A waymarked 10-kilometre trail connects Drumpellier Country Park on the edge of Coatbridge with Hogganfield Park in Glasgow: the Seven Lochs Trail passes through a landscape that straddles the boundary between Glasgow and North Lanarkshire. The Seven Lochs Wetland Park is easily accessible by public transport. The exploration begins with a striking contrast: one route links places across an administrative boundary, while lochs, wildlife and historic buildings each have their own distinctive character.
Lochs, wildlife and trails
Drumpellier Country Park covers 500 acres and has two natural lochs. Two adventure playgrounds add another feature to the landscape. At Palacerigg Country Park, the network of paths is suitable for walking, using mobility aids and cycling. The Hidden Creatures trail offers a focus of its own.
Wildlife at Palacerigg includes bats, dragonflies and damselflies, pine martens, deer, owls and badgers. You may see different animals there depending on the season, but sightings are not guaranteed. Woodend Loch also has a special protected status: it is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Strathclyde Country Park lies within a 400-hectare landscape in the valley of the River Clyde. Its network of paths includes 10 miles, or around 16 kilometres, of walking trails; bicycles are also available to hire. The park has good road and public transport connections. It is useful to distinguish between the trail lengths: the Seven Lochs Trail is a waymarked 10-kilometre route, while Strathclyde offers a network of around 16 kilometres. If you are relying on public transport or bike hire, check current connections and availability in advance.
Roman traces and regional history
From Croy Hill, you can enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. Visits are free and possible year-round; check current access information in advance. The Antonine Wall, the north-western frontier of the Roman Empire, can be reached from Croy railway station. If you are travelling by train, it is worth checking current services.
The museum at Colzium House displays objects and exhibits about the history of the surrounding area. The Colzium Lennox Estate also includes a restored traditional Scottish ice house, which is open to the public. Another route is Colzium–Tomtain: it is 6.5 miles, or 10.5 kilometres, long. The surviving sections of the Monkland Canal are protected as a Scheduled Monument of national importance. The Forth and Clyde Canal runs through Auchinstarry Basin.
At Summerlee Museum, you can explore an underground mine and miners’ houses dating from 1840 to 1980. The museum also has an adventure playground. It is a short walk from Coatbridge Central and Coatbridge Sunnyside railway stations. North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre is free to visit; its observation tower offers views of Motherwell and North Lanarkshire.
More things to do
World of Wings has a collection of more than 50 species of birds of prey; this number may change over time. Visitors can fly with one of the birds kept there, though arrangements may need to be made in advance. In Cumbernauld, Cumbernauld Theatre at Lanternhouse produces and presents professional theatre. The auditorium has 300 seats, and the programme changes seasonally. If you have a particular date in mind, check the current programme.
Discover more destinations: Cumbernauld, Motherwell, Wishaw, Shotts, Coatbridge, Kilsyth, Bellshill, Stepps, Airdrie, Chryston, Gartcosh, Caldercruix, Cleland, Holytown.
For the overall travel guide: Scotland.
