Cycle Ride Scotland

 Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on a 55 mile (88km)  round trip cycle ride Glasgow-Balloch (Loch Lomond)-Glasgow with most of the route following the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Fly fishing in River Leven with Ballantines Whisky complex in background.

 

 

Information on the trip

This trip provided a wide range of interests including:

  • Industrial history: Forth & Clyde Canal (18th century) and a defunct 19th c railway line.
  • Wildlife: Mainly swans and other water birds.
  • Geology: The Kilpatrick Hills comprised of 340 m year old basalt lava.
  • River Leven with its wetlands.
  • Fishermen: Fly fishing on the Leven
  • Historic Dumbarton Castle, itself of ancient volcanic origin.
  • Balloch: A popular town on the southern tip of Loch Lomond.
  • Tobias Smollett Memorial: An 18th century medical doctor and writer.
  • Extensive whisky warehouses in Dumbarton.

A selection of images are provided above and below.

 Cycle track formed from defunct railway line.

 River Leven at Dumbarton, Scotland

Loch Lomond at Balloch, Scotland

 Dumbarton Castle, Scotland

River Leven Wetlands, Scotland

 Fly fishing on River Leven, Scotland

 Tobias Smollett Memorial, Renton, Scotland


Overall, a very productive and satisfying day, notwithstanding sore leg muscles!

More information

For more information on activities, sightseeing, lochs and Scotland in general refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.

 

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