Clyde Coastal Path
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| Clyde Coastal Path | |
|---|---|
| Length | 110 km (68 mi) |
| Location | Scotland |
| Established | 2014 |
| Trailheads | Milngavie – Kelly Burn (between Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie) |
| Use | Hiking, Walking, limited Cycling |
| Highest point | 197 m (646 ft) |
| Lowest point | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Season | All year |
| Maintained by | Rotary Club of Gourock (south of Erskine Bridge); Rotary Club of Allander (north of bridge) |
The Clyde Coastal Path (Scottish Gaelic: Ceumcolsa Linne Chluaidh) is a long-distance walking route in western Scotland. Opened in 2014, it forms part of the wider Firth o Clyde Rotary Trail and links the Ayrshire Coastal Path with the West Highland Way, creating a continuous route from Scotland’s south-west coast to the Highlands.
The route extends for about 110 km (68 mi) between Milngavie in East Dunbartonshire and the Kelly Burn between Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie. It follows a mixture of coastal promenades, estuary paths, and inland moorland tracks along the lower River Clyde corridor.[1]
The path is divided into three main sections:
- Section 1 – Wemyss Bay to Greenock: Two route options – a 25 km coastal route or a 20 km moorland route.
- Section 2 – Greenock to Erskine Bridge: Approximately 26 km following the Clyde estuary through Port Glasgow and Langbank.
- Section 3 – Erskine Bridge to Milngavie: Roughly 14 km via Hardgate and Duntocher, finishing at Milngavie.
A circular walk of about 45 km can be achieved by combining both the high and low routes of Section 1.
Spurs and connections
Two spurs complement the main route:
- The Partick Spur (19 km) runs from Boden Boo at the Erskine Bridge to Partick railway station, connecting with the Clyde Walkway.
- The Paisley Spur (5 km) links the River Cart to Paisley Abbey, joining the Scotland’s Pilgrims’ Way.
Including both spurs, the total network length is nearly 110 km.
Development and maintenance
The path was created by members of Rotary International District 1320 (Scotland South).
- The Rotary Club of Gourock maintains the section south of the Erskine Bridge.
- The Rotary Club of Allander (Bearsden and Milngavie) maintains the northern section.
- The spurs are maintained by the Rotary Clubs of Erskine, Govan, Paisley Callants, and Renfrew.
The launch of the Clyde Coastal Path completed the Firth o Clyde Rotary Trail (FoCRT), which also includes the Mull of Galloway Trail and the Ayrshire Coastal Path.[2] Together these trails form part of the International Appalachian Trail Scotland network.
Signage and guidebook
The entire route is sign-posted with directional markers containing QR codes for location information. A printed guidebook[3] provides full coverage:
- Cuddihy, Vincent (2018). Clyde Coastal Path – A Guidebook. Edited by Iain R. White. Photographs by Photoscot. Preface by Sally Magnusson. Gourock: Clyde Coastal Path Board. ISBN 978-1845003005. OCLC 1099478973.
The book includes detailed directions, nature notes, and points of historical interest.
Related routes
- Ayrshire Coastal Path – southern continuation from Wemyss Bay
- West Highland Way – northern continuation from Milngavie
- Great Glen Way and Cape Wrath Trail – further long-distance links northward
- Clyde Walkway – via the Partick Spur
- Scotland’s Pilgrims’ Way – via the Paisley Spur