Dumold two

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Review of SlowWays Route Dumold 2 (Dumbarton to Old Kilpatrick).
I walked this route on a lovely sunny afternoon in July 2022. The route is very straightforward, following as it does a national cycle route, and I have walked and cycled most of it several times before. The updated version (Dumold 2) of the original SlowWays route (Dumold 1) takes account of a new section of cycleway opened within the last year which bypasses the town of Bowling via an excellent overpass and elevated walk/cycleway. The new section has been beautifully landscaped, provides excellent views of Bowling Harbour and the Clyde beyond and is the highlight of the route. I encountered no issues with the route itself and have rated it five stars.

I walked from Old Kilpatrick along Portpatrick Road (although you can go along the side of the canal rather than the pavement but it might be a bit overgrown) to reach the towpath over the lift bridge. There is a replica Roman distance stone here to mark one end of the Antonine Wall. You are virtually by the River Clyde here, and you can nip down and have a look. There are also nice views across the canal to the Kilpatrick Braes.
As I reached Bowling there were boats moored, and I could look back towards the huge Erskine Bridge. There were shops and a café here under the arches of the old railway line that the route was about to cross. The lock and canal basin, as well as the new Bowline cycle route were beautifully decorated with plants and information boards. There are slopes or steps up to the refurbished viaduct and from on top, I had a good view of the harbour and river.
From here the cycle track was a lovely route shaded by trees hidden in a verdant cutting where you can hear the cars roaring past above.
After crossing the A814 (via a pelican crossing to avoid busy roundabout traffic) the cycle track ran alongside the railway line with plentiful wild flowers. Along here, about halfway along the whole route, there were shops and services for cars, but with access from the cycle track too.
I did get a bit tired of the traffic noise, but there was also birdsong, and it was lovely to be in this green safe space. Eventually the route arrived into the housing streets of Dumbarton and a patch of suburban park until I reached the end of the route at the station.
I think that the route was free of steps and other problems for wheels.
A great route overall!.

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