Unofficial Cycle Routes - Carluke to Airdrie & Coatbridge

This route connects Carluke to the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 75 in Plains, 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 Plains the Sustrans route gives access to Airdrie and Coatbridge. The section between Plains and Drumgelloch (Airdrie) will be affected by work to restore the Airdrie - Bathgate railway line.

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 left, 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, 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, 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. Turn first right at the golf course onto the road to Plains.

On arrival in Plains, turn left onto the cycle path for Airdrie, Coatbridge and Glasgow, or right for Bathgate. Follow the path towards Airdrie, and keep going straight on for Drumgelloch station, or fork left at the sun dial for Airdrie town centre and beyond. 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.