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.
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.
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.
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.