We are the Kilmarnock & Loudoun Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
North Calder Heritage Trail - C+
This walk follows the North Calder Heritage Trail in North Lanarkshire. As the name suggests it follows the course of the river of the same name until it becomes the main feeder for the Monklands Canal. The walk then follows the canal into Coatbridge and its branch/basin at the Summerlee Industrial Heritage Museum in Coatbridge. The total distance is around 10 miles. Much of the walk is quite flat, but there are some steep ascents on the river section of the walk as the path rises to higher ground at bends in the watercourse. The path surfaces are generally good, but after rain there may be some short muddy sections. Part of the walk is on tarmac paths, but the whole length is away from roads (other than a few road crossings). Most of the walk is pleasantly wooded parkland and then canal towpath and town park. There are unfortunately no toilet facilities on the route.
Along the way there are numerous sites reflecting the area’s industrial past – from print works, to a spade mill, then passing a variety of coal, ironstone and coal mines. Coatbridge became Scotland’s major centre of malleable iron works – most of which are on the river or canal banks along the route.
This is a ‘Green Walk’ (see earlier article in Walk Magazine) in that it can be accessed easily by public transport. It begins in the car park at Drumgelloch Station and ends at Coatbridge Sunnyside Station (with the return to Drumgelloch being a few stops along the line).
Gaiters might be of use on a few short muddy parts or if there has been heavy rain. Poles only required if they would be helpful on a few steep parts.
For those using public transport, trains leave Queen Street Low Level at 0908, arriving at 0941. Travel to there could be by bus or train. For those wishing to travel by car, meet in the EAC car park, London Road at 9.00. There is ample parking in the Park and Ride car park at Drumgelloch (Postcode ML6 7BZ) Distance is circa 40 mile each way and travel time around 50 minutes. We should all be able to meet up around the platform exit to the car park a little before 10. I will meet the group at Drumgelloch (or Queen Street Low Level).
In case of emergency my mobile is 07792-596141.
For those travelling by car, meet at East Ayrshire Council Headquarters car park, 95 London Road, Kilmarnock KA3 7BU. Meet at 08.45 to arrange car share and leave prompt at 09.00.
There is ample parking in the Park and Ride car park at Drumgelloch (Postcode ML6 7BZ) Distance is circa 40 mile each way and travel time around 50 minutes. We should all be able to meet up around the platform exit to the car park a little before 10. I will meet the group at Drumgelloch (or Queen Street Low Level).
