Olders one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Olders here.

There are footpaths across both sides of Erskine Bridge, but the one on the northwest side, which this route follows, was closed in June 2016 as well as August 2023, and at various other times judging from Google Street View, so I've plotted the alternative.

There are a few different ways to get from station road onto the bridge- you could cut through the unmanned station, over the bridge, or turn into the Kilpatrick Braes car park ( watch for cars in this slightly narrow car park entrance). The bridge is fantastic on a clear day, and the paths down by the Clyde towards Erskine leisure centre are reasonably smooth underfoot ( you would have no problem wheeling a buggy). Occaisionallly a portion of the path can flood at very high tide in winter.

Review of SlowWays Route Olders (Old Kilpatrick to Erskine).
I reviewed this route in reverse, walking from Erskine to Old Kilpatrick. I should also say that I was the original designer of this route but I have tried to be as critical as possible in my review. I started at the bus stop behind the Bridgewater Shopping Centre. From there the route quickly drops to the Clyde and heads west. The Erskine Bridge, which forms an important part of the route, is visible straight ahead. After passing Erskine Harbour, the route heads away from the coast. Care is required at this point to avoid emerging onto the busy A726 earlier than necessary. I failed to take the necessary care and ended up having to walk along the edge of the road for a couple of hundred metres. If the right path is taken, it should emerge at a bus stop where a short section of pavement begins and leads to the ramp up onto the bridge. The designed route specifies the left-hand footpath over the bridge (the one adjacent to the northbound traffic lane). However on the day I chose, work on the bridge meant only the right hand footpath was open. Thankfully both are very clear and diversion notices were also provided. A short ramp takes the walker up onto the bridge itself.
The Erskine Bridge is very high and very exposed. I crossed it on a lovely sunny day but I would not have enjoyed it so much on a wet or windy day. The views are amazing but the crossing is not suitable for anyone with vertigo as the footpath is in the lane closest to the edge. However after about 15 minutes, the ramp descending from the bridge is reached. Having crossed on the “wrong” side of the bridge, it is necessary to turn right at the first path junction to pass under the bridge and emerge on the “right” side (actually the left or west side). From here, the route swings round the edge of the bowling club and descends to Station Road via stone steps. A short, downhill walk leads to a tended grassy area next to the A814 and the end of the route.
Overall, I found this a good route which was easy to follow and full of interest. However the Erskine Bridge crossing may present access issues for some people and therefore I have deducted one star.

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