Bridge over the Monkland Canal, Coatbridge

Went for a walk today to Drumpellier Country Park, Coatbridge.

The original plan was just to walk round the loch (only about a mile) and maybe explore some of the other paths in the park, perhaps adding another mile or so, before heading back to the visitor centre for a coffee. But, as usual with these things, I came across another path and did the "I wonder where this leads?" routine, only to find myself walking along a footpath beside the Monkland Canal.

There's only a short stretch of the canal still above ground (and containing water) and ten minutes took me to the end of the footpath and a bridge, which led to another, very muddy, path into woodland and eventually back into the Country Park. Not equipped for walking over muddy ground, and even less inclined to do so, I retraced my steps along the canal footpath.

But the bridge itself was a fascinating bit of ironwork, with outlines of leaves and stars and rabbits and birds and such like on its various panels. The photo is of one such panel, showing ducks and stars and various other bits of ornamentation. An unexpected, and unplanned, little treat!