Best walks from Dumbarton Central

Dumbarton Central Station to Kilpatrick Station

excellent views of Bowling Harbour and the Clyde. A very straightforward, level walk following a national cycle route, almost entirely on good surfaces alongside the canal and River Clyde. It includes a beautifully landscaped elevated walk/cycleway over Bowling, tree-shaded cuttings and a section running alongside the railway and ending through suburban streets and a park. Follows a national cycle route, largely free of steps. There is a replica Roman distance stone marking one end of the Antonine Wall near Old Kilpatrick.

8km.

Lunch: Shops and a cafe under the old railway arches at Bowling, plus services accessible from the cycle track about halfway along.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Alexandria Station to Dumbarton Central Station

amazing scenery. A flat, fully paved/tarmac cycle and foot path following the River Leven almost the whole way, with only gentle inclines. Open fields, woodland and wetland alongside the river make for easy and scenic walking. Follows the NCN7 cycle path; shared use with cyclists and runners. Links on to Old Kilpatrick / Bowling Harbour and, from Balloch, to Loch Lomond National Park. Wetland alongside the river is rich in birdlife and wildlife.

Easy: 6km, moderate ascents.

The route crosses a cow field north of the A82 (the cattle generally keep well away from the path); a kissing gate or mini cattle grid is at the field exit. Signs of occasional tidal or heavy-rain flooding near the main road and railway bridges. A slightly tricky road crossing and some steps at the Alexandria end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Helensburgh Central Station to Dumbarton Central Station

The shortest and flattest route between the towns, but a really unpleasant walk for much of its length along a busy 60mph A road on a narrow footpath and encroached by brambles and littered with debris. Proper pavements and a cycle path only at the town ends.

13km. Moderate ascents.

The section between the towns runs alongside a busy 60mph A road on a narrow footpath, encroached by greenery and brambles and strewn with debris; the speed of large passing vehicles can be dangerous. Longer alternatives via Balloch/Alexandria are more traffic-free but involve much more ascent.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route