The best walks and hikes in North Lanarkshire

North Lanarkshire offers a diverse range of hiking experiences, from gentle strolls around picturesque lochs to more challenging routes through rugged moorland hills. You'll find trails suitable for various fitness levels, often combining natural beauty with historical interest, particularly along the Antonine Wall.

Yes, North Lanarkshire has plenty of easy and family-friendly trails. Over 90 routes are graded as easy, many of which are in country parks like Strathclyde Country Park or Drumpellier Country Park. An example is the Frog Trail, an easy loop in Broadwood Nature Reserve, offering gentle elevation and views around Broadwood Loch.

Hikers can explore a variety of natural features and historical landmarks. The region is home to several picturesque lochs like Strathclyde Loch and Lochend Loch, offering scenic waterside views. You can also discover historical Roman sites such as Croy Hill Roman Fort, which provides expansive views over the Kilsyth Hills. For a unique natural sight, consider visiting Colzium Waterfall.

Many trails in North Lanarkshire are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the popular A loop of Strathclyde Loch & Country Park is a 4.0-mile circular path. Another option is the Bar Hill Roman Fort – Croy Hill Roman Fort loop from Kilsyth, which combines history with scenic views.

Many trails in North Lanarkshire are dog-friendly, especially those in country parks and woodlands. It's always recommended to keep dogs under control, particularly around livestock or wildlife, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions in nature reserves. Always carry bags to clean up after your dog.

The trails in North Lanarkshire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 240 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from tranquil lochs and extensive woodlands to the open views from the Kilsyth Hills, as well as the historical sites along the Antonine Wall.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging experience, North Lanarkshire offers routes like the Meikle Bin & Carron Valley Reservoir loop — Campsie Fells. This moderate 9.6-mile path traverses rugged moorland and provides significant elevation gain, offering rewarding views of the Carron Valley Reservoir and the Kilsyth Hills.

North Lanarkshire boasts extensive woodlands and nature reserves perfect for forest walks. Drumpellier Country Park offers light gravel paths through woodlands, and areas like Palacerigg Country Park, Cairnhill Woods, and Petersburn Woods provide wide footpaths. The Carron Valley Red Trail is an 8km route specifically through the woods at Carron Valley.

Yes, the Fannyside Lochs area offers several trails. You can find routes like the Fannyside Lochs – Palacerigg Treetop Walkway loop from Cumbernauld Glen and Nature reserve, which is a moderate 10.3-kilometer hike. Another option is the Fannyside Lochs – Palacerigg Treetop Walkway loop from Palacerigg Cottages, an easier 7.1-kilometer route.

North Lanarkshire's history along the Antonine Wall provides unique hiking opportunities to explore Roman heritage. You can hike to sites like Bar Hill Roman Fort and Croy Hill Roman Fort, which offer both historical context and expansive views. The Auchinstarry Marina – Silvanus Roman Head Sculpture loop from Dullatur is another route that takes you past Roman-era features.

The Kilsyth Hills are a prominent feature in North Lanarkshire, offering open views and vistas. Trails in this area, such as the Meikle Bin & Carron Valley Reservoir loop, provide excellent opportunities to experience these hills. Views from areas like the 'Tak-Ma-Doon road' in the Kilsyth Hills offer spectacular panoramic scenes of Lanarkshire and beyond.

There are over 160 hiking routes available in North Lanarkshire, catering to a wide range of abilities and interests. This includes 92 easy routes, 65 moderate routes, and 8 more difficult options, ensuring there's something for everyone.