb in a series of looping bends.
At the top, head to the left signed for Drumgelloch and Plains. Keep left to follow NCN signs painted into tarmac surface.
The cycle path then follows a residential street. Go in the direction of the community centre and pass the building to the right.
Continue along path by blue fence before following a further path through barriers and then go down lane to emerge at Burns Stewart distillers.
Turn left and continue to pedestrian crossing. Cross the road and on far side, take Craigneuk Avenue and follow road past football stadium.
At the top of Craigneuk Avenue (at shops), go to the right and then follow road round to the left.
Go straight over at crossroads on to Torrance Avenue.
At the end of Torrance Avenue, cycle uphill on a tarmac path.
At the top go to the left and follow street to dead end opposite Wester Moffat Hospital.
Turn left and continue over railway bridge.
Take first left opposite play park and continue downhill to Drumgelloch station. You can return the same way by bicycle, or take a train to return to the start.
This route starts at the popular Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Heritage and can be walked or cycled. It is almost entirely traffic-free and follows the National Cycle Network route 75 and North Calder Heritage Trail.
There are plenty of signs and information boards for added interest and a visit to Summerlee before or after your outing will help you imagine the heyday of the canal when it was busy with boats carrying coal from the many pit heads once found in what is now tranquil and rolling green countryside.
Highlights
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Heritage
Based around the site of the former 19th century Summerlee Ironworks, the visitor attraction vividly recreates Lanarkshire’s industrial past. There are historic trams, tours down a recreated mine, working machinery and many exhibits that tell the human story.
Monklands Canal
Now home to ducks and heron, the canal was designed by James Watt as a route for carrying industrial goods. The building project started in 1770 and the canal opened in 1794. It was used for carrying mainly coal to Glasgow. Closed in 1935, much of the canal was then filled in.
Faskine Bridge
Painted black and white, British Waterway’s colours, this is an evocative piece of canal furniture. It was near here in 1819 that Thomas Wilson launched the Vulcan, Scotland’s first iron-hulled ship. A replica can be seen at Summerlee.
Route
- From Summerlee, proceed straight ahead down Heritage Way to a junction with West Canal Street.
- Turn left and cross to go back under the railway bridge at the giant Lees’ snowballs artworks.
- Continue to a pedestrian crossing and cross. Turn left and then first right into Ellis Street (cul-de-sac).
- Follow around to the left and continue past the police station, up a ramp at the foot of the pedestrian bridge.
- Go around the car park, passing Coatbridge health centre on your right.
- Continue to the pedestrian crossing and continue in the direction of Caldercruix, following the path to the rear of a supermarket and continue to cross the bridge over the dual carriageway.
- Turn left in the direction of Calderbank, NCN 75.
- After a short downhill ride, turn right to join the Monkland canal basin and emerge at Locks Street.
- Staying on this side of the road, turn right and right again before going under the viaduct.
- Head up a ramp to reach the level of the railway path then turn left to cross the viaduct.
- Follow the railway path until it goes uphill past a primary school. Turn left at a junction of footpaths (do not go out to the main road) – signed as “Drumgelloch 1¾, Plains 3, NCN 75”.
- Continue beyond the primary school and astroturf pitch, following the tarred path around to the left for about 100 yards.
- At a wooden fence, leave NCN 75 and turn right to follow path that involves negotiating a series of staggered gates. On the left is the Brownsburn Country Park.
- The cycle path will then meet up with a road signed for Calderbank and Chapelhall. Cross straight over and take a path across a field, which is narrow in places.
- At Calderbank Road turn to the right and join the road, entering the Calderbank 30mph zone.
- Continue past Calderbank Primary School and then downhill through the village. Turn right into Crowwood Road just before the village hall.
- Take the second left – Woodhall Avenue. Go to the bottom and pass through a narrow swing gate on the right.
- Descend on to a tarred road which is closed to traffic and at the bottom of hill cross the canal to take up the towpath on the left.
- Stay on the towpath to the end of the open section of canal, then cross the bridge over a weir and continue to Paddock Street/ Sykeside Road.
- Cross the road, take up a gravel path and follow to the railway viaduct. At Drumgelloch, you can take a train west to Coatbridge Sunnyside (six-minute journey).
- Come out of station through car park, at roundabout cross over to the right, walk to the end of the road, at roundabout, take a right turn which will take you back to Summerlee Museum.
It’s worth spending a little time thinking about the past before starting this cycling route.
Until around 70 years ago there was a village and mining community on the site of Strathclyde Country Park and loch. The pit was closed in 1959 and the population of Bothwellhaugh was evacuated in 1965 before being demolished to make way for a new motorway and country park, including the man-made loch. Its residents were moved to nearby towns, and the ruins of the village lie underwater to this day. Today, the park and loch are popular with people who enjoy outdoor activities, on land and water.
Highlights
Strathclyde Loch Watersports Centre
The watersports centre is a hub of sports activities and clubs. It was the focus of the triathlon race at the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The paths and quiet roads around the loch are perfect for a walk or cycle.
M&D’s, Scotlands Theme Park, and Amazonia, the indoor tropical rainforest, are great attractions for families.
Fort, bathhouse and a bridge
See the site of Bothwellhaugh Roman Fort, visit a refurbished Roman bath-house and try not to get confused by a medieval bridge anachronistically named “Roman Bridge”. Contemporary with the fort, the bathhouse was in use between 142AD and 162AD.
Dalzell Estate
There are plenty more cycling and walking paths at Dalzell, where you can also see historic Dalzell house and ornamental gardens. The core of the house is a 15th century tower house, with extensive additions built during the 17th and 19th centuries.
RSPB Baron’s Haugh
The nature reserve, which is a flooded marshland located in a bend in the River Clyde, attracts wintering wildfowl, including widgeon and whooper swans. Look out for bird hides here.
Route
The cycle route starts at the Watersports Centre, although you could begin at any point around the loch, and then head clockwise.
Follow the path that hugs the shore of loch all the way around. It is shared with walkers and cyclists so take care when passing or approaching walkers and runners.
When you come to the car park next to the beach area head up on to the park road and cross the road and follow the path that will bring you out at the corner of Strathclyde Road and Ladywell Road.
Head up Ladywell Road and shortly after you cross the junction of Neilsland Drive go right and downhill on a tarmac path. After a short distance, join a gravel path to the right.
You’ll emerge at Hamilton Road and go to the left to cross at lights. Go left and then first right into Malcolm Street and follow round to the left on to Crawford Street.
Where Nigel Street meets Crawford Street, head right into Duchess of Hamilton Park, which is laid out in a formal design with a network of footpaths around a skate park. Follow a path on the right-hand edge of the park.
You will emerge where Avon Street meets Airbles Road before crossing Avon Street and continuing to a pedestrian crossing. Cross Airbles Road and go first right on to Leven Street. Take second right on Leven Street to head along North Lodge Avenue.
Continue to the end of the avenue and turn right downhill at garages. This is sign for RSPB nature reserve and Clyde Walkway.
Go to the left and descend on the White Walk to the very bottom of the hill. Note that White Walk isn’t signposted, but it is the name of the road. Take care because the hill can be steep.
Follow a path to the left around an old cemetery and cross a stream on a narrow bridge. Turn right on to Chestnut Walk and follow to River Clyde. Note that part of the route has been washed away but there is an obvious diversion in place.
Turn right on to the Clyde Walkway and cycle along the river shore until directed to right through a residential area. Go left and continue to end of a cul-desac where you can rejoin a path by the River Clyde (steps) and continue to Clyde bridge.
Cycle under the bridge and follow the River Clyde back to the watersports centre.
The Clyde Walkway is a great place to head for an easy bike ride, especially with families. There is plenty of wildlife to spot, too, including wildflowers, mammals, butterflies and birds.
There are lots of places to stop for a picnic or to see some of the various attractions, such as Dalzell House and Estate and Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve.
It is possible to cycle shorter sections by joining the Walkway at different points.
Highlights
Watersports at Strathclyde Loch
There is a range of waterports are available to try during the summer months (April–September). It was a venue for the Commonwealth Games 2014 and home of the Scottish Rowing Academy.
Strathclyde Park
There is a variety of rural attractions with 1100 acres of mature woodland, rough wetland, and open water, providing wildlife refuges for more than 150 different species of animals and birds. The park has more than 20 miles of paths for cyclists, walkers and runners.
Dalzell Estate
The estate was originally a Royal hunting forest owned by the Dalzell family, until it was sold in 1647 to the 5th Laird of Orbiston, James Hamilton. In the 18th century, the barren estate lands were transformed into an orderly and landscaped park. Later additions included the arboretum in the 19th century and the Japanese garden in the 1920s. In 1952, Dalzell House and grounds passed into public ownership.
Dalzell House
The centrepiece of the estate, the impressive building is more than 500 years old. The Hamiltons of Dalzell lived here from the 17th century until the early 1950s. Apparently, at least three ghosts also inhabit the building. It is privately owned.
Nature reserve
RSPB Baron’s Haugh nature reserve takes the form of a flooded marshland in a bend of the River Clyde. The reserve attracts wintering wildfowl, including widgeon and whooper swans.
Route
Starting at Airbles Train Station, turn left and go down Airbles Road, across a roudabout.
Pass Airbles Cemetery on the left and then turn left into Airbles Farm Road, briefly joining Greenacres before a left into Ross Drive.
At end of Ross Drive (where it meets Ross Gardens), go straight ahead down the steps.
Keep going straight along Ross Crescent, then across the grass and on to Sandilands Crescent.
Continue on this crescent and turn left on to Prentice Road.
At this point, you will join a path and you should look for a left fork. This takes you down to the River Clyde.
Head under the road bridge and you will find yourself in Strathclyde Park.
Enter the park and stay left. You will eventually go in front on the watersports centre (clockwise round the loch).
When you exit the watersports area (past a green metal fence), turn left and across the park road, Here there is a bridge over the Clyde.
Go over the bridge then turn left (do not go through the M74 tunnel towards Hamilton).
You will now be walking along a tree lined path that runs parallel to M74 southbound.
Continue until this meets the road bridge over the Clyde, go up the steps and turn left crossing the bridge.
Once across the bridge, turn left on the first path and head down steps to keep going left until you go under the road bridge with the Clyde to your right.
Continue here, retracing yours steps back to Prentice Road.
When the path reaches Prentice Road, continue and take first right after the houses and before the grass area.
There is a signpost down to the Clyde. Follow this path on to the Clyde Walkway and turn left.
Continue on the path. You will go under the railway bridge and past a sign for Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve and Dalzell Park.
Continue until you reach a junction in the paths. Take the left, which goes uphill.
At the junction there is a patch of concrete ground to the left of the path, which you should follow.
Go up this path and you will find the backs of houses on your right.
This path will eventually emerge on Camp Road. Turn left and go over the railway bridge between the houses.
Turn right at the junction with Elmhurt then first right. This road looks like a cul-de-sac but at the top there is a set of steps and path.
Follow this path and you will eventually appear at the Electric Bar.
Turn right and you will be back at Airbles Train Station.
The market town of Strathaven is the starting point for a peaceful walk next to Avon Water and to a beautiful waterfall. You’ll enjoy strolling on banks filled with colourful wildflowers in spring and summer. Look out for grey wagtails and dippers and, if you are lucky, you might spot otters.
Highlights
Strathaven Castle
Now in ruins, the castle has a gruesome past. One of the lords who owned this fortress apparently punished his wife by having her bricked up alive inside a purpose-built enclosure. More recently, human remains were found when part of the castle walls collapsed.
Spectacle E’e (eye) falls
The unusual name is the result of an incident involving a local lad who fell in love with the miller’s daughter. The miller disapproved and put an end to the romance. In revenge, the lad placed an eye glass in the mill’s thatch. The thatch soon caught fire and the mill was burned to the ground.
Strathaven Brewery
A producer of real ales with a local character. facebook.com/StrathavenAles
Route
Leave the Common Green in Strathaven by Main Street (south).
Cross the road to the Castle Tavern and go round into Todshill Street.
Follow Todshill Street and then carry straight on to leave Strathaven.
Once out of Strathaven, cross the stile – signposted “Sandford 1 mile”.
Go downhill through the field keeping to the right.
Cross the bridge over Avon Water and then turn right upstream.
After a short distance, turn left to follow the Kype Water.
Staying on this bank, continue to steps. A short detour to the right heads through remains of old mill for close-up view of the falls.
To continue, climb steps and follow the stream as it tumbles over a series of cascades/
Cross a small bridge, remembering to close the gate, and continue straight on through the field towards a fence. There is a stile.
Follow sign to the right towards Sandford.
In Sandford, go right and cross bridge and continue straight on to main road.
At the main road, turn right and follow the B7086 (broad pavement) into Strathaven. The brewery is by the old bridge over the Avon on your left.
Once something of a regular feature on the route of the Tour of Britain cycle race, Strathaven offers excellent cycling on gently undulating roads that lead to and from the busy market town.
Not far from Strathaven is Whitelee Wind Farm, where there are off-road tracks for cross country and mountain bikers. This is a great location for families to enjoy cycling and walking.
Highlights
Strathaven Castle
One of the many lords of Strathaven Castle punished his wife by having her bricked up alive inside a purpose-built niche. It’s said that human remains were found when part of the castle walls collapsed in more recent times. The castle is now in ruins.
Loudoun Hill
A volcanic plug located just inside the Ayrshire border, Loudoun Hill is the site of a famous victory by Robert the Bruce over the English in 1307. A walk to the top offers an excellent viewpoint.
The Battle of Drumclog
In 1679 “Bloody ClaverHouse/Bonnie Dundee” was patrolling with his dragoons when he encountered a group of covenanters. It was a victory for the covenanters and Bloody ClaverHouse only just managed to escape with his life having been knocked from his horse.
Route
Leave the Common Green by Bridge Street in Strathaven.
Follow Bridge Street to a roundabout at Strathaven Castle.
Turn right and then turn left into Todshill Street.
Turn left at the next junction and then take the first right into Newtown Road. At a fork in road go right and follow road out to a T-junction with B743.
Turn left and cross a bridge over the River Avon. Beyond the bridge, take the first right.
Following the road, keep right. At Westlinbank Farm ignore the right for Gilmourton and continue straight. Head downhill to the junction and go in the direction of Kilmarnock, B745.
After a short distance, at crossroads, turn right and follow the road into Drumclog. At the A71 at Drumclog Memorial Kirk, cross straight over on to Meadowfoot Road.
At Moss Side go to the right. After 500 yards turn left. (It’s straight on and downhill past Stobieside for the Battle of Drumclog site).
At the next T-junction, turn right and follow a long, straight road downhill.
Once over stone bridge, go to the right and continue parallel with the Calder Water
The walk from Cumbernauld to Palacerigg Country Park has stunning views open up northwards to the Campsies and beyond to the Southern Highlands. Look for wildlife including populations of badger, fox, roe deer, sparrowhawk, kestrel and long and short eared owls at Palacerigg Country Park. The walk of around 7.5 miles takes about 2 hours at a moderate pace.
Highlights
Luggiebank Nature Reserve
An area of birch and alder woodland close to the centre of Cumbernauld. Look out for water voles, kingfishers and even otters. Come in the spring for bluebell displays.
Palacerigg Country Park
The visitor centre offers an introduction to the park’s wildlife. The café will reopen shortly under new management.
Fannyside Muir & Loch
This is an expanse of valuable raised bog. Up to 12 metres deep and laid down over thousands of years, the bogs are rich in wildlife. You can spot sphagnum moss, grouse, and dragonflies.
Glencryan
These are firebrick clay mines and although they closed more than 50 years ago, evidence of their existence remains. Half-hidden by the advance of nature, it is possible to spy the entrances to the mines and the cables that pulled the wagons.
Route
Note: Towards the end of the route, look out for evidence of the old Glencryan clay mines.
- At Greenfaulds station cross the bridge and head east towards Lenziemill Road.
- Turn left and head north on Lenziemill road.
- After 200m, cross the road and enter the Luggiebank Wood wildlife reserve via the path.
- After 150m take a path to the left up a steep but very short hill. Follow a gravel path through the woodland then follow Luggie Water upstream.
- The path then goes under a bridge and climbs to a road. Emerge from the reserve at a narrow lane closed to traffic.
- Turn left and follow the lane uphill until it meets Lenziemill Road. Cross to the pavement and walk 150m until you spot a minor road heading eastward.
- Cross the road and walk up the minor road on the left-hand side pavement.
- After about one mile, look out for a road on the left, near the top of the hill signed “Country Park service vehicles only”. Turn left to follow the service road
- Continue past a footpath for Glencryan Woodlands to the park’s café and play park.
- Walk past the park buildings and turn right and the right again so that you are now on the other side of the buildings.
- Walk along the road towards the car park. Look out for a sign on the left-hand side of the road that says “Badger Trail”.
- Cross the road and take the path indicated by the badger trail. Follow the signs for the badger trail.
- Follow the signs for the badger trail until you reach the entrance. You can either enter the badger trail or continue straight on. Either will take you the correct way but the badger trail is a slightly longer but scenic route.
- Once you reach the end of the badger trail, there is a sign indicating turn left for the visitors’ centre. You can either return to the centre or turn right and continue on to Fannyside Loch.
- After a few hundred metres take the left turn and continue onwards.
- Within half a mile you will spot Fannyside loch. Look out for a trail on your right-hand side that heads towards the loch.
- Take the trail and keep left at any turnings. You will return to the main path.
- Continue along the path until you reach a crossroads. You can either return to the visitor centre by going straight across the golf course or turn right to head back to the train station.
- Turn right and follow the path. Keep walking straight on at any crossroads. The walk is now mostly downhill.
- After a couple of miles, you will reach a small car park next to the B8084.
- You can now return to the start of the walk by turning left and walking back along this road or you can cross the road and walk a short distance to Cumbernauld Railway station.
New Lanark, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a great visitor destination. From the visitor centre, you can follow the banks of the River Clyde as it surges through a narrow gorge and over three spectacular waterfalls.
As you walk, look out for a wide variety of wildlife. If you are lucky you may spot the blue flash of a kingfisher as it flies by or one of the resident peregrine falcons. There are otter and badger, too.
Highlights
New Lanark
In the early 19th century, philanthropist and utopian idealist Robert Owen created what he believed was a model industrial community. Staff lived in a newly built village and worked on what became Scotland’s largest cotton mill. Today, the mill is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.
Falls of Clyde
To give it the official title, it’s the Scottish Wildlife Trust - Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve. The Falls of Clyde is the collective name of four linn on the River Clyde near New Lanark, including the upper falls of Bonnington Linn, Corra Linn, Dundaff Linn, and the lower falls of Stonebyres Linn. Corra Linn is the highest, with a fall of 26 metres. There is also a Peregrine Watch.
Corra Castle
Perched above the Corra Linn, this is where William Wordsworth wrote a poem about the castle and the falls.
Clydesholm Bridge
The narrow humpback bridge was built in 17th century.
Castlebank Park
A beautiful park and site of Lanark castle, where William Wallace began his rebellion against English rule.
Route
The route is well signposted but mobile phone reception can be patchy, so don’t rely on your phone for directions.
From the New Lanark Visitor Centre go down steps to mill shop and turn left.
Beyond the old schoolhouse go to the right to SWT visitor centre and a close-up view of Dundaff Linn.
Climb steps to the left.
At the top, turn right through an archway to follow the River Clyde.
At the end of the boardwalk, go to the right.
At the hydro power station, follow signposts off to the right and climb to a viewpoint.
Continue upstream to a weir and cross the Clyde.
Turn right downstream. Head right and follow a footpath along the Clyde. You might need to follow diversion while peregrines are nesting.
Continue to Corra Castle and from there continue downstream.
At each junction turn right to continue downstream.
The footpath emerges at old lodge house in Kirkfieldbank.
Turn right downhill to join Clyde Walkway and cross Clydesholm bridge.
Go through a gate in between properties at the far side of the bridge and descend to rejoin the footpath by the Clyde.
Continue uphill at a water plant and follow a single track road to the top of a hill. Turn right into Castlebank Park.
In the park, turn right before a big house to follow the Clyde walkway steeply downhill and then uphill into New Lanark.