Canal takes the High Line to forge new link for cyclists and walkers

● Disused railway to be re-opened as path with views over River Clyde

A New York-style High Line path could link the Forth & Clyde Canal at Bowling with the national cycle route to Loch Lomond, Scottish Canals has announced.

The 500m-long cycleway and footpath is seen as the next stage of redeveloping a disused rail line where the canal meets the River Clyde in West Dunbartonshire.

A 120-year-old swing bridge at Bowling Harbour has been restored as the first stage of the project, part of a £3.2 million transformation of the area.

The bridge, which became derelict after the railway closed in 1960, has been repaired and repainted thanks to funding from Sustrans and Historic Environment Scotland. Scottish Canals is now seeking funding to transform the line into a “linear park” and pathway which it said was inspired by the High Line park on a former elevated railway in New York City.

The 1.5-mile-long High Line Park has become a major attraction since its first phase opened eight years ago on the west side of Manhattan.

The Bowling path will link the canal towpath with a National Cycle Network route between Glasgow and Loch Lomond. It will feature new viewpoints over the canal and Clyde.

Tom Bishop, community links manager at cycle path developers Sustrans Scotland, said: “It has great potential to further attract cyclists and visitors, whilst connecting the corridor as a more direct and enjoyable traffic-free route.”

Helena Huws, design and development manager at Scottish Canals, said: “We’ve been working to breathe new life into Bowling Harbour, investing more than £3.2m.

0 The restoration of the railway swing bridge at Bowling Harbour could lead to a High Line-style link

“The restoration of the iconic railway bridge to its former glory is the next step in that story and we’re delighted to see the project completed.

“Now we’re looking to deliver the next stages of the masterplan we’ve helped shape with the local community bringing further investment, employment and vibrancy to Bowling, and developing a fantastic tourism and leisure destination fitting of the western gateway to the canal.”