Dumold one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This route specifically DOESN’T take account of the new Bowline cycle route at Bowling (which was opened in September 2021). It uses the little side road to curve uphill to join the A814 for a short distance. I will upload an amended route, because the Bowline route is much safer. I will say that this route is acceptable, but DumOld Two is better! My full review is with DumOld Two, the pictures I’ve uploaded for this route show DumOld One as viewed from DumOld Two!.

I walked this route as my 2nd slow ways route as I was familiar with the route so was confident this would be a straightforward and traffic free (adding to the enjoyment). I would definitely recommend this route as it is accurate, safe and accessible to a variety of individuals.

I enjoyed the simplicity of this route as it follows the canal path and national cycle route from Dumbarton to Old Kilpatrick for the whole way.

Notably I walked this route the other way round and started in Clydebank, lengthening the route by approx 5km. This combined two slow ways routes (Dumbarton to Old Kilpatrick and Old Kilpatrick to Clydebank) in one where the canal path is continued the whole way between.

Bowling was a notable pitstop where I admired the line up of canal boats and noted the option to stop off at the café and admire the riverside views to the Clyde. For cyclists, there is a bike shop just next to the cafe if required.

I completed the walk between Old Kilpatrick and Dumbarton in 2hrs at a leisurely pace and opted to take the train home again as my dog was beginning to overheat in the glorious sun.

This was a very easy route to walk, with very little room for error in taking the wrong turn and only a handful of road crossings. This route is also ideal for cyclists and accommodates those in wheelchairs as it is flat and tarmacked the whole way.

I took my dog to accompany me on this route, with a mix of on and off lead walking to accommodate for road crossings and passing cyclists. The majority of this route is enclosed on the cycle path but there are areas I had her on the lead for a prolonged period (e.g. Dumbarton or when the path was closer to the A82). Notably there was no livestock on this route only having to be mindful of nesting swans with my German Shepherd.

Review of SlowWays Route Dumold1 (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 it several times before. It initially proceeds out of Dumbarton via quiet residential streets, pathways and parkland. The dedicated part of the cycle route is then picked up at the top of Third Avenue and the going is then very straightforward (although this is a popular route and care must be taken to watch for cyclists, particularly at blind corners). On reaching the village of Bowling, I inadvertently strayed onto the new section of cycleway (the “Bowline”) which bypasses the village centre via an excellent overpass and elevated walk/cycleway (and which is part of the alternative route, Dumold 2). However I have checked and the original route (which drops down onto Dumbarton Road via a little park and the town’s war memorial, then turns right to cross the railway via the road bridge into the Marina/Harbour area) is still operational and provides a perfectly good (if less scenic) route through the village. Thereafter the cycle route is rejoined and there is a very pleasant, level section along the canal towpath until the final diversion into the centre of Old Kilpatrick. As with Dumold 2, I encountered no issues with the route and have rated it five stars.

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