Out and About in West Dunbartonshire

West Dunbartonshire offers many interesting places to visit on foot or bicycle. The Loch Lomond Cycle Path links a whole network of different routes.

You can take an easy stroll along any section of the path with its wonderful wildlife and sites of historical interest. Routes branch off to the Saltings Ecology Park, under the Erskine Bridge, Lusset Glen, or even over the river to Renfrew or Erskine. The path also leads to the foreshore at Dumbarton and on to Balloch Country Park.

At this time of year the wild flowers in Lusset Glen and the Saltings are particularly abundant. The burn flowing down through the shaded glen has several deep pools and waterfalls. The damp conditions provide an ideal habitat for many plants such as ferns, mosses and woodland flowers. The walk can be quite strenuous but certainly worthwhile.

For those less inclined to the physically demanding routes, a walk round the Saltings is recommended. The safe easy access is suitable for all members of the community. At this time of year there is a profusion of wild flowers throughout the site. The insect population is remarkably prolific with wild bees collecting nectar, butterflies of many kinds on the meadow and dragonflies patrolling the woodland edges. Chirruping crickets and grasshoppers are common and swallows flutter back and forth in search of flies. In the evenings the local bat population emerges to join the hunt. There are many resting points with seats along the way where you can comfortably enjoy the spectacle.

The routes along the canal and Leven towpaths are no different in terms of wildlife on show. Many kinds of waterfowl and small birds can be seen and heard along these paths and several species of fish can be seen in the waters.

During the summer West Dunbartonshire Greenspace will be taking some guided walks especially for the residents of Bellsmyre. These will be as per the accompanying programme and are designed to show what can be seen in local neighbourhoods.

More information is available from:
Lesley Rogerson, Environment Officer on: 01389 738254.