Search

Forth, Wilsontown & Braehead

Cyclists will enjoy a pleasant route that follows country lanes through a rolling rural landscape. There are plenty of interesting stopping points, such as Wilsontown and its iron foundry, the sleepy hamlet of Auchengray and quiet woodlands that are perfect for a picnic.

Highlights

Iron Foundry

Founded in 1812, the Wilsontown Iron Foundry is on the site of the first iron works in Lanarkshire, and only the second in Scotland. There are a series of walks that explore what remains of the foundry.

Auchengray

The distinctive village church is modelled on a Coptic church in Alexandria, Egypt. (next to the primary school in Auchengray)

West Forth Woodland

A forest located in gently rolling countryside around West Forth, near to Forth with a good network of paths and tracks for walking, cycling or horse riding. woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/west-forth-woodland

Route

From the St Paul’s Parish Church in Wilsontown go to the left – downhill – and take the first left into Manse Road. This is 150m or so and after a road sign highlighting a main road turning right.

Follow Manse Road out of Forth to a T-junction at a former church. Turn left, and then after 200m turn right (signed for Auchengray).

Follow road through Wilsontown and round to the left, heading into rolling farmland.

Follow road through Haywood and at a left bend in road follow a sign for Auchengray.

After crossing a railway bridge, there is a steep climb into Auchengray. Turn right at a T-junction and cycle through the hamlet.

Leave Auchengray, heading downhill and follow the road round to the right and over a level crossing.

Follow long straight road to a T-junction at Eastshield Farm.

Turn right, signed for Forth.

Climb into Braehead. Continue through Braehead and descend, ignoring the first left – Bog Road – and continue on the road following sign for Wilsontown.

At bungalows (look for road on left with a sign warning of ford) and take that left for the ford.

Descend to cross the ford or use a bridge in flood and continue on road to climb into Forth.

At a T-junction, turn left into Manse Road and continue to the end of road and turn right on to main road to return to start.

OS Landranger 72
St Paul’s Parish Church, Main Street, Forth. Note: There is limited on-street parking
Train: Lanark (8 miles) or Shotts (7 miles)
distance: 12.5 miles/20km, elevation: 750ft/230m
Easy to moderate
Quiet back roads that are generally in good condition

Image of Forth, Wilsontown & Braehead