Walking and cycling
1. Beattock; NCN 74; Crawford; Abington; Happendon; Lesmahagow; Kirkmuirhill; Blackwood; (Stonehouse); Hamilton; Uddingston; NCN 75; Cambuslang; NCN 7 (Lochs & Glens)
This is the most straightforward and currently the most popular of the four routes and although it follows National Cycle Network routes 74,75 and 7, it can be walked or cycled.
Between Beattock and Happendon motorway services the NCN 74 follows the B7078. Along the way there is either a cycle lane or a separate cycle-path to follow.
NCN 74 currently ends at Happendon services however there are plans to extend the route in the very near future via Stonehouse, Chatelerault country park and Strathclyde country park. Check out how the work is progressing at: www.sustransconnect2.org.uk
The southern sections of the route pass through hilly country and then cross wide open moors. There are however many places to stop off including the village of Douglas with its historic buildings and strong ties to the Wars of Independence and the Covenanters – 2 miles off route.
The impressive ruin of Bothwell Castle and the David Livingstone Centre can be taken in with a short detour from Main Street, Bothwell.
This route links easily with NCN 7 – Loch and Glens Cycle route and walkers can link the Clyde Walkway (NCN 75) with the West Highland Way by following the Kelvin Walkway from the heliport by the Clyde to Milngavie.
The Route
Beattock to Uddingston –
Signposted route to Happendon services. Continue north on the B7078 to Larkhall – there is pavement much of the way and although it is dual carriageway in sections traffic levels are low.
The B7078 (Carlisle Road) continues through Larkhall to meet up with the A72. Follow the A72 into Hamilton and around Hamilton town centre (it is possible to walk through the town centre along Cadzow Street to avoid the busiest sections).
Walkers may also choose to leave the A72 at Chatelherault Country Park and follow the Avon Walkway to Strathclyde Park where you can take up the Clyde Walkway.
However do not follow the Clyde Walkway into Blantyre rather go via Bothwell and resume the walkway by turning left down Blantyre Road (second left after Bothwell Bridge Hotel). Follow to Blantyre Mill Road and turn right down to river at the suspension bridge. Cross the bridge to visit the David Livingstone Centre otherwise continue along the right bank of the Clyde.
Cyclists should leave the A72 for the B7071 signed Bothwell and Uddingston. Follow the B7071 through Bothwell and Uddingston.
Join NCN 75 at Uddingston Station. At this point NCN 75 and the Clyde Walkway merge.
Crawford: accommodation; campsite; shop; eating & drinking.
Abington: accommodation; campsite; eating & drinking.
Douglas (off-route): accommodation; shop; eating & drinking; heritage/museum.
Lesmahagow: accommodation; eating & drinking; shop; heritage (priory).
Kirkmuirhill & Blackwood: accommodation; eating & drinking; shop
Larkhall: accommodation; shop; eating & drinking; heritage/museum.
Hamilton: accommodation; shop; eating & drinking; heritage/museum.
Bothwell: accommodation; shop; eating & drinking; heritage/museum.
Uddingston: accommodation; shop; eating & drinking.
Uddingston to Glasgow: NCN 75 –
Signposted route between Glasgow and Edinburgh. For Glasgow you follow the river Clyde downstream. From just before Cambuslang the surface is very good and cyclists will make good progress. Care will be required at Newton as new development may mean the route is unclear at times.
NCN 75 enters the city at Glasgow Green and continues through the city on a good path by the Clyde. Highlights include the People’s Palace, the Templeton Carpet Factory (modelled on the Doge’s Palace in Venice), the Tall Ship and the many bridges over the river.
Cambuslang & Rutherglen: accommodation; shop; eating & drinking.
Glasgow: accommodation; youth hostel; shop; eating & drinking; heritage/museum.
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