As the summer ends and we move into autumn, now is a great time to start wrapping up and enjoying a crisp morning walk along some of West Dunbartonshire’s biggest and most scenic routes. 

Yesterday marked the end of ‘taps aff’ weather and a move towards longer nights, scattered leaves and wee fuzzy hats. 

To help you get out and enjoy those autumn colours, we’ve put together a list of some of the region’s best seasonal walking routes for everyone. 

4 – The Saltings  

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Macedonboy/Tripadvisor Views of Erskine Bridge from The SaltingsMacedonboy/Tripadvisor Views of Erskine Bridge from The Saltings (Image: Shwe70/Tripadvisor)

The saltings, at the heart of Old Kilpatrick, offers sprawling footpaths within a relaxed environment. 

The dense tree cover also makes for a gorgeous autumn walk full of falling orange leaves. 

3 – Erskine Park 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Shwe70/Tripadvisor Erskine Park views of Erskine BridgeShwe70/Tripadvisor Erskine Park views of Erskine Bridge (Image: Shwe70/Tripadvisor)

Erskine Park, sitting a short drive from Clydebank, is a lovely place to take an autumn walk if you want to also enjoy views of the river Clyde. 

While a smaller walk, it provides a nice place for those that prefer a short wander, rather than a full-on excursion. 

2 – Brown Hill 

Located just outside the town of Dumbarton, Brown Hill offers dozens of routes for the more adventurous autumn walkers. 

The elevated area offers trails for walkers and cyclists, providing a fantastic woodland serenity away from the hustle and bustle of town and city life. 

1 – Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Travel_Revival/Tripadvisor Loch LomondTravel_Revival/Tripadvisor Loch Lomond (Image: Travel_Revival/Tripadvisor)

One of Scotland’s most beloved natural wonders and subject of the country’s most famous song, it's little wonder that Loch Lomond tops the list for the best autumn walk in West Dunbartonshire. 

The nature reserve is among Scotland’s largest national parks and provides stunning loch-side views for any season – including autumn. 

What is the autumn equinox? 

A solar Equinox is a moment in time when the Sun crosses the Earth’s equator, covering the northern and southern hemisphere with an equal amount of sunlight. 

This makes the sun appear ‘due west’ and ‘due east’ in an event that happens twice a year. 

When is the autumn equinox? 

The first equinox of 2022 occurred on March 20 while the second equinox occurs on Friday September 23.