It is possible to cut off the loop past Merkins Farm by taking the track through Gallangad Farm....

redheather

The route leaves Old Kilpatrick by a fairly complicated sequence of pavements and paths (the map of the route is essential here) but quickly reaches the dual footpath and cyclepath crossing the Erskine Bridge. Once the end of the bridge is reached, the route heads along the pavement and enters the local nature reserve of Boden Boo....

wellchoughed

After crossing the M8 motorway, the going gets a little more difficult as the route follows the pavement-less Drumcross Road for the best part of a kilometre. As explained by the previous reviewer, one of the paths up on to the Erskine Bridge is currently closed (and has been for some time) but this route takes the other path (mostly open but with a few short diversions onto the adjacent cycle lane)....

wellchoughed

Crossing Erskine Bridge was safe as there was a decent barrier between the motor vehicles and the cycle lane, and another smaller barrier between the cycle and the pedestrian lanes. This was really nice, with wonderful views of the river, and its wildlife, and back towards the dramatic Erskine Bridge....

Mary Oz

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....

Mary Oz

Crossing Erskine Bridge was safe as there was a decent barrier between the motor vehicles and the cycle lane, and another smaller barrier between the cycle and the pedestrian lanes. There were three short sections where the pedestrian lane was closed for repairs and we had to use the cycle lane, but these were temporary and not a problem....

Mary Oz

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....

Mary Oz

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....

tricialitt

Enjoyable walk, excellent views over towards the Campsie Hills as you enter Strathblane. Start of route at Old Kilpatrick can be a little confusing....

Scott Carmichael

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 is an error on the route between Burncrooks Reservoir and Lily Loch where the SlowWays route to Duncolm starts about 200m W of the true path on the ground, which is marked by a cairn. The true path goes SE of Lily Loch, but the SlowWays route shows as passing to the NW....

WeegieWalker

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

Mary Oz

The canal is at the same level on both sides of the road, but the level is similar to the road level. Boats need to go into the lock, and the water level will be dropped by 8 feet (by Scottish Canals staff) so that the boat can sail under the road, then the lock is refilled ready for the next boat. The route left the canal here to follow the road under Erskine Bridge to the end point....

Mary Oz

With shops and nearby transport links at both ends, it's a pleasant short walk, despite being in some of Glasgow's most industrial outskirts....

Hiking Historian

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

I completed this route in 1hr at a quick pace and opted to walk the route back home again instead of taking the train....

Anouska

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

Do have a look at the clock as you pass through Clydebank Shopping Centre - I don't think it runs anymore but it was once animated with various moving statues and opening panels when it struck the hour. I never realised how towering the Erskine Bridge is. It's very high up!...

clockworknettie

The route is very straightforward, following a canal towpath for most of its length. After crossing Dumbarton Road at Dalmuir (there is a pedestrian crossing here) the canal towpath is re-joined and followed to the Clyde Shopping Centre....

wellchoughed

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. 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)....

wellchoughed