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Description
The Monkland Canal offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and thriving biodiversity, making it an excellent birding destination. The area combines canal sections (including watered stretches near Drumpellier Country Park and Calderbank) with woodland edges, wetlands, and urban green spaces.
Key features include: Drumpellier Country Park (1): Features Lochend Loch (2) and Woodend Loch (3), both supporting wetland birds and rare plants. Canal towpaths: Linear habitats with scrub and trees, ideal for spotting birds like Лебідь-шипун and Рибалочка блакитний. Woodland margins: Drumpellier woods (4) attract Снігур звичайний and Щиглик звичайний during breeding seasons. The canal (5) supports surprising wildlife, including otter in Woodend Loch.
In winter Чернь чубата and Лебідь-шипун frequent the canal. Water vole sightings (a mammal, but notable for habitat health) are reported. In spring and summer Рибалочка блакитний and Снігур звичайний thrive in woodland edges. Щиглик звичайний and migratory birds like Канюк звичайний appear.
Details
Access
The Monkland Canal is located in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire and is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transport. By Car: Parking is available at Drumpellier Country Park, which provides good access to the canal. Limited street parking is also available near various entry points. Press P on the map for directions to a parking spot.
Public Transport: There are several train stations, including Coatbridge Central (6) and Blairhill Train Station (7), both within walking distance of the canal. Local buses also serve the area.
The area has well-maintained paths and proximity to Drumpellier Country Park’s visitor center.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , RiverConditions
Flat , Wet , SlipperyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Historical context: Walk along a Scheduled Monument with remnants of 18th-century engineering.
Community engagement: Groups like the Friends of Monklands Canal highlight recent path improvements and wildlife sightings.
For a day trip, combine birding with visits to Summerlee Museum (industrial heritage) or the Crannog play area.