This stretch is at Blairhill, near the railway station. It used to be controlled by Monklands CAC and is now in the hands of the local council. It is not known if permits are charged but a check should be made at the ranger’s office in the park.
There are about 50 pegs. As there is no boat traffic, the canal gets very weedy and is gin clear. Therefore, early and late has to be the approach.
The canal was well stocked by the local club and the council in the 80’s and had a big introduction of carp in particular. Bream were also introduced. The carp are now huge and very difficult to catch, but the bream can still be caught near the basin. There are also roach, gudgeon, tench and chub.
The canal is between 10 and 13m wide and about 25m in the basin. Depth is about 4 feet. Pole tactics usually are best, with a waggler or small feeder also being useful in the basin area.
Security: For all Coatbridge’s reputation for Buckfast, etc, this stretch is generally ok. The towpath is quiet. The Drumpellier Park is patrolled.