Henry Bell Monument

You'll find this modest monument tucked away in West Dunbartonshire, honouring Henry Bell - the man who built the world's first commercial steamship, the Comet, back in 1812. It's a straightforward affair, the kind of thing you stumble upon rather than plan a day around, but for anyone interested in Scottish industrial heritage it's worth the detour from Glasgow.

The monument itself is the draw here. Bell's achievement was genuinely significant - the Comet proved that steam power could work on the Clyde, which eventually transformed Glasgow into one of Britain's greatest shipbuilding centres. Standing there, you get a sense of how pivotal that moment was, even if the monument isn't going to win any awards for drama.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from this. Kids might need a bit of context to care, and it won't occupy you for long - thirty minutes maximum. There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so it's more of a quick stop than a destination in itself.

If you're staying at Loch Lomond Retreat or Lomond Woods Holiday Park - both crackers if you want proper Loch-side access just six miles away - this makes sense as part of a broader wander through the area's engineering history. Pair it with a walk along the Clyde or a Glasgow city visit, and you've got context. Go in alone expecting a day's entertainment, and you'll be disappointed.