11 September 2021 (2:00pm) West Dunbartonshire This trail covers a wide range
of history of Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven. Bridges, glass production,
textile industries such as Turkey Red, Robert the Bruce's retirement home and
other surprises. Local historian, David Harvie, is an authority on the textile
industries that once spread right through the Vale. You will explore the
remnants of what was to become commonly known as the Turkey Red, the strange
and often dangerous methods, the world-wide markets and the great social
changes that occurred in spite or perhaps because of it. But along the way you
will find many other historic features and their stories of interest. This
trail covers that in the River Leven Heritage Trail brochure available from
local libraries or online here. More can be found on the Explore West
Dunbartonshire website. Look for the RIVER LEVEN and TURKEY RED. The latter
includes old maps and can be opened section by section on your smart phone as
you walk. Explore West Dunbartonshire | RIVER LEVEN - FROM LOCH LOMOND TO
DUMBARTON (spanglefish.com) Explore West Dunbartonshire | TURKEY RED TEXTILE
INDUSTRY, OVERVIEW (spanglefish.com) The individual related sites are set out
below this introductory overview. They appear in order from north to south so
consider this when doing the walk. Saturday the 11th at 2:00pm. Meet at
Dumbarton Bridge where the towpath starts on the west side of the River Leven
(upstream / Bridgend side alongside the small cafe). There is a carpark off
Woodyard Road on the other side. The route follows the River Leven for most of
its length and is flat the whole way. The walk finishes in Balloch with return
by rail if required. Drop-out points are available in Renton and Alexandria
where there are stations. It is possible to leave the walk at various the
points along the way if you so wish, but please notify the walk leader if you
do. Ideally you can enjoy some refreshments in Balloch before finding your own
way home. Duration 2.5 hrs. Facilities Events for Children Parking Precautions
: As this is an outdoor event, precautions according to Covid-19
recommendations are minimal, but individuals or family groups are still
expected to keep a safe distance from each other. Booking : This event does
not require booking. Please arrive at the designated start point and notify
the walk leader, David Harvie.
Key Information

Address
Starting at Dumbarton Bridge, Ending at Balloch, Dumbarton to Balloch, G82 4AD