BOWLING

• GBBOW
• Latitude: 55.9297
• Longitude: -4.48278
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in UK

Location: UK

Bowling, located in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, is notable for its historical significance in marine transportation, especially with regard to the Forth and Clyde Canal which intersects this area. Although Bowling is not a large marine port by today's standards, it has a rich history tied to maritime activity and serves recreational boating as well as limited commercial operations.

Here are some key specifications and descriptions of Bowling's marine facilities:

Location

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 55.925°N latitude and 4.489°W longitude.
• Position: Situated on the north bank of the River Clyde, to the west of Glasgow.

Historical Significance

• Forth and Clyde Canal: Bowling is known as the western terminus of the Forth and Clyde Canal, which stretches across Scotland to the River Forth at Grangemouth.
• Historical Maritime Hub: In the past, it played a significant role in shipbuilding and marine trade, especially during the height of canal-based commerce.

Current Use and Facilities

• Recreational Boating: Primarily serves as a base for leisure boating and yachting. It includes mooring facilities and support for recreational vessels.
• Quay and Lock: The Bowling Basin includes a quay and lock system that connects the canal to the River Clyde, allowing passage for vessels between the river and inland waterways.
• Marina: Home to a small marina operated by Scottish Canals, providing facilities such as moorings, repair services, and supplies.
• Tourism and Education: The area has seen a focus on tourism, presenting historical aspects of the canal and local maritime heritage.

Marine Specifications

• Basin Dimensions: The basin at Bowling can accommodate small to medium-sized vessels typical of inland waterways.
• Lock Dimensions: Facilities include locks that are designed in line with those of the Forth and Clyde Canal, often able to handle vessels up to around 20 meters in length and 6 meters in width.
• Depth: Generally, canal and basin depths are maintained to support typical leisure craft with drafts around 1.5 to 2 meters.
• Services: Available services for maritime users include fuel, water, electricity hookups, maintenance services, and waste disposal.

Accessibility

• Road Access: Well-connected via the A82 road, linking to Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
• Rail Access: Nearby Bowling Railway Station provides connections for travelers and tourists.
• Waterway Access: Connected to the wider network of the Forth and Clyde Canal, facilitating inland waterway navigation across Scotland.

Management and Operations

• Managed by Scottish Canals: The body responsible for maintaining and operating the canal and associated facilities.
• Environmental Considerations: Efforts are in place to maintain the ecological balance and preserve historic features for future generations.

Points of Interest

• Bowling Basin: A scenic and historically rich area frequented by tourists and history enthusiasts.
• Railway Swing Bridge: Participates as a key structural and historically significant feature, demonstrating engineering from a bygone era.
• Visitor Amenities: Includes cafes, walking paths, and informational displays about the canal’s history.

Bowling, UK, while modest in comparison to larger commercial ports, provides a blend of historical charm and modern recreational facilities, making it a unique and appealing destination for maritime enthusiasts and tourists alike.