FORTH AND CLYDE CANAL, OLD KILPATRICK SWING BRIDGE
ACCESS : This is the vehicle and pedestrian route over the Canal from Dumbarton Road into Erskine Ferry Road.
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Canmore tells us that : Old Kilpatrick Swing Bridge: steel plate-girder bridge over the Forth and Clyde Canal by Sir William Arrol and Company, 1935. There is also a small brick operator's cabin. The bridge carries the A726 to the Erskine Ferry.
Today this bridge continues to carry vehicles and some walkers across the Canal, but the Erskine Bridge which towers above has long since superceded the ferry that was the primary purpose of this bridge. With Canal waterborne traffic nothing like in its heyday, it is rarely opened, but you may be lucky to see it in action.
This old swing bridge is just to the E of Lock 37. It formerly permitted the passage of road traffic across the canal on thier way to the ferry which was replaced by the Erskine Bridge. [CANMORE].
Prior to the opening of the Erskine Bridge in 1971, vehicles using the ferry across the Clyde would cross this 1934 swing bridge, known as the Dalnottar Bridge. A sturdy bridge, it remains in good condition. [CANMORE]
Also see THE BRIDGE KEEPER'S COTTAGE : index.asp?pageid=737542
The bridge swings around to let boats through. The heavy timber framing above the water protects the bridge approaches and guides the boats to the centre.
Looking back towards Dumbarton Road. On the left is the small brick control building.
Looking towards the bridge keepers cottage. The Erskine Bridge looms in the distance.
CANMORE : https://canmore.org.uk/site/128268/forth-and-clyde-canal-old-kilpatrick-swing-bridge
