Day ride - Airdrie to Bathgate, Scotland
Type of route: 100% traffic-free
Length: 15 miles
Gradient: Easy
Time needed: 1 ½ hours
Access: Airdrie and Bathgate stations
National Cycle Network route number: 75
This route across Scotland’s central plateau follows the disused Airdrie to Bathgate Junction Railway. Originally built in the 1850’s, the railway carried coal, ironstone, and limestone and today all along the route are the remains of old industries, quarries, coal mines, and mining villages.
The cycle path and associated sculpture trail was completed in 1997 and gives users the opportunity to feel what this part of Scotland might have been like in the past. Among the striking sculptures to be found are a massive sundial, curling stones, six giant pairs of legs, a keyhole gateway and the famous bedrock bike.
Free information on this route is available from Sustrans (www.sustrans.co.uk/default.asp?sID=1093447288100#cmsanchormaps ).
For lots more information visit the dedicated Cycling in Scotland (cycling.visitscotland.com/) website.