Churches, mining and whisky production give Stepps a distinctive historical character. At the same time, a trail taking in 29 significant sites and routes for walking, using mobility aids and cycling offer practical ways to explore. When choosing a destination, you can decide whether you would like to discover Stepps mainly through its church and industrial history, or also through routes on foot and by bike.
Churches and parish history
St Joseph's RC Church opened in November 1875 to serve a large parish. This was particularly intended for people of Irish origin who lived in the village of Garnkirk and worked in its fireclay works. This history brings together the needs of the church, heritage and work. Stepps Parish Church marks a different point in time: it opened and was consecrated on 27 May 1900. Together, the two churches offer practical starting points for exploring different aspects of the town's religious history.
Mining, remembrance and whisky history
Cardowan Colliery was in operation from 1924 to 1983. Sixty-two miners lost their lives at the colliery; the Cardowan Colliery Mining Memorial was unveiled on 19 October 2019. The dates represent different aspects: 1924 to 1983 refers to the colliery's operation, while 2019 marks the unveiling of the memorial. In this way, working history and remembrance emerge as two distinct themes.
The Black & White Tower also belongs to another branch of industrial history. It was part of James Buchanan & Co.'s Black and White whisky blending and bottling plant. The plant officially opened in 1969 and remained in operation until 1987. Whisky production thus broadens the picture of Stepps, which might otherwise focus solely on mining.
Heritage trail and routes
The Stepps and Cardowan Heritage Trail is a circular route taking in 29 historically significant sites in Stepps and Cardowan. The number of sites makes the trail a good focus for anyone who would like to explore local history at several stops rather than at just one place. It offers a different way to engage with the area's historical themes than visiting a single place of remembrance.
Another route is the Right of Way on Langmuirhead Road. It connects Auchinloch and Stepps for walking, using mobility aids and cycling. The two options appeal to different interests: the Heritage Trail focuses on historical sites, while the Right of Way is designated for several ways of getting around. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose between a heritage trail and a route for walking or cycling.
Environmental learning at Bluebell Park
An Outdoor Classroom has been completed at Bluebell Park in Stepps. This dedicated space offers opportunities for outdoor learning, experiencing nature and developing new skills. The Outdoor Classroom is intended to provide year-round opportunities for outdoor environmental education, ecological learning and community activities; schools and community groups are among its intended users. This adds an educational and nature-focused theme to Stepps' historical attractions. If you would like to consider environmental education and nature experiences as well as history when choosing a destination, this offers another practical point of interest.
When looking for a hotel in Stepps, it can help to decide on the focus of your stay first. The town's church and industrial history offers a different way to experience the area than its walking and cycling routes. You can then tailor your accommodation search to the interests behind your trip.
Discover more destinations: Cumbernauld, Caldercruix, Gartcosh, Cleland, Airdrie, Kilsyth, Holytown, Shotts
For the wider travel guide: North Lanarkshire.
