Forth and Clyde Canal: Bowling to Stockingfield Jcn

The Forth & Clyde Canal was designed by the eminent civil engineer John Smeaton and completed in 1790. This first stage is an accessible, easy walk with excellent transport links along a historic waterway cutting a green and pleasant course through the city.

Terrain

Variable grade surfaced towpath

Public Transport

Rail stations at Bowling by the start, and at Gilschochill near the end of the stage. There is access to bus stops at various points.

Start

Bowling station. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 64m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS443737

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Bowling Basin is easily accessible from the train station on the busy Glasgow suburban line, and is signposted as National Cycle Route 7 (eventually changing to 754). From the station follow the pavement to the right through Bowling to the basin, turning right underneath the bridge to reach the sealock and the 'official' start of the route. The British Waterways office housed in the former Custom House here will be able provide any detailed information required regarding the route, otherwise return under the bridge and begin the walk eastward along the towpath on the south side of the canal. This canal possesses 39 locks, and the route passes Lock 38 soon after leaving the basin (the sea lock is number 39) and continues along a surprisingly leafy path populated by a variety of waterfowl including a healthy mute swan population.

Stage 2

Pass the first of many wooden bascule bridges at Ferrydyke - now operated by British Waterways staff removing a large part of the fun/sweat of a canal passage - and continue underneath the towering Erskine Bridge (which replaced the Erskine Ferry), Lock 37 and the steel swing bridge carrying the old Erskine Ferry Road. Curving slowly north the canal changes character as Clydebank is reached at Dumbarton Road, which was constructed whilst the canal was derelict and thus makes no allowance for vessel air draught. During the restoration of the canal the only option was to install a drop lock - the only example of this in Europe. This temporarily lowers the water in a section of the canal to permit boats to pass underneath the road safely.

Stage 3

Now passing unobtrusively through a fairly built-up area the canal enters the Clydebank Shopping Centre forming an impressive centrepiece to this heavily regenerated area of Glasgow. The two pedestrian footbridges are operated alternately to maintain the traffic flow, but boats gliding through the midst of laden shoppers provide a peaceful distraction facilitated by numerous benches. This location also provides a useful provisioning stop for boats traversing the canal, including another world first -McGonagals 'sail-thru' fish and chip shop! Close to this point at Whitecrook the Forth and Cart Canal provided a 0.8km short cut between the Forth & Clyde Canal and the River Clyde opposite the mouth of the River Cart. The canal was closed in 1893 and is now almost totally obliterated by subsequent development.

Stage 4

Continue onwards to reach the four locks at Boghouse, one of which, Lock 36, spent a considerable amount of time buried underground only to be excavated in 1999 and restored to active service. Head underneath the new Great Western Road bridge and up past the Cloberhill Lock flight and onwards to reach Temple Locks (26 and 27) with a new pub immediately adjacent to the towpath. After passing under the Cleveden Road Bridge the canal narrows to cross the four-arched 120 metre long Kelvin Aqueduct - the largest in Europe when constructed in 1790 and providing Glaswegians with the awesome sight of ocean-going sailing ships gliding high above the River Kelvin and the Kelvin Walkway. After crossing the aqueduct the five Maryhill Locks carry the canal up to Stockingfield Junction, where the Port Dundas Branch of the canal heads south towards the city centre at Spiers Wharf. Look for a signposted path leaving the canal and heading right down a set of steps - turn left at the bottom and pass underneath the canal. This is the end of the stage; here you can leave the route by continuing ahead and then left along Cadder Road to Gilshochill Station. If continuing the route, take the ramp on the right after passing under the canal to rejoin the path.

Next Stage: Stockingfield Jnc to Kilsyth

Route: Phil Turner

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