Motherwell to Hillend Reservoir
Length: 16 km
Quiet roads from Motherwell Cathedral past the famous Carfin grotto and then out onto tracks through moorland to Hillend Reservoir.
The Ladywell Way
Part of Routes and photos
Description
This great pilgrimage way starts with quiet roads leading from Motherwell town centre and cathedral and then out into the countryside onto bleak moorland paths, river tracks, and canals footpaths. Historic gems like William Wallace’s cave, Abercorn church and Hopetoun House along the way. Don’t miss the famous Ladywell in Motherwell.
Distance: 58 kms
Inclination: Undulating
Many thanks to Deacon Tom Gorman, David Jefferies and John and Marie Claire Hughes for their help in researching this Way.
More photographs and reports please, and recommendations where people can stay.
Map
For different map views, directions and detailed description, please click here.
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Sections
Hillend Reservoir to Avonbridge
Length: 16 km
Bike track along the reservoir and railway track and then up along quiet roads through forestry areas and moorland to the village of Avonbridge, where the route joins the River Avon Heritage Trail.
Avonbridge to Linlithgow
Length: 14 km
Follow the River Avon Heritage Trail which hugs the Avon for 6 km past ancient mills, spectacular viaducts, and the cave where William Wallace hid in 1298 then onto a Heritage Trail for 7 km until it joins the Union Canal South of Linlithgow.
Linlithgow to Forth Road Bridge
Length: 15 km
The route continues along the wide bike track north of the canal through areas still showing evidence of volcanic activity until it cuts north along a quiet road to Abercorn and then through parkland to famous Hopetoun House and on to the Forth Road Bridge where it joins St Margaret’s ...