Three Lochs Way: Garelochhead to Arrochar / Tarbet

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The third stage of the route rejoins the Yankee Road above Garelochhead. The first section offers fine views over the loch although the military buildings and pylons do detract from the experience; later the route heads through hidden Gleann Culanach. After Glen Douglas comes the finest section, with stunning views of the Arrochar Alps clustered around the head of Loch Long.

Terrain

Cycle path, one very muddy section of path then tracks for most of the route, with a short section of muddy woodland path. Finally stretch of track can be a little wet underfoot.

Public Transport

Trains and buses serve Garelochhead and there is a station at the end of the stage (Arrochar - Tarbert) as well as a bus stop nearby in Tarbert.

Start

Garelochhead. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

To rejoin the main Three Lochs Way from the centre of Garelochhead, head up Station Road opposite the church. Follow it when it curves round to the right, and then look for a signpost ('Helensburgh, Arrochar') indicating a cycle path heading off to the left. This soon passes beneath the railway line and later emerges on the A814 immediately north of a roundabout. Go straight across the road onto a very rough path (waymarked). This turns left alongside the fence into the woods, then diverges to the right and becomes very muddy. Emerge at a drystone dyke beneath telegraph poles; cross this and head uphill, along the right hand side of a wall at first, then crossing to the left side.

Stage 2

At the plantation turn left alongside the fence. Follow the fence round to the right at the corner, eventually crossing a fence to join the Yankee Road and the main Three Lochs Way. This is part of a MOD training area. Access along the Yankee Road is usually not a problem, but very occasionally the MOD may close access so it might be wise to check for firing activity with the MOD Police on 01436 810369 before setting out (otherwise a very long detour along the A814/817 is required, regaining the route at Glen Douglas). Turn left to continue along the Yankee Road, ignoring turnings on the right and left and keeping to the tarmac surface. After a dip the tarmac ends and the route continues as a track.

Stage 3

At a fork the Three Lochs Way swings right, ignoring the smaller track ahead. Ignore the minor track off immediately on the right, and then keep left (downhill) at the next fork. The main track is followed when it swings right again below a pylon and passes several locked wooden shelters - first a single one, then a group. There are good views down to Coulport on Loch Long from here. Eventually a main junction is reached where the main track swings right uphill (signed for Luss) past a shelter and pylon - ignore this and take the branch heading left. This soon passes under the railway.

Stage 4

Cross the footbridge over a burn ahead, then keep right along the path which continues through a section of woodland. The trees end and the path leads through open ground before it crosses the river at a new bridge. On the far side the path climbs steeply for a time until it emerges on a forestry track; turn right along this.

Stage 5

Keep on the main track; eventually it leads to the minor road that passes through Glen Douglas. Cross the first tarmac road, then bear right over the bridge on the second, twin road. On the far side turn left, passing through a gate, to follow a rougher track which soon climbs uphill. The track is wet at times and has several steep ascents and descents, but the views over Loch Long and looking back are superb.

Stage 6

Soon Arrochar is revealed at the head of the loch, backed by the peaks of the Arrochar Alps. The track narrows and leads to the Tighness Burn, there is a fine waterfall here, and nearby a drystone feature seat with a great view near the hydro turbine shed. Cross the burn on the footbridge.

Stage 7

Continue along the path which widens again and curves right - away from Arrochar and Loch Long and towards Tarbet and Loch Lomond. A signpost indicates the start of a path which descends to the left to reach the Tighness part of Arrochar village - an optional variant route. The main route eventually reaches a road at a T-junction - turn left, through a gate to reach the A83. Turn right here if heading for Tarbet; otherwise turn left along the road and then right to reach Arrochar - Tarbet rail station.

Photos 6&7: Phil Turner

Next stage: Arrochar to Inveruglas

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Three Lochs Way: Garelochhead to Arrochar / Tarbet

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