Levengrove Park and The Havoc Grasslands Walk.

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This was a walk taken in early June 2025. Unlike most of the Glasgow parks, which, due to council cash restrictions and maintenance cut backs you can usually see weeds, brambles and ferns growing up through the various park hedges and hard to reach places ( which once were immaculate and well cared for, around a decade ago) Levengrove Park in Dumbarton is still in great condition. So beautiful and otherworldly it reminds me of the 1970s paintings of Gage Taylor, Bill Martin and the other visionary artists of that time period who created hyper real worlds of fantastic complexity and fine detail (Like South Aquaria or The Road) painting collection photo books which I still have.

I love coming here for the often unusual plants in the flower beds, which change with the seasons

Black flag Iris. (I think.)

And the perfectly sculpted look of the place.

Balls of Allium.

It is like entering another world. One without potholes or endless cut backs to public services. ( "There will be no return to austerity measures for the UK!... er...let's just call it something else instead then. Any suggestions around the room? Speak up. ")

It's a lovely park, made even better by running down a green slope to the River Clyde Estuary and a wide expanse of blue water.

In June covered in a lush deep carpet of buttercups and other wild flowers. With the rolling low hills of Renfrewshire and Inverclyde situated just across the water from the park.

Kilpatrick Hills and The Lang Craigs from Levengrove Park.

I might not get to Heaven, if it exists, but this will do me.

And in my minds eye I see... a focus point. A fountain of youth... perhaps.

Apart from this lovely park you can also do a 2 to 3 hour walk downstream along the edge of the River Clyde Estuary towards the Havoc Grasslands, past Brucehill and Westcliff, where a road tunnel under the railway line (Havoc Road) means you can either walk back along the main Cardross Road through Dumbarton to the park or go a shorter distance inland from the shoreline path, returning via a more inland track a mere arrow shot from the coastal path, but offering different views. 

The coastal path walking in the direction of Cardross ( or Port Glasgow, visible across the water here, above.)

Havoc Grasslands. Another path slightly inland which takes you back to the park without going up into the urban sprawl of housing. A longer different walk from Levengrove Park is the path/cycle track up the left hand bank of the River Leven to Balloch where you can get a train back to either Glasgow or Dalreoch Station in Dumbarton if you left your car at the park. 

You can go as far up this coastal path as the sewage works where an obvious pedestrian trail gets you past the railway line on the western outskirts of Dumbarton ( Westcliff) then up through a small wood to reach Cardross Road. Yet another route runs in the other direction, crossing the River Leven to gain access to Dumbarton Rock and castle then the shoreline path past it upriver to Dumbarton's right hand outskirts returning via Glasgow Road (A814)  All are good day or half day walks with plenty of interest.

Several caves near the Havoc Road exit. Formed when the sea level was much higher and at some future date may again experience waves crashing into them when the polar icecaps melt further.

A fit trail near Westcliff in Dumbarton. The return route I picked this time although it was a seat and a 10 min rest break I was interested in here not gymnastics as it was a hot day. It's been a very hot summer so far in 2025 and I've been very glad of mature trees, walking under their cool shade, whenever available.

This is why I love June though. The 'cream season' of buttercups and daisies. Nature at its finest and most colourful.

Dumbarton Rock. A view the Vikings (and ancient Rome) witnessed when the former lay siege to it. Ancient tribal seat of the Britons. Link here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumbarton_Castle

Royal purple.

Wild dog rose. The sweetest perfume out there. The scent of angels.

On the way back through the park I was lucky enough to spot a kayak group on the River Leven.

Sea kayaks. You can kayak down the River Leven but it's one I would recommend for more experienced kayakers as low tide rapids under Dumbarton's older stone bridge ( Bridge Street) means it's only accessible to cross safely at high tide and it's a short but dangerous river after heavy rainfall with turbulent currents, bends, and overhanging tree branches to look out for and avoid. Only to be attempted in calm conditions, like this, as it drains all of Loch Lomond after rainfall. Unless you are an expert kayaker and like wild, fast rivers. ( these are not fast river kayaks, good for distance work not sharp turns.)

A good ending to the walk.

And this is even better. If you only watch one video on here it should be this one. Five minutes of beautiful imagery and sounds. Art at its very best. What I always strive for in my posts as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ps62if38WQ&list=RD8ps62if38WQ&start_radio=1

 

Kilmacolm to Langbank Plateau Walk. Long and Short Versions.

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Unbelievably, it says a lot about this walk that for the last few years Alan and I skipped doing it in favour of every other kind of walk in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.... and it was only due to the fact we were running out of more obvious walks that I even considered it. Alan gets a pass on this as he probably didn't know it existed but I was aware of it. I stumbled across it, almost by accident, over 20 years ago on a solo visit to Kilmacolm and although I enjoyed it- Walking from Kilmacolm over to Langbank then through the Finlaystone Estate, then back via Auchendores Reservoir and minor yellow roads to Kilmacolm again... I remembered the last bit back over the hills from sea level as a real knackering slog on a hot summers day. And if I found it hard then, at my fittest, any time I thought of doing it since then... I dismissed it in my mind as too much hard effort. How wrong can you be? Kilmacolm church, above.

Three of us on this walk. Alan. Alexander, and myself. We parked in Kilmacolm, ( a few small car park spaces exist in Kilmacolm: Station Road next to Carriages pub and restaurant, Barrs Brae, and one next to the High Street next to the children's play park) More car parking is available in a large layby on the A761 beside Knapps Loch. To find the right of way path go up the High Street then West Glen Road then Langbank Drive.

To our delighted astonishment we had picked just the right time of year ( June/July) for this walk which crosses an upland grassy plateau of scattered woods and meadows. 

It was like entering a secret portal or doorway, with flowers and nature super abundant throughout this walk. 

Pink thistles, meadowsweet, clover, and rose bay willow herb filled this landscape which in turn attracted numerous butterflies, bees and other insects.... A cornucopia for wildlife.

Carpets of rose bay willow herb turned it into a Wizard of Oz style landscape. ( The original film that is. Kansas/ South Dakota 1880s setting.)  Also, and a surprise to me, various grass paths crisscrossed  this landscape meaning circular 2 to 3 hour tours of this upland plateau became a reality. Either they weren't so noticeable back then, 20 years ago, did not exist, or I was completely focused on just getting to Langbank so didn't look for them. This time local dog walkers were out in force highlighting any distant tracks available off the main path so shorter walks are an option here

The pink thistles appeared to attract peacock butterflies the most and we counted dozens on the same patch. Good to see. Other varieties were available. But too speedy to capture.

Good camouflage as well when wings are folded feeding. To evade predatory birds moths and butterflies have evolved various tricks. Jerky flight, camouflage, false heads or large eye spots and instant invisibility. Wings folded or in flight both can drop instantly to the ground so fast you think they have disappeared completely. The trick is to move in very  slowly, by inches, as this way you can get a photo or touch them without them being startled.

 Or you just sit down and they come to you. This one takes an interest in my new rucksack. It appears to have a number on it. Either that or its markings make it seem like a number as that would be a very delicate though not impossible job carefully lettering every butterfly released. After over 35 years faithful service my old rucksack is now  kaput and retired- too many holes appearing in it to repair. It's been up Mont Blanc though, Monte Pelmo, and dozens of other major European summit peaks. Rest well my fabric friend. We will not see your like again. In this world or the next.

The right of way path across the plateau to Langbank. Fortunately this time we did not need to descend down to Langbank as we found a balcony trail from the minor North Glen Farm road near the transmission mast.

This gave us views across to Barscube Hill, 195 metres (640 feet) We had lunch around here as this was where we turned back.

 The minor road view of the Firth of Clyde. Rather than descending to sea level only to walk straight back up again, this new path started at this minor road stile and curved round the hillsides on the same contour level. A balcony trail. From here.

 This grass path was also very easy to follow and gave stunning views over the Firth of Clyde Estuary. My kind of walk. Maximum beauty for minimum effort. A win win scenario.

Fields of sheep and Greenock from Knockmountain.

Looking towards Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Another sizable chunk of empty land, mostly high moor, pine forestry and remote grass summits. 

Another Peacock butterfly.

We ended up returning to Kilmacolm by a different right of way path which lead us out onto Finlaystone Road near Old hall (Leperstone Road area) This entire walk was a delight and it wasn't over yet. Walking down through Kilmacolm was equally charming. Knapps Loch circular, Glen Moss, and Quarriers Village are also worthwhile walks in this area

Local gardens, flowerboxes, tubs, and baskets producing a veritable Babylonian hanging garden of delights on the way back on foot to the cars.

A really enjoyable 3 hour walk filled with many bright splashes of vivid colour.

Kilmacolm village centre. Good range of independent shops here. Fishmonger, butcher, baker etc...many of whom have either disappeared from High Streets elsewhere or been incorporated into large supermarkets.

And as we were parked right beside the pub car park ( Station Road. 8am to 6pm free parking- limited spaces though for only around 10 cars here) we went in for a pint. This is a place we all knew well. Carriages Restaurant and Pub as it has an excellent sit out garden right beside the cycle track. The pub restaurant/ cycle track being the old railway station and disused railway line. The minor road network of Inverclyde and Renfrewshire being a lysergic dream for cyclists with so many different options on bike or foot. Hilly and superb.

 These last two views showing the pub/ restaurant sit out area we were now happily sat in, comfy chairs taken with great pleasure, supping pints. Not for the drivers sadly. No alcohol for them. Seriously... can Heaven beat this?

Probably not.

West Highland Way Day Walk. Milngavie Dams and Town Centre.

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On a walk a few months back, in a different area, discussing the range of new long distance paths springing up across Scotland, around 20 now or thereabouts, Alan happened to mention that he hadn't done the West Highland Way, the first official long distance route in Scotland opened in 1980. It runs for 96 miles between Milngavie, a community just north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands. Neither of us had done the full route although I've completed most of it as day walks, either bagging hills or just for something to do at low level when camping or staying in the glens over the decades. I have done the first section from Milngavie to Drymen as a proper walk ( sometime in the 1980s ) and remembered enjoying it... so fancied doing some of it again as part of a day walk. Milngavie town centre here.

 The 'out of sight, out of mind' attitude I mentioned a few posts ago also applies here as despite living very close to Milngavie, 5 mins drive away in a car, I've not thought about doing the West Highland Way from here more than a handful of times since the 1980s. Slightly surprising, since I've done numerous long distance back packing routes across France, Spain and Italy but I suppose that just highlights how much there is to do in Scotland, even within the Central Belt region. For this first section is a beauty.  

 It was a June Sunday morning of mist and drizzle when we wandered around Milngavie town centre, a pleasant change after weeks of sunshine and hot temperatures to finally get a cool day. Cool days used to be normal in Scotland but not so much now.

I don't remember all these metal signs here the last time but like any place we go these days new walks suggest themselves. So local signs are helpful. Also around ten years since I walked this one. Filed away in the brain for a future day trip.... then soon forgotten. Main reason I haven't done any of Scotland's long distance routes is that when I did get a precious two weeks holiday off work each year I preferred spending it in other countries doing long distance mountain walks there in completely new and hopefully dry areas.

Despite the drizzle we were enjoying the cool conditions with plenty to see in Milngavie. Parking can be awkward here which is probably why I'm not here more often though I drive through it to other places all the time. Unless you know the district well for potential parking spots I'm unaware of maybe better to arrive by train or bus for a walk, or park on Mugdock Road beside Mudock Reservoir which is where we parked on this occasion though this too is a busy, popular car park so better to arrive early before 10am. If you like serious walking, 10 miles or so, you can park at Mugdock Country Park main car parks ( less busy) and walk down from there which makes a full day hike in great scenery.

We were happy with a 3 hour stroll. Knitted bee here.

More creatures.

The good thing about being a wet Sunday was the lack of people for photography as usually this is a busy shopping centre.

It's a pleasant place for the start of the walk and most long distance walkers will arrive here by train and get any extra supplies they need around the shops. 

 Being an upmarket suburb the shops here are an eclectic mix, from small art galleries to pound shops. (discount stores)

The West Highland Way is right in the middle of the main shopping street in Milngavie, not far from the train station which is very handy then runs up the right hand side of the Allander water.

There's a lot more signage and direction markers than I remember but that just makes it easy to find and feels more of a big deal setting off.

This first section is through pleasant deciduous woodland leading into Mugdock Country Park, not the 100 acre wood of Winnie the Pooh, alluded to in my previous post ( 4 posts ago) as a portal into another world but a 1000 acre wood that makes a great start to the journey. We followed a few hardy young backpackers into it, remembering when we were that age. The fleeting gift of youth.

Despite everyone having mobile phones now and GPS there's far more signage than there used to be. The Clyde Coastal path also crosses this area from the Clyde coastal resorts. I've done most of that route as day walks as well. Another fine long distance route. See my last post on Saltcoats for a glimpse of that walk.

The other reason we were here was to turn this first section of the West Highland Way walk into a circular day excursion so that included a tour round both Milngavie reservoirs. Mugdock Reservoir first, Greylag geese above....

....and Craigmaddie Reservoir. The rain was really heavy at this point but that's the great thing above tree cover... shady and cool on a too hot day... fantastic shelter on a wet one. We sat under the trees at this point, having lunch, watching folk get absolutely soaked a short distance below us in the strong gusting wind and rain yet not a drop or a breeze touched us. Raised umbrellas were getting blown inside out and rain- jackets were hastily unpacked... after everything else had been pulled out first. It was amusing to watch. Who says wood elves don't exist?

Fifteen minutes later the heavy rain had fizzled out and it was back to heaven again.

With the better conditions other creatures came out to play with a multitude of butterflies, bees, tiny frogs, newts, and dragonflies attracted by the cornucopia of flowers growing along the sides of the reservoirs. Humans walked on the sterile paths above, largely oblivious to these natural wonders fifteen feet below..

A bird family.

A human remembrance tree.

An enjoyable walk. We made it a circular one by following the West Highland Way from Milngavie up to Mugdock Country Park then coming out at Dumbrock car park on Mugdock Road ( where we parked.) round the two reservoirs, then down via Tannoch Loch and the Glasgow Academy green hollow to Milngavie town centre. Around 3 hours with one 15 min lunch.

Another good outing. On a different topic I failed to watch a single tennis match during Wimbledon this summer and haven't done for years. What I have been engrossed in, and have been a fan of for the last 8 or so years is Woman's Football. I started watching it a few World Cups ago and was impressed then by the standard. It's free on TV, unlike the men's game, and I found it far more entertaining than the men's game. Only one in 30 has been a 0 0 draw at full time, last nights Spain vs Germany game- which was dull if you weren't supporting either team. Surprisingly, as a Scot, I've been right behind England's team for the last six years, as supporting the female Chelsea side on TV throughout the various seasons even before that I know most of, not only England's female players, but many in the top UK British and international players sides competing in the Euros. Which makes a big difference. Since Andy Murray packed in tennis I've not kept up with it so I only know the older tennis pros... and the younger ones, male and female, seem very interchangeable now, no one really dominating results to the same extent.

War memorial.

A close up view.

and for anyone that likes good music and excellent musicianship these two sisters always supply the goods over the last 10 years... and a nod to yet another Scottish long distance path.  The John Muir Way from Helensburgh to Dunbar. One coast to another. If you are not aware of these girls already you should rectify that here in this link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoMG0UtAVak&list=RDAoMG0UtAVak&start_radio=1