Garelochhead to Arrochar / Tarbet

The third stage of the route links a road above Garelochhead at the northern end of Gare Loch with Arrochar at the head of Loch Long. If starting from Garelochhead itself then there is an additional 5km road walk to reach the start point of this stage, unless you follow the cycle route and rough pathless 1km section which emerges 2km further along the Yankee Road described at the end of the previous stage.

Terrain

Good woodland tracks (damp in places), a section of grassy field path and minor roads. NOTE: the bridge in paragraph 3 has now collapsed, extreme care is needed to cross the river which may be impassable in spate conditions.

Public Transport

Trains and buses serve Garelochhead (5km from start) and there is a station at the end of the route (Arrochar - Tarbert) as well as a bus stop nearby in Tarbert.

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Start

Start of Yankee Road at NS261899, 5km from Garelochhead. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19km/11.75 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 320m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NS261899

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Explorers 347 and 348
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

This section of the walk begins at the southern terminus of the 'Yankee Road', built 70 years ago by the Americans as part of the World War 2 Lend-Lease deals, at the junction with the minor road which zig zags up from the A814 opposite Faslane Bay. Proceed north-west along this path, into the Garelochhead MOD training facility (which is perfectly acceptable under an access agreement with the MOD, though it might be wise to check with the MOD Police on 01436 850361). This road continues for 4.5km in a reasonably straight line, ignore the side roads signposted intriguingly 'Grenade Range' and 'Heat Range' to reach a junction leading uphill to the right, with an obvious Three Lochs Way waymarker.

Stage 2

After another 750m the path again splits - do not follow the route marked with a line of small rocks as this heads into a morass. Instead follow the newer path uphill as it bypasses this boggy section and rejoins the main track further along. Before long you will pass the first of a series of unlocked shelters, presumably in use as troop accommodation, along with a succession of chemical toilets.

Stage 3

Before too long, at another shelter and toilet complex, turn left to enter the Gurkha Bato, constructed by the 70 Gurkha Field Support Squadron, which runs for around 200m before petering out as the path runs beneath the railway. Just before reaching a far inferior partly ruinous shelter, turn right to cross over a footbridge and into a short section of woodland with a faint and possibly boggy path. This path soon becomes more substantial and winds steeply uphill after crossing the river at the remains of a wooden bridge - care is needed and the river could be impassable here in very high water conditions. The views behind you into Gleann Culanach are nonetheless superb, and help to take some of the sting out of the ascent.

Stage 4

At the top of this track, turn right along the more substantial forestry track and follow it to reach Creagan Sithe, and the minor road heading right into Glen Douglas. Cross the car park and the road, before heading right and over the railway bridge before heading left and through a five-bar gate onto a landrover track. This track has some pretty steep ascents and descents, made all the more unpleasant by a covering of loose rock. Follow this path as the views along Loch Long become more spectacular, and Arrochar comes into view ahead.

Stage 5

Eventually the track peters out to become singletrack at a bridge supporting two large-bore water pipes over Tighness Burn. Cross with great care (it's not as bad as it looks) to reach a lovely waterfall, an ideal place to pause and let your heart rate lower. Continue along the path as it widens again, and curves right - away from Arrochar and Loch Long and towards Tarbet and Loch Lomond. The path eventually reaches a metalled road at a T-junction - turn left, through a five-bar gate to reach the A83. Turn right here if heading for the bus stop or services at Tarbet; otherwise turn left along the road and then right to reach Arrochar - Tarbet rail station. To reach accommodation in Arrochar, continue for a further 1.5km along the route of the next stage.

Route: Phil Turner

Next stage: Arrochar to Inveruglas

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.