Here's a few suggestions for things to see and do in Loch Lomond, Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire:
Pleasure Cruises
The ultimate way to relax and soak up the scenery. Savour
Loch Lomond from Balmaha, Balloch, Tarbet or Luss, or
the Clyde, from Helensburgh and Kilcreggan.
Watersports
Loch Lomond offers a variety of activities from water-skiing
to sailing, which is also hugely popular on the Gare
Loch and Firth of Clyde.
Golf
Fine courses welcome the visitor at Alexandria, Cardross,
Dumbarton, Helensburgh and two at Clydebank, with wonderful
views over the Clyde.
Fishing
Choose from freshwater fishing on Loch Lomond and the
River Leven or a spot of sea angling on the Gareloch
or Loch Long.
Indoor leisure
Sports facilities are available at the modern leisure
centres in Clydebank, Dumbarton, Helensburgh and Alexandria.
Shopping - Great shopping opportunities are on offer
at Clydebank, Dumbarton and Helensburgh, or why not
pick up a bargain at the retail factory outlets in Alexandria.
Loch Lomond, Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire Dumbarton
Castle, Dumbarton
The southern shores of Loch Lomond
open into a broad, fertile valley that wends its way alongside
the fast flowing River Leven.
Several small villages overlook the river as it joins the Clyde
at the ancient town of Dumbarton. Near at hand is Clydebank,
ideal for shopping and leisure pursuits.
The River Leven flows from Loch Lomond through the small town
of Balloch, crammed with colourful pleasure craft destined to
enjoy the wonders of the loch.
The Leven is one of the better salmon and sea trout rivers in
Scotland, and its banks are lined with eager anglers during
the season. Close by, in the town of Alexandria, is the Antartex
Village Visitor Centre, which combines a working factory producing
sheepskin coats, with a craft village hosting a variety of skills
displayed by the members of the Lomond Craft Group.
There are bargains to be had at Loch Lomond Factory Outlets,
while the Motor Heritage Museum at the same site provides a
fascinating diversion.
River Leven, Balloch
Ancient Kingdom
The Leven Valley Heritage Trail guides the visitor on a gentle walk
through this historic part of the country, from Balloch to Dumbarton,
where the Leven flows into the Clyde.
Firth of Clyde
Dominating the
skyline is the majestic rock, a volcanic plug, upon which Dumbarton
Castle stands proudly guarding the Clyde Estuary.
The castle is one of the oldest fortified sites in Britain and
has been of considerable significance throughout the centuries
- perhaps a Roman outpost; certainly onetime capital of the
ancient Britons’ Kingdom of Strathclyde; and later a Scottish
royal residence.
Today, visitors can explore the
battlements and enjoy the superb views across the Firth of Clyde
and northwards through the Vale of Leven to Loch Lomond.
Clyde Built
Overtoun Estate lies on the hillside above Dumbarton, the splendid
mansion house dating back to 1859. The grounds have a variety of
landscapes, from wooded glens and gorges to rolling parkland and
exotic gardens, with colourful species collected in the Himalayas.
Superb views of the surrounding Kilpatrick Hills can be enjoyed
from the estate.
Close at hand are the Meadow Sports Centre, a multi-purpose indoor
sports complex including highly popular water-chutes, and the fascinating
Denny Tank Museum. Harking back to the glorious days of Clyde shipbuilding,
the Tank is the oldest working ship model experiment tank in the
world. It offers a unique opportunity to step back in time to the
days of the Victorian ship designer, with displays of hull models
and the football pitch long testing tank.
Further up the Clyde Estuary,
past the small towns of Milton, Bowling and Old Kilpatrick,
the visitor arrives in Clydebank, the home of the Singer sewing
machine, famous throughout the world and at one time a centre
of the renowned Clyde shipbuilding industry. This important
industrial heritage is celebrated at the Clydebank Museum.
Clydebank today offers all the modern shopping facilities the
visitor could desire The town’s Play Drome is also one
of the finest leisure facilities in Scotland, its pool including
a wave machine, river rapids and flumes. And you can experience the adrenalin rush of racing and winning first place on the podium with Scotkart.
Area Overview
