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 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....

Chris French-Leith

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....

wellchoughed

There were shops and a café here under the arches of the old railway line that the route was about to cross. 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. Along here, about halfway along the whole route, there were shops and services for cars, but with access from the cycle track too....

Mary Oz

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. Crossing under the A82 was easy, and there was an easy gate and a bridge both offering at least 100cm width....

Mary Oz

This route specifically DOESN’T take account of the new Bowline cycle route at Bowling (which was opened in September 2021)....

Mary Oz

This route took approx 1 hour and 30 minutes and follows a foot and cycle path the whole way....

Anouska

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 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....

Anouska

It is a very popular route which follows the NCN7 Cycle Path for most of its distance....

wellchoughed

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)....

wellchoughed

This is the shortest, flattest route between the two towns but is a really unpleasant walk at times along a busy A road which is mainly 60MPH....

Aileen Morton