Unofficial Cycle Routes - Coatbridge to Calderbank

This route starts out following the Sustrans Coatbridge to Airdrie cycle route, then continues to Calderbank along the Monkland Canal.

From opposite Coatbridge Central Station, follow the signed cycle route eastwards, passing the police station and through a supermarket car park. The route is not very obvious so follow the signs carefully. Go across the new bridge across the A725 dual carriageway road. The cycle route then joins the course of the Monkland Canal which has been filled in for this section (although there isn't a motorway built over this part).

Where the Sustrans route turns right at Locks Street and heads up a ramp to join an old railway viaduct, go straight on across the road, join the path and continue following the course of the canal. This turns right gradually and goes underneath the viaduct. Keep following the path and, after a road crossing, you will join a remaining section of the canal with water in it. Follow this to Calderbank. At the end of the canal you can fork left to get to Calderbank village.

Alternatively, from the end of the canal fork right then continue straight on to follow the North Calder Water Walkway. This route follows the river and links to the Sustrans Airdrie to Bathgate cycle path, between Drumgelloch and Plains, but is primarily intended for walkers. If taking this route note that there are a few locations where you will need to dismount for steps and steep gradients. It is sign posted with small signs and marker posts at most path junctions (although some crucial ones are missing), but be aware that when I cycled this route I was harrassed by a couple of drunks, chased by a big dog, and had to cycle past a man with a gun! That said, there were plenty of nice, ordinary people using the path too.