Old Kilpatrick to Bowling Walk

What a pleasant way to spend a Spring evening - a walk along the Forth and Clyde Canal between Old Kilpatrick and Bowling, led by the knowledgeable Florence.

Who would have thought that such a short stretch could encompass so much history.

I arrived early and was delighted to discover a small nature reserve, The Saltings, whose footpaths weave their way beneath the towering supports of Erskine Bridge.

There were eight of us in total - eight new friends - and the stories which surrounded Erskine Ferry Road alone were enough to fill a history text book. From witchcraft to the building of the mulberry harbours, from light bulb factories to anecdotes of the ferry itself, and this was just the start.

We heard of days when the area was a centre for reknowned artists from Glasgow who went on to form the Glasgow Art Club and this was added to by a sketch drawn by JMW Turner of the canal with the steeple of Old Kilpatrick in the background.

There were sites of Roman temples and the stables of Clydesdale horses - so essential for towing the barges down the canal.

We followed the old railway line to Bowling basin and its Custom House once visited by the celebrated Frederick Douglass - escaped slave and fervent abolitionist - whilst on  a speaking tour to the UK in 1846.

This was a fascinating evening encouraging people to research deeper into what they had learnt.

And the eight new friends? That was a bonus!

If you would like to join Florence for a walk through time she will be repeating this walk on Friday May 15 starting 6.30pm - 8pm, meet at the Scout Hall, Old Kilpatrick, Erskine Ferry Road.