Sunday was the day we started our Lochs and Glens North Tour of 2019. At the start of Lochs and Glens North Day 1, we all met up at Glasgow Central Railway Station.

Having had some lunch, we set off to cycle to the starting point of the ride (which was where we had finished the Lochs and Glens South Tour previously).

There seemed to be some of the exhibition in Glasgow with lots of painted statues (Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail) all around, all different. Here is a couple we passed:

The ride started near Bells Bridge.

Having found someone to take the essential start of the ride picture, we set off following the river.

We hadn’t gone far when we passed our first distillery – The Clydeside Distillery. We didn’t stop but there were obviously people inside looking around.

Next, we passed near Glasgow Harbour.

Although we were generally following the River Clyde, the route used an old railway track, river oaths and some canal paths.

Andy tried to ride a large bike we found, but he couldn’t reach the handlebars or seat for that matter.

It made us all think of Ian, who is normally our designated ‘large’ bike rider!

We passed plenty of families of swans.

As we passed through Dumbarton, there were a few quiet roads.

We turned off and started to follow the River Leven heading towards Loch Lomond.

We passed some interesting pyramids with lamps …

As we neared Balloch, there was a bridge with a tidal barrier underneath.

The other side of the tidal barrier was an area with lots of boats moored.

It wasn’t long afterwards that we reached our destination for the day.

We were staying at Queen of the Lochs in Balloch. Not long after arriving, we sat in the sunshine to enjoy the “perfect pint”.

From Glasgow to Balloch was 20 flat miles and it had been a lovely day, the sun had definitely been shining on us!!

You can view our Lochs and Glens North Day 1 route from Glasgow to Balloch below: