Unofficial Cycle Routes - Carluke to Airdrie & Coatbridge

This route connects Carluke to the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 75 in Petersburn, mainly using minor roads. The route takes in the countryside to the east of Wishaw and Airdrie, and passes close to the landmark Kirk o'Shotts church and Black Hill transmitter mast. From Petersburn the Sustrans route gives access to Airdrie and Coatbridge..

Starting from Carluke station, turn right into Station Road and at the end turn right onto Kirkton Street. Take the first left into James Street and continue straight on into John Street and at two roundabouts into Belstane Road. Leave Carluke and continue following this road, forking right where it joins another road from the town, then take a right turn past Hyndshaw to head for Watsonhead.

At the end of this road fork left across the main road to head for Bonkle. Turn right with care onto the A71, and immediately take the first left into the village. Follow the road left at the church, then take the second right, Murdostoun Road, which becomes Muiredge and Jersy Road, to head back out into the countryside. Continue straight on at two junctions, a crossroads and a junction on the left, and keep heading towards the Black Hill transmitter mast. Take the next left turning, Manse Road, past Jersay, to head towards Salsburgh.

On arrival at the end of this road, turn right onto the B7066 towards Kirk o'Shotts. Take the first road on the left, Duntilland Road, cross the motorway bridge, and start climbing up towards the Black Hill mast. Good views across the lower Clyde valley can be had from near the mast. Continue over the hill and fork left at the end of the road into Stepends Road, and continue down towards Moffat Mills.

On arrival at the Moffat Mills roundabout, turn right into Craigens Road, which becomes Towers Road. Turn left onto the North Calder Heritage Trail shortly after the roundabout. There is a kissing gate but you can probably get around it. Follow the path straight to the river, then turn left. Fork right at the next junction, then follow the path until it ends up at Ardgryfe Crescent. Go straight onto this road and turn left onto Varnsdorf Way at the T-junction. Turn right at the next proper junction into Glen Road and at the end cross Petersburn Road into Bankhead Avenue. At the next crossroads, turn left onto Torrance Avenue, which is part of National Cycle Network Route 75. Follow the signs which lead to the cycle path for Airdrie, Coatbridge and Glasgow. Be very careful if you do not know the Sustrans route in this area, since there are many poorly signed junctions where you can lose the route. Continue following the route to get to Coatbridge. From Coatbridge it is possible to follow the unofficial cycle routes to Baillieston and Glasgow.