4 Outdoors- Other to Explore in West Dunbartonshire Council

Balloch Castle Country Park lies on the southeast shores of Loch Lomond, on the northern edge of Balloch, 20 miles north of Glasgow. First recognised as a country park in 1980, it was originally developed in the early 19th century. Both the park and Balloch Castle were built by John Buchanan. Although the house has been periodically used for visitor facilities and council offices, it is now included on the Buildings at Risk Register. Balloch Castle is a category A listed building.

A beautiful national park in Scotland centred on Loch Lomond and the hills and glens of the Trossachs, along with several other ranges of hills. It was the first of the two national parks established by the Scottish Parliament in 2002. The park extends to cover much of the western part of the southern highlands, lying to the north of the Glasgow conurbation, and contains many mountains and lochs.

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is home to over thirty Birds of Prey and Owls, representing twenty-six species including all 5 British Owls. Birds of all sizes, the Little Owl, Kestrels, Buzzards, Hawks, Falcons and Eagles, including “Orla”, our Golden Eagle. The site is a relaxing venue to learn & escape every day life.

The Saltings is a 19 hectares regenerated area of woodland, meadows and wetland habitat. It was located near the Erskine Bridge and is bounded by the River Clyde and the Forth and Clyde Canal. The marshy grassland is home to hundreds of wild orchids and different types of butterflies like the Peacock and Orange-tip. The area is popular with dog walkers. For something a bit more energetic, the Kilpatrick Hills are not far away.