Clyde Walkway 2: Cambuslang to Strathclyde CP

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The second stage of the Clyde Walkway is very varied, taking in some urban suburbs as well as more rural stretches as Glasgow is left behind. There is plenty of interest, with attractive lochs, a ruined castle and memorials as well as the great River Clyde itself, but the route is somewhat spoiled by a middle section close by very busy roads - this is completely unsigned.

Terrain

Footpaths with varied surfaces; some parts can be muddy. Pavements beside busy roads.

Public Transport

Start of walk is near Cambuslang rail station. There is a bus stop near the end of the walk at the entrance to Strathclyde Country Park; bus stops nearby, nearest rail stations are Motherwell and Airbles.

Start

Cambuslang bridge. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

This stage of the Clyde Walkway begins at Cambuslang Bridge. If joining the route from Cambuslang Station, head along Bridge Street (opposite) and as it bends to the right opposite Morrison's Car park take the path on the left towards the Cambuslang footbridge. Do not cross but instead turn right along the cyclepath along the south bank of the Clyde. Go left at a fork (note the heron sculpture) to pass under Clydeford Bridge. The cyclepath leads past a weir and approaches the Carmyle Viaduct; fork left off the cycleway onto a grassy path (signed) to continue close to the Clyde and pass under the viaduct.

Stage 2

The next stretch feels much more rural - with swans on the river and other wildlife - though it is also a little rougher underfoot. When the grassy path forks take the left branch to stay nearer the river. At the next junction with a marker post bear right to follow the path that climbs uphill to reach (and pass just left) of a giant electricity pylon. The route keeps to the right of a line of trees before swinging back left downhill, around the left edge of a housing site and back near the Clyde. Almost immediately the path bears right away from the river for a second time, climbing steeply up a bank to the right of a line of trees. This section runs along the top of a high bank with good views back over the Clyde. Keep ahead until a path with some old brick paving is met; turn left steeply down this, descending to reach the a footbridge over the Rotten Calder - a tributary of the Clyde.

Stage 3

Cross the footbridge and head uphill on the far side, until a right turn leads under the railway bridge. Keep ahead when a track is reached and follow this to the main road. Cross this carefully, and then follow a path to the right on the far side, that runs parallel to the road but just inside the woods. Keep right (still parallel to the road) at a junction, eventually bearing left through a kissing gate to reach a side road. Cross this and join a cycleway just beyond, following it downhill to the left. This leads back down to the Clyde at a rail bridge. Turn right and then left to cross the river on a footbridge.

Stage 4

On the far side, turn right to head upriver once more, keeping right at each of several path junctions to remain on a woodland path beside the Clyde. Eventually the route passes below the red sandstone ruins of Bothwell Castle, gaining height round the far side. The path then descends through the woods back down to the river level; this area is alive with snowdrops early in the year. Keep on the main riverside path, passing below a new housing estate, before eventually climbing up to reach a gate giving access to the David Livingstone Memorial Bridge. Cross the bridge and head left up the road on the far side.

Stage 5

The route continues on a signed path into the trees on the left, but a short detour further on the right is the entrance to the David Livingstone Centre - the birthplace of the famous explorer, it is open to visitors. Return to the signed path which heads through the woods high above the river. At one point there is a choice between following the path curving round the slope, or descending and reascending on steps - no contest! When the path reaches an open green space it forks (there is no sign). The original Clyde Walkway kept ahead here and past the old Craighead viaduct as it followed the route of the Clyde, but this section is currently closed further on. Instead an untidy detour is needed; follow the path to the right to head under the railway.

Stage 6

Bear left at a fork and then keep straight ahead along the road until this meets the busy main A724 in Stonefield. Turn left here along the pavement. Keep straight on at the roundabout, and then again at a second roundabout. Before reaching the underpass take the left fork (signed for Coatbridge) but immediately fork left on the footpath that initially keeps below the road. It then climbs up steps to meet the Expressway. Turn left along the walkway beside the road to cross over the railway; the path then veers left to meet a smaller road through an industrial area. Follow this to the right; it eventually filters back onto the Expressway; stay on the walkway which is shielded from the traffic by hedging. A path down steps to the left lets you avoid the road on the approach to Bothwell Bridge.

Stage 7

Ascend steps to reach the road over the bridge, and turn left along the pavement on the near side. Continue until the next road junction, where you will be turning right - but use the pelican crossing to cross the road. Just to your right is an obelisk that marks the Battle of Bothwell Bridge - site of the defeat of the Covenanters. Follow the cyclepath beside the dual carriageway road; eventually another pelican crossing leads across a slipway. The cyclepath now leads up over a prominent footbridge to the middle of a motorway junction - follow the path as it swings left and leads back under the footbridge. The cycleway continues to curve round, passes under a motorway and then leads over a second high footbridge.

Stage 8

After descending from this bridge turn left back towards the roundabout, then keep left alongside the first exit (signed for Strathclyde Country Park). At the pelican crossing cross the road and then head into the car park of the Holiday Inn Express hotel. Pass between the hotel and the carvery restaurant, picking up a footpath that runs between a grassy area on your left and trees on your right. This meets a tarred lane, continue along this, keeping the sports pitches on your left. Keep ahead at a junction, passing a barrier, until the lane curves left near the start of Strathclyde Loch. Now turn right and then fork left to follow the path that runs alongside the western edge of the loch.

Stage 9

The route continues along a tarred path beside the Strathclyde Loch - a popular country park. Keep left at a fork to eventually reach a large building housing a watersports centre, cafe and gym; this is the end of the stage. If leaving the Walkway here, there is a bus stop at the entrance to the country park, and a rail station around 1.5km away in the centre of Motherwell; alternatively you could continue a little further along the next stage before heading for the rail station at Airbles.

Next stage: Strathclyde Loch to Maudslie Bridge

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Clyde Walkway 2: Cambuslang to Strathclyde CP

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Public Transport

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