THE THREE LOCHS WAY
This new long-distance route links Loch Lomond, Gare Loch and Loch Long in four stages. Each starts of finishes within reach of a railway station, although that at Garelochhead is 5km off the route by road or 1.5km via rough hillside.
Starting at Balloch, gateway to the Loch Lomond National Park, the route crosses the moors to reach Helensburgh and Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House. It then follows tracks above the nuclear weapons base at Faslane (within reach of Garelochhead) and through military training areas high above Loch Long. Arrochar, famous for its mountain skyline, is the next stop before a final stretch through the hills leads to Inveruglas on Loch Lomond. The route connects with the Cowal Way at Arrochar and the West Highland Way by ferry from Inveruglas.
THE CHALLENGE
The Three Lochs Way is partially waymarked - requiring some navigation - and follows an undulating route. At the current time there is a bridge down on the third stage which may necessitate a wade. Garelochhead requires either a 5km road detour or a 1.5km detour across trackless hillside.
| Stage descriptions | Length | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Balloch to Helensburgh | 13km | 3.5 - 4.5 hours |
| Helensburgh to Garelochhead | 11km | 2.5 - 3 hours |
| Garelochhead to Arrochar / Tarbet | 19km | 4.5 - 5 hours |
| Arrochar / Tarbert - Inveruglas | 9.5km | 2.5 - 3 hours |
ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICES ALONG THE WAY
Balloch and Helensburgh both offer a choice of hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as shops for supplies.
Garelochhead lies off the route but has guest house accommodation.
Arrochar and Tarbet are popular villages with visitors and both boast both hotel and bed and breakfast.
Inveruglas has no accommodation but is on the bus route up Loch Lomondside.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are rail stations at Balloch, Helensburgh, Garelochhead and serving Arrochar / Tarbet.
Inveruglas is served by the Citylink services heading north from Glasgow, and also has a seasonal ferry service to Rowardennan and, if booked in advance, back to Tarbet.
Timetables for all the routes can be found on Traveline Scotland.
The following users have walked the Three Lochs Way:
helenw PhilTurner hags n crags jfairclough1 shugy embo636 JBSS71 kokkie
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