24-06-2025
Path improvements mean people can walk, wheel or cycle on traffic-free route between Bargeddie and Coatbridge
The transformed woodland path, dubbed the Oakridge Greenway, has been designed and constructed by active travel charity Sustrans.
Improvements to a path now make it possible for people to walk, wheel or cycle on a completely traffic-free route between Bargeddie and Coatbridge.
The transformed woodland path, dubbed the Oakridge Greenway, has been designed and constructed by active travel charity Sustrans.
The National Cycle Network Route 75 from Coatbridge leaves the Monkland Canal and passes through the Oakridge Estate Community Woodlands to reach Bargeddie.
As a traffic-free route, the link through the Community Woodlands is vital in connecting neighbourhoods and boosting local biodiversity.
Despite the path having never been surfaced, a daily average of 174 people used the path in the summer months.
However, in wet weather, usage dropped drastically as the path became extremely muddy.
This made it inaccessible for many people's everyday journeys, particularly for those using wheelchairs, pushing prams, or cycling.
To avoid the mud, those who still used the route often walked around the path which unfortunately wore away many of the plants.
The woodland contains a mixture of oak and birch trees, with some over a hundred years old and protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
Since 2024, Sustrans has been working with the community to redesign the path and allow the woodland to regenerate.
With works now complete, the path has been transformed into an accessible all-weather surface for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
This has improved local connections to nearby schools and public transport.
To minimise environmental impact, the project used a "no-dig" method and created a floating path design, while installing a tree root protection membrane.
The works also involved sowing a native seed mix of grasses and wildflowers along the path's edge, to encourage the greenspace to flourish again.
Since the project was completed, Sustrans has received incredibly positive feedback from the community.
People have noted they can now use the path to walk to school, to visit the canal and watch the wildlife, and to get to Coatbridge town centre.
Local group Friends of Monklands Canal were consulted throughout the project and chairman Alan McCormack said: "It's fair to say the new path is a game changer for the local community and Friends of Monklands Canal.
"As a gateway to the canal and beyond, the benefits it will provide over its lifetime will be immeasurable to people's physical and mental health. We're delighted to see it complete."
Chris Brace, principal network development manager at Sustrans, added: "The path's transformation is truly like night and day.
"We are thrilled to have made these vital improvements, meaning people in Bargeddie and the surrounding area can now choose to walk, wheel or cycle for more of their local journeys.
"The National Cycle Network is the backbone of our infrastructure for active travel, connecting communities across Scotland.
"But it also provides us with unique access to local nature.
"Improvements like the Oakridge Greenway project allow more people to not only get active but to get out into green spaces - ultimately feeling healthier, happier and more connected to where they live."
The Oakridge Greenway was made possible by funding from the Scottish Government, administered through Sustrans' National Cycle Network Development programme.
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