Cycling
4. Beattock; NCN 74; Crawford; Abington; Roberton; Tinto; Sandilands; Hyndford bridge; Lanark/New Lanark; Kilncadzow; Yieldshields; Carluke; Bonkle; Hareshaw; Airdrie; Cumbernauld; Croy; Kilsyth.
This route offers a very efficient way north. It leaves the NCN74 to follow the Clyde valley north for a short distance to Roberton. There then follows two climbs to over 1000 feet.
At Lanark the route switches from west to east as it follows a series of peaceful back roads that run parallel to the busy A73. There is a long climb, which is steep in places, out of the Mouse valley.
The Village Bakery in the small hamlet of Kilncadzow is a landmark.
Beattock to Abington – 18 miles
NCN 74 to Abington. Follow Carlisle Road through Crawford to mercat cross on grassy traffic island. Turn right signed for Camps Reservoir; Castle Crawford. Cross river Clyde and take next left uphill at trees.
Follow minor road with railway line to Abington. For Abington cross railway bridge. To continue with route go straight on.
Abington to Lanark/New Lanark – 16 miles
To continue with route continue straight on at the railway bridge by the campsite at Abington. Follow to minor road to A702. Turn left at A702 and follow for 500 yards. Turn right onto Bridgend Road and follow to A72.
Turn right onto A72 and follow for one mile. Take the next left into Roberton.
Follow minor road north out of the hamlet and up over the pass. Continue straight through at crossroads. At T-junction turn left and climb once again.
From the top of the hill it is a fast descent to the A70. Cross straight over the A70 in the direction of Douglas Water. Take the next right. Follow the narrow road to Sandilands. At Sandilands continue straight on to T-junction with the A70.
Turn right and continue to Hyndford bridge. Turn left over the Hyndford bridge and continue into Lanark.
Roberton: no services.
Carmichael: no services
Lanark/New Lanark: accommodation; youth hostel; eating & drinking; shop; heritage
Lanark to Kilsyth – 28 miles
Follow High Street downhill. Continue past the turning for the A706 and take the first right beyond the petrol station – Mousebank Road.
Leave Lanark on Mousebank Road and descend into the Mouse valley (National Nature Reserve) on very narrow lane. Steep climb follows immediately. Keep right at the top of the hill and go to the right at next junction. Cross railway bridge and go to the left. Follow road uphill to Kilncadzow.
Turn left and then right at Kilncadzow. TAKE CARE – FAST TRAFFIC!
The remainder of this route is not easily described. Click on the links below to view the route.
To view this section of the route on google map click here.
To download this section of the route using Mappyx click here.
Kilncadzow: eating & drinking
Yieldshields: no services
Carluke: accommodation; eating & drinking; shop
Bonkle: shop
Hareshaw (Greenhill): eating & drinking
Airdrie: accommodation; eating & drinking; shop; heritage
Glenmavis: eating & drinking; shop
Condorrat: shop
Croy: eating & drinking; shop
Kilsyth: accommodation; eating & drinking; shop
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