Blackridge to Bathgate:

Time & Travel: We will catch the 10.36 a.m. ‘Edinburgh’ train from Coatdyke train station arriving at Blackridge train station at 10.49 a.m.
Trains between Bathgate & Airdrie run every 30 minutes.

Finish time: 3 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is 7.5-mile linear walk from Blackridge Train Station to Bathgate Town Centre and forms part of the Airdrie to Bathgate Path (Bathgate to Airdrie Cycle Path – The Cycling Scot). The route is a meandering and undulating footpath / cycle path and runs parallel to the extended Airdrie to Edinburgh railway line primarily via farmland. This is an extension to the Blackridge to Caldercruix walk we did last year, albeit in the opposite direction.

Footwear: Walking shoes / trainers recommended.

Pre-walk & Walk Comfort stops: On the train

Post-walk & comfort stop: The Balbairdie Hotel, Bathgate

N.B. Bus / Train times likely to change so please check webpage for updates.

Cumbernauld to Palacerigg Circular :

Time & Travel: We will catch the #347 bus from Monklands District Hospital at 10 a.m. arriving at Cumbernauld train station at 10.30 a.m. The walk will begin shortly thereafter.

The #347 bus back to Monklands DH from Cumbernauld train station run every 30 mins at 23 & 53 min past the hour.

Finish time: x hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 7-mile circular walk starting from Cumbernauld train station via Forest Wood Wildlife Reserve & Palacerigg Country Park (Palacerigg Country Park).

The walk has stunning views northwards to the Campsies and beyond to the Southern Highlands. The paths meander through areas of birch and alder woodland. In addition to woodland paths, we cross a boardwalk alongside a badger trail and over raised bog land and gravel paths adjacent to an encapsulated golf course.

Flora and fauna include roe deer, badgers, kingfishers, water voles, owls, frogs, dragonflies & damselflies and bluebells on a good day. We will stop for a beverage at the Palacerigg Golf Club (Palacerigg Golf Club) where hot and cold snacks can be purchased at a very reasonable price.

Thereafter, we will make our way through the woodland via a shorter return route back towards Cumbernauld train station. Poles and walking shoes / boots (if wet) recommended.

Pre-walk comfort stop: Monklands District Hospital

Post-walk social stop: Palacerigg Golf Club (1 hour)

Braveheart Circular:

Time & Travel: We will catch the 9.36 a.m. train from Coatdyke to Queen Street (arriving 10.00 a.m.). Transfer to Platform 5 to catch the Stirling train (10.07 a.m.) arriving 10.34 a.m. The walk will start at 10.45 a.m. There are regular trains running from Stirling to Glasgow for the return journey.

Finish time: x hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 7.5-mile circular walk starting from Stirling Train station walking primarily on pavement. There are a couple of steep uphill sections which we take at a suitable pace for everyone.

From the station we will make our way via a 13th Century Abbey (Cambuskenneth Abbey | Historic Environment Scotland | History) to the Wallace Monument which has stunning panoramic views over the city of Stirling, Stirling bridge and Stirling Castle.

At the Monument we are treated to a free (15 min) presentation by a re-enactor who will present the history associated with Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and other famous historical figures of the period (Events – National Wallace Monument).

Thereafter, we will make our way to the Beheading Stone via the Black Walk – passing the site where the Battle of Stirling Bridge too place. We will stop for lunch at the Beheading Stone (Beheading Stone – Atlas Obscura).

We end the walk by walking through the Old Town Cemetery (with a stunning viewpoint of Stirling Castle), Cowane’s Hospital and Stirling Old Town Jail.

Poles and walking shoes / boots (if wet) recommended. Trainers on a dry day.

Comfort stops: Legends at the Monument Café (Legends at the Monument) & Cowane’s Hospital (Cowane’s Hospital :: Stirling City Heritage Trust).

Pre-walk comfort stops: Queen St station, train & Stirling train station

Post-walk social stop: The Crossed Peels (The Crossed Peels – J D Wetherspoon)

Cruising with June MacDonald:

Time & Travel: We will catch the 9.17 a.m. train from Coatdyke train station arriving at Queen St. station at 9.41 a.m., walk to Platform 5 to catch the ‘Anniesland’ train at 10.04 a.m. to Possilpark & Parkhouse train station arriving 10.24 a.m. We walk to Lambhill Stables (15 min) for a comfort stop (30 min). We will begin the walk at 11.15 a.m. to arrive at The Stables boarding point at 1 p.m.

Please purchase a single ticket to Possilpark & Parkhouse train station.

Return journey from Kirkintilloch is by bus via the X85 ‘Glasgow’ bus from Freeland Place i.e. bus stop next to ‘The Kirky Puffer’.

Finish time: x hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 6.5-mile linear walk from Lambhill Stables Community Café. After bidding voyage to the Roman Centurion & Rocket Man we embark on the Forth & Clyde canal towpath to Kirkintilloch.

We break up the route mid-way to board the Voyager canal boat (a 45-seater canal boat Boats | Voyager | Forth & Clyde Canal Society) to enjoy a 2 hour cruise along the Clyde.

The Voyager is operated by the Forth & Clyde Canal Society (Forth & Clyde Canal Society – Boat Trips – Cruises & Hire). Food and drink (incl. alcohol) are allowed on board.

After disembarking, we return to Kirkintilloch along the canal towpath for a celebratory drink at the Kirky Puffer (The Kirky Puffer – J D Wetherspoon).

Footwear: Walking shoes / boots (if wet/muddy) and poles recommended.

Pre-walk & Walk comfort stops: Lambhill Stables Community Cafe (Community Hub Glasgow | Lambhill Stables | Café | Bike Hub)

Post-walk social stop:

The Kirky Puffer, Kirkintilloch (The Kirky Puffer – J D Wetherspoon).

Information from the Skipper: “The Stables was built to serve the watermen and horses using the Forth and Clyde Canal. When the canal was first built the boats that used it were pulled by horses. As a horse could go a few miles before needing a rest, stables were built along the canal at 4-mile intervals.

Sailing towards the historic town of Kirkintilloch look out for herons and other aquatic and birdlife. Sit back, relax, people-watch and don’t forget to wave to those walking along the towpath and passengers on-opposing boats.

There are several swans and duck families on this stretch of the canal. The Millenium Bridge is situated just outside the Southbank Marina and is shaped like the bow of a boat. St Mary’s Church is a striking pink Sandstone neo-Gothic church.

It was built in 1914 to replace the old church, which is now the town’s museum. A feature of the church is its tall square tower topped with pinnacles. Next on our cruise is the Luggie Aqueduct passing the site of the old Lion Foundry.

Great views of the Campsies can be seen from the aqueduct. Enjoy the cruise!”

Three Lochs Linear – Caldercruix to Salsburgh:

Time & Travel: We will catch the 10.32 a.m. train from Coatdyke Train station to Caldercruix train station arriving 10.43 a.m. We start the walk shortly thereafter.

Return journey via the #202 ‘Shawhead’ bus every 30 min past the hour.

N.B. Bus / Train times likely to change so please check webpage for updates.nPoles and walking shoes / boots (if wet) recommended.

Finish time: 3.00 p.m (approx.). Mixture of pavements and hill tracks.

Recce: This is a 5-mile linear walk from the village of Caldercruix (Caldercruix (Wikipedia)) to the village of Salsburgh (Salsburgh (Wikipedia)) and includes walking on tarmac, country road, farm track and field’s passing three lochs en route. We start the walk from Caldercruix station and make our way uphill to the Lily Loch stopping to look behind us at Hillend Loch.

We continue to gradually walk uphill and over a few stiles to Bracco Farm along a disused and overgrown farm road and one field with sheep. After brief walk along Duntilland Road we reach the high point of the walk (300ft) at the foot of the impressive Black Hill B Transmitter station (Black Hill transmitting station (Wikipedia)) where we will stop for lunch and watch TV.

Afterwards, we continue along Duntilland Rd with a stunning view to our left-hand side of the Salsburgh four brothers. On the opposite side, we take a right-hand path and follow an abandoned railway track towards Roughrigg Reservoir, then along farm track and over an abandoned railway bridge into Salsburgh.

Footwear: Walking shoes / boots & poles recommended.

Pre-walk Comfort Stop: Not applicable. No comfort stops are available on this walk.

Post-walk Social Stop: The Stirling, Airdrie (The Stirling (Amber Taverns))

Binny Craig, Uphall:

Time & Travel: Car parking and toilet facilities are also available at Uphall Community Education Centre, Strathbrock Place, Uphall, EH52 6BN. We will pass the Education Centre en route to Binny Craig.

We will catch the 10.04 a.m. train from Coatdyke train station arriving Uphill train station at 10.37 a.m. and walk a short distance (15 min) to Williamson Garden Centre (Williamson’s My Florist Coffee Shop in Livingston, West Lothian) for a pre-walk comfort stop. The walk will start from the garden centre at 11.30 a.m.

Trains run from Uphall to Coatdyke every 30 min at 28 min & 58 min past the hour

Finish time: 3.5 hours (approx.)

Recce: This will be the pinnacle of the 2026 Wednesday Walk programme. It is a 7-mile circular (out and back) walk. Some pavement walking at the start before walking through farmland (rough grassy tracks), gravelled paths and country road (briefly).

We will stop for lunch at the foot of Binny Craig (Walk: Broxburn’s Binny Craig | Scotland Off the Beaten Track). We will take the ‘tourist route’ to the top at a staggered pace (in sections) to ensure everyone reaches the cairn – ‘meeting the breathing and talking test’ i.e. no one is out of puff and can still hold a conversation when arriving at the top.

At the top there are magnificent views around central Scotland, with views as far-reaching as the Trossachs to the north, Pentland Hills to the east and Tinto to the south – including the Fourth Road bridges clearly visible in the distance.

Footwear: Walking shoes and poles recommended. Not suitable for trainers

Post – walk social stop: Williamson’s My Florist Coffee Shop in Livingston, West Lothian.

The Kelpies & the Carron Nature Reserve:

Time & Travel: We will catch the #347 Cumbernauld’ bus at 9.30 a.m. from Monklands General Hospital arriving at Cumbernauld Town Centre at 10.10 a.m. From there, we catch the X37 Swift ‘Falkirk’ bus alighting at the Mariners Centre at 11 a.m. We will walk the short distance to Falkirk Golf Club for a comfort stop. The walk will start from Camelon Park car park – opposite the club at 11.45 a.m.

Return journey: X37 Swift ‘Glasgow’ bus from the Mariners centre at 3.36 p.m. to Cumbernauld Town centre at 4.13 p.m. From there, catch the #347 ‘Whinhall’ bus at 4.45 p.m. to Monklands general Hospital arriving 5.25 p.m. (Should we over-run, then we can catch the next X37 ‘Glasgow’ bus at 5.33 p.m. to C/nauld and #247 ‘Whinhall’ bus to MGH at 6.30 p.m. arriving 7.05 p.m.)

Finish time: x hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 7 mile combined sub-urban and woodlands circular walk starting from the car park at Camelon Park (opposite Falkirk Golf Club) to the visitor centre at the Kelpies. The walk includes pavement, tarmac, grassland and woodland tracks.

We initially walk along the Lade to the Carron Dams area & the historic entrance to the Carron Iron Works (beneath its famous clock tower), where on display are replicas of the Carronade Cannons – used in the Battles of Waterloo & Trafalgar by Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson.

We then walk throughs a sparse woodland area finally emerging at the world-famous 30-metre-high Kelpies (horse-head sculptures) towering over the Forth and Clyde Canal – designed by Andy Scott (Best walks in Scotland: Forth and Clyde Canal, the Kelpies, River Carron and Helix Paths in Falkirk (The Herald)).

Footwear: Walking shoes on a wet day and trainers on a dry day. Poles, if required

Pre-walk & Post Walk Comfort / Social stops: Falkirk Golf Club (Falkirk Golf Club)

Green Link Linear:

Time & Travel: We will catch the #201 ‘Hairmyers’ bus at 10.10 a.m. from outside Kwik Fit, Coatdyke arriving Motherwell Town Centre at 10.55 a.m. Walk the short distance to the GLO Coffee Shop & Conference Centre for a comfort stop. We will begin the walk at 11.30 a.m.

Finish time:  x hours (approx.)

Recce: This is 6-mile linear walk from Motherwell Town Centre to Strathclyde Loch (Strathclyde Country Park) along the South Calder Water path (known locally as “The Cawder”, or “Calder” (South Calder Water (Wikipedia)). South Calder Walter runs west from the high plateau between Shotts and Fauldhouse to its joining with the much larger River Clyde.

The ‘Greenlink’ is a path creating a direct route from Motherwell Town Centre to Strathclyde Country Park via a woodland area in Forgewood – created to provide shelter and habitat for wildlife to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (Green Link – Woodland Management (Woodland Trust)). The walk begins at the Glo Centre and includes street, tarmac, woodland and forest paths.

It terminates at the Watersports Centre in Strathclyde Loch. The wooded glen of the South Calder Water is a pleasant walk at any time of the year. The glen is undulating and abundant with colourful butterflies and associated birdlife. We also get to pass under the impressively engineered Orbiston railway viaduct – also known as the Babylon Bridge.

Poles and walking shoes recommended as sections of the woodland path can be muddy. If dry, trainers will suffice.

Pre-walk comfort stops: GLO Coffee Shop (GLO Coffee Shop)

Post-walk social stop: The Carrick Stone, Motherwell (The Carrick Stone (J D Wetherspoon))

David Livingstone Centre, Clyde Walkway and Redlees Park Circuit:

Time & Travel: We catch the ‘Motherwell’ train from Whifflet train station (Platform 2) at 10.03 a.m. – arriving 10.10 a.m. and catch the ‘Dalmuir’ train (Platform 4) to Blantyre at 10.17 a.m. – arriving 10.31 a.m. Walk down to the DL centre and after a comfort stop start the walk at 11.15 a.m.

Return journey: Various train returns are available from Blantyre (both direct & indirect) to Whifflet train station – depending upon departure time.

Finish time: 2 hours (approx.)

Recce: This is a 6-mile circular walk from the David Livingstone Centre, Blantyre and entails a variety of riverside and forest paths which can be muddy. We will begin the walk from the David Livingstone Visitor Centre café (Cafe – David Livingstone Birthplace) after a pre-walk comfort stop.

After we cross the David Livingstone Memorial Bridge, we take a meandering forest path along the Clyde Walkway to the medieval Bothwell Castle on the bank of the River Clyde. We eventually reach the Green Bridge which directs us to the newly reformed Redlees Urban Park and WW2 airgun battery where we will stop for lunch.

There is a great deal of wildlife in the area covered, including roe deer, badger, squirrel, heron, waxwings, greylag geese – and otter on a good day.

Footwear: Poles and walking shoes / boots (if wet) recommended.

Post-walk social/lunch stop: Village Bar, Blantyre (Village Bar (Google Maps)) – 3 min walk from Blantyre train station.

Bowling to Knightswood Linear:

Time & Travel: We catch the 9.46 ‘Balloch’ train from Coatdyke train station to Bowling train station arriving 10.45 a.m.

Knightswood to Great Western Road: We catch the #16 ‘Govan’ bus to Crow Road, near Great Western Road either at 13 min & 48 min past the hour.

Return journey: #6/6A ‘Glasgow’ bus to City Centre from Ascot Avenue, Great Western Road. Regular bus and train are available to Coatbridge.

Finish time: x hours (max).

Recce: This is an 7-mile linear walk along the Forth & Clyde canal towpath starting from Bowling train station to Knightswood, Glasgow (Forth & Clyde Canal: Bowling to Maryhill (Walkhighlands)). Upon arrival, we will walk the short distance to the start of the walk at Paton’s Place Café, Bowling Harbour.

The canal is a haven for wildlife: swans, herons, moorhens and ducks whilst kingfishers and otters have been spotted. As we walk along the towpath, we will pass underneath the impressive Erskine Bridge and numerous canal locks & canal boats. Overhead, numerous aircraft from various airlines can be spotted making their descent into Glasgow Airport.

Along the route, we pass an impressive sculpture marking the entrance a historical shipyard which built Dreadnaughts and other military ships during WWI. From an engineering perspective, we will also cross a road which resulted in a unique canal ‘drop lock’ being constructed – the only one of its kind in Europe.

Further along the towpath, we reach the Clyde Shopping Centre where we will have a comfort stop & lunch. We continue along the towpath for a few miles before exiting the route at Rotherwood Avenue, Knightsbridge and boarding a local bus on Banner Road to Great Western Road.

Footwear: Trainers will suffice.

Pre-walk comfort stop: Paton’s Place Café (Paton’s Place).

Comfort stops: Clyde Shopping Centre

Post-walk social stop: The Esquire House, Great Western Road Glasgow (The Esquire House (J D Wetherspoon)).