The final part of the canal is more or less flat as it winds its way through Clydebank, Yoker, Dalmuir and Bowling.

The canal in use. An Arbroath registered fishing boat making the east - west crossing.

Part of the canal has been utilised by the National Cycle Route, (NCN) 7, which makes its way from Glasgow City Centre along a disused railway to join onto the canal near Clydebank Shopping Centre.

The canal passes what was a floating fish and chip shop, however since the reopening of the canal it is now bizarrely landlocked. The towpath goes right through the pedestrian precinct and it is better for cyclists to dismount than incur the wrath of a wee wifey with a heavy shopping bag.

Further on a pair of swans were nesting on the far side of the canal bank, amongst some reeds against a brick embankment, which was all that was left of the Singer sewing machine works. The works manufactured the foot operated sewing machines that everyone's grannie used to own. The works had an enormous clock, presumably so that no one in Clydebank could have the excuse for not knowing the time.

The canal passes under two enormous electricity power lines, which attest to the height of the ships that passed underneath on their way to the sea and far flung exotic locations, like Dunoon and Gourock.

Close to the power lines is a bonded warehouse and occasionally you will be treated to the smell of whisky being decanted.

The old access road for the Erskine Ferry road cuts across the canal tow path. The ferry was dragged across the river by hauling on two enormous chains that were strung across the river. The ferry was discontinued when the Erskine Road Bridge was opened, which dominates the skyline ahead.

Bowling basin

From the bridge, it is a short journey to Bowling and the last of the locks before the final sea lock which connects the basin to the river.

The sea locks at Bowling

A slow death to a fine ship, rotting away in the Bowling Basin