Coatbridge to Glenboig

1. Summerlee Heritage Park

From the entrance gates to the museum head southwards along Heritage Way back towards Coatbridge Town Centre. When you get to West Canal Street turn left for a few metres, cross the road then descend a small flight of steps then a ramp to the canal basin. Formerly known as the Muttenhole, this area was unique in that the Gartsherrie Burn passed under the Monkland Canal. The canal in turn was crossed by a road bridge, which was spanned by a rail bridge. From here you will be following the line of the Monkland Canal, as far as Drumpellier Home Farm in the west. Completed in 1794, the Monkland Canal allowed for cheap transportation of coal from the Monklands Collieries. Pass under a second joint rail and footbridge, and continue along until you reach the underpass at Merryston Bridge.

Easting: 272888, Northing: 665473

2. Merryston Bridge

As you travel along this route you will notice numerous willow trees. These water-loving trees date back to a time when the canal was still open. The actual canal water is extracted from the North Calder at Calderbank and is channelled through two large pipes below. Before passing beneath Merryston Bridge you can see the original gas lighting standards on the parapets above. The iron plates, bolted on the walls of the bridge, were used to protect the masonry from barges. Continue along the path past the high flats and West End Park. Originally known as Yeomanry Park, where the local militia once drilled, this park was gifted to the people of Coatbridge by the Buchanan family, local wealthy landowners.

Easting: 272950, Northing: 665335

3. Blair Bridge

At Blair Bridge the canal re-emerges, and you can now follow the old towpath as far as Drumpellier Home Farm. To the north of the canal, now part of the countryside park, there was once a reservoir, built to feed the canal. This was drained when the canal was extended and the North Calder became the main source of water. Cross the canal bridge then turn left onto a gravel path. Follow this path for a short distance before turning right and crossing a rail bridge. Pass between two wooden gate posts where you will now be entering Drumpellier Country Park.

Easting: 272130, Northing: 664960

4. Drumpellier Country Park

From here you can either go straight on or bear left and follow a more rustic path around Garnheath Wood. Both paths bring you back onto a more formal surfaced road, which can then be followed to Lochend Loch and the visitor centre. At this point you may wish to stop for refreshments or to use the toilets. Exit the country park and the main road access. Turn left and follow the public footpath then cross the road just before the T-junction. Continue to use the public footpath as this is an extremely busy road. After a short climb the path levels out, and you are soon at the road entrance to the new Gartcosh Rail Station. Pass by the pub then take the rail underpass to the car parking area. From here a wide public footpath can be followed towards Glenboig through Gartcosh Business Park. Just before the main entrance to the park, the path to Glenboig crosses the road. Part of this new route follows the line of the old Right of Way, known locally as the Ducks Walk. On reaching Glenboig Road, cross and turn right, then follow the public footpath round to the entrance of the award winning Glenboig Village Park.

Easting: 271380, Northing: 665480

5. Glenboig Village Park

On entering the park, a clockwise circular route around Garnqueen Loch can be taken back to the entrance. Part of this route follows the line of the Summerlee to Kirkintilloch rail line. Within the village itself there are a number of small shops. You can also catch a bus back into Coatbridge to the start of your journey. There is also a chance to follow the route of the railway line along the Strathkelvin Walkway. This is a much longer and more strenuous route that is best cycled. From Kirkintilloch you can follow the Forth and Clyde Canal into Glasgow or continue north westwards on the West Highland Way.

Easting: 271560, Northing: 668615