Unofficial Cycle Routes - Airdrie to the Falkirk Wheel

This route uses the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 75 between Airdrie and Blackridge, then takes minor roads across to join the Union Canal for the last section to the Falkirk Wheel. The route passes through both of the Falkirk canal tunnels.

Starting from Drumgelloch station, head east along the cycle path out of Airdrie. Pass through Plains and Caldercruix, and past the Hillend Reservoir. Keep going until you arrive at Blackridge.

Pass the first exit for Blackridge (on the left) and a junction for Harthill (on the right). Fork right at the second sign for Blackridge and follow the diverging path into Station Road. Turn left onto Harthill Road to head to the centre of Blackridge.

Go straight on at the crossroads, across the A89, onto Heights Road. Follow this road out of Blackridge, and around a few corners. After a couple of miles, turn left where the main road heads off to the right. Keep heading north across a crossroads, and again at the crossroads with the B825, and go straight on onto the B8022. Go left at the first corner but at the next corner, where the B8022 turns left to go to Slamannan, leave it and turn right (or straight on if you prefer) onto the road that continues to head north.

Follow this road for another mile or so, passing one proper road on the right, and turn right at the second junction (after a gradual left bend and a straight westerly section). Turn left after another mile or so at Wester Shieldhill, onto a road that goes down a steep hill.

On arrival at the edge of Falkirk, look out for the canal bridge. For the town centre, follow the road straight on but for Falkirk High station and the Falkirk Wheel turn right immediately after the canal bridge to join the canal path. However, you will need to dismount to go down the steep and narrow access ramp at this point. Turn right onto the canal path itself. Stay off your bike since you will need to dismount to go through the Falkirk Tunnel, where the path is again very narrow. The tunnel can also be wet so you may wish to wear appropriate clothing. However, it is now lit so isn't so dark.

After the tunnel get back on your bike and continue along the canal path. A path linking to Falkirk High station is on the right. Continue along the Union Canal, passing its only locks, to get to the Falkirk Wheel. Once through the new Roughcastle Tunnel you arrive at the Falkirk Wheel. Fork right down the hill to get to the Visitors' Centre.

Beyond the Visitors' Centre there is a footbridge over the Forth & Clyde Canal to get to the canal path on the far side. Turn right for Falkirk and Grangemouth or left for Kirkintilloch and Glasgow.