National Cycle Network Go Traffic Free in Scotland - Sustrans

Uddingston
Coatbridge
Bargeddie
To Hamilton
13
Category: Urban and rural, canal towpath, railway path, short
on-road sections
Distance: 11 miles/18 kilometres
Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Gradient: Flat after initial gradual climb
Surface: Tarmac
Start from Bargeddie station and follow the new alignment of
Route 75 along the tree-lined towpath of the Monklands Canal.
The canal disappears underground as it enters Coatbridge – look
out for the ‘plug-hole’ sculpture. You will pass near Coatbridge
Central station and onto Ellis Street. The route weaves its way
eastwards on railway path and on some minor roads to Airdrie.
The route used to follow a path along the old Airdrie to Bathgate
Junction Railway line (built to supply the important 19th century
iron and steel works at Monklands and closed in the 1980s).
However, the path was closed in 2008 to allow the railway line to
be reopened!
Map 4
A12 A12
A89 A89
Kirkwood
Uddingston
B7001 B7001
Blairhill
Coatbridge
Central
Kirkwood
Summerlee
Heritage Park
Miles
0 1
1
Kilometres
Coatbridge
Sunnyside
Start/
Finish
A89 A89
Whifflet
3
Airdrie
Coatdyke
2
A8 A8
A8010 A8010
Airdrie
Cairnhill
Cyclist on the new path between Airdrie and Bathgate
Drumgelloch
Coatbridge to Hillend Reservoir 5
Caldercruix
Start/
Finish
Hillend
Reservoir
Map 6
A replacement path has been constructed by Network Rail. The
last section between Drumgelloch and Plains is due to open in
2012 and will be on a shared-use pavement alongside the A89.
East of Plains, most of the new route is on excellent tarmac path
alongside the railway, with a short on-road section through
Caldercruix. It takes you through open countryside to reach
pretty Hillend Reservoir, which is ideal for a picnic. Either retrace
your route or catch a train from Caldercruix to Glasgow or
Edinburgh. You also have the option of continuing to Bathgate
(see map 6).
14