Aledum one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This is an enjoyable and easy route that can be walked by people of all abilities. Sign-posting is available for the only part of the journey that you can potentially get lost (between Dumbarton Central and the bridge crossing the River Leven) and once you reach the cycle path, you simply follow this all the way to Alexandria.

The route is very well pathed with a small number of gentle inclines only. Along the way, there is some interesting scenery, including views to Dumbarton Rock/Castle, large areas of open field, woodlands and the potential to see some farm animals and wildlife.

The route is popular with both runners and cyclists at all times of the year so make sure you are looking and listening out for other path users.

Unfortunately, there is some graffiti along the way on some of the information points (not the commissioned mural underneath the second bridge you pass), particularly as you pass through Renton and get closer to Alexandria. A shame, as this slightly taints what would otherwise be a beautiful walk.

The route starts and ends at train stations with frequent services and you will easily be able to hop on a train at the end of your journey should you need it, although the walk back coming off the cycle path and going through the towns provides a nice alternative return option.

This is generally a safe walk although it will not be lit at night time so take care if using later in the evening. I use this route often and would recommend it to others looking for a casual, low-difficulty walk.

Some roadworks at the Risk Street car park in Dumbarton caused a small temporary easy diversion at the start but I could see it'll be ok when finished. It was a wheelable start with dropped curbs. There was a great view of Dumbarton Castle from the Bridge Street bridge, and a wide cycle barrier onto the track alongside the River Leven. The cycle track route follows this river almost all the way. Near the main road bridge and railway bridge there were signs of occasional tidal or heavy rain flooding. Lots of boats there (including some sunken ones) and lots of ragged robin flowers too.
Crossing under the A82 was easy, and there was an easy gate and a bridge both offering at least 100cm width. The field just north of the A82 is where the cows were, but they were well away from the path and looked as if they mostly stay away. Lots of wetland alongside the river provided lots of wildlife and birdsong. At the other end of the raised field path, there was a choice of mini cattle grid or kissing gate.
Then the route continued pleasantly to follow the river to Alexandria only leaving the track shortly before the station. There was a slightly tricky road crossing right at the end and some steps up to the station itself. Maybe they could be avoided by continuing around the curve of the road.
Overall it was a lovely walk though.

This route took approx 1 hour and 30 minutes and follows a foot and cycle path the whole way. As the path was completely tarmacked, cyclists and other wheelers would not have any a problem using this route.

I noted no issues, found it safe, accurate and it was very easy to follow with the only road crossings being either end of the route. There has been recently installed benches and bins along this route, making good pitstops along the way with places to chain your bike to.

I had my dog with me who enjoyed being able to cool down in some accessible spots along the river Clyde. Luckily there was no cows in the field when we took this route, which was something I was concerned about before starting, but they may be there next time. We spotted a Mandarin Duck along the riverside which really caught us off-guard as this was a first for us both to see such unique colouring for a bird in Scotland.

On a side note, instead of starting in Alexandria you could start in Balloch which stocks to the same path and has further links to Loch Lomond National Park, for those wanting to explore further. There is also the option to walk this route the other way round which we did as we wanted to get the train home again (towards Glasgow).

Review of SlowWays Route Aledum (Alexandria to Dumbarton)
I walked this route on a sunny day in August 2022. It is a very popular route which follows the NCN7 Cycle Path for most of its distance. The only possible challenge is a section through a cow-field but the animals seem to be used to walkers and cyclists and completely ignore them. Lovely views and glimpses of the industrial heritage of the area enhance what is already an excellent route.

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