Drumpellier Country Park and Monkland Canal
Drumpellier Country Park is one of the most visited in Scotland – and it’s not hard to see why. The well-surfaced path around Lochend Loch is easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities – a great place to spot some of the area’s wetland birds. You could stop off at the Crannog, an exciting adventure playpark, take a peaceful walk through Drumpellier woods, or explore the nearby Monkland canal. The wilder margins of Woodend Loch are less accessible – but the lack of disturbance means that otter have made it their home and the viewing area is a great place to bird watch.
Drumpellier visitor centre
The visitor centre at Drumpellier Country Park has recently been extended and upgraded. Drop in to find out about the wildlife that lives in the park, and enjoy a cuppa with a view over the loch. The centre is open daily from 10am-5pm. Find out more here.
Monkland Canal
A feat of Georgian engineering, the Monkland canal was built in the 18th century and served as a busy transport route between Glasgow and the industrial areas of North Lanarkshire. The sections that survive today are a nationally important Scheduled Monument, with mute swan, tufted duck and kingfisher some of the wildlife you might encounter on a walk or cycle along the towpath.
Woodend Loch
Woodend Loch is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it is one of the best examples of its kind in Scotland. The loch is home to rare wetland plants and water beetles, and a good variety of water birds. It is also one of the best sites in Seven Lochs for otter.
Drumpellier woods
The variety of trees and shrubs make Drumpellier woods a great place for woodland birds. In spring they come alive with birdsong as migrating birds return form southern Europe and Africa to breed. Look out for brightly coloured bullfinch and goldfinch at the woodland edge, and buzzards soaring over the trees.
The Crannog adventure play area
The Crannog play area at Lochend Loch is for kids of all ages to let their imagination run wild. Themed as an ancient Iron Age dwelling, and populated with carved animals, you can climb, slide and swing through time.
Play park
Peat post
Peatlands are one of the Seven Lochs most precious habitats – helping combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while also providing homes for unusual plants like the insect-eating sundew. Our peat post shows how peatlands also help us learn about the past.
Drumpellier Country Park Visitor Centre is on Townhead Rd, Coatbridge, ML5 1RX. It is a 25 minute walk / 10 minute cycle through the Country Park from Blairhill Station. The nearest bus stop is outside the Visitor Centre on Townhead Rd.
For more information visit Traveline Scotland.
