Coatbridge Heritage (6.5 miles)
A former powerhouse of iron and steel production, Coatbridge has lost nearly all of its heavy industry. Some of this history can be explored via the North Calder Heritage Trail, a portion of which features in this circular walk. Start at the site of Whifflet Upper Station on Coatbank Way next to the Royal Mail delivery office. Plenty parking is available around here. A shallow green cutting marks the former railway and we pick up the trail on the other side. A host of rail-served industrial plants were located in this area. Continue for 1000 yards - passing the remains of Calder Station - and turn right at the intersection with Locks Street. You will see a railway bridge straight ahead and a gradually rising path on your right leads up the embankment and doubles back on to the old trackbed. Cross Locks Road on the bridge and soon you are confronted with the impressive Sheepford Viaduct - a 120 yard metal structure atop 6 chunky piers. The one-time passenger line finally fell out of use in the early 90s when the tube works closed.
Follow the trackbed beyond the viaduct for 1200 yards and bend right on the tarmac when we encounter a primary school. Keep following this route (another old railway) and look out for signs pointing to Calderbank. Cross the B802 and then take the pavement into Calderbank village when you meet the road again.
Continue down the main street and take a right on to Woodhall Road. Pass through a gate and wander down to the Monklands Canal. This waterway linked the foundries and mines of Lanarkshire to the city of Glasgow. The route closed completely in 1952 (after a lengthy period of decline) but the infrastructure serves as a water source for the re-opened Forth & Clyde Canal. Much of the Monklands system is now culverted beneath roads but walkable sections like this one exist around Coatbridge. Following the towpath brings us back to Sheepford Viaduct where the town sewage works were once situated. Simply take the path back up to the old railway and return to the starting point.
