Three Lochs Way - Arrochar to Helensburgh
Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2011 10:23 pmI walked two sections of the Three Glens Way, Helensburgh to Garelochead and Garelochead to Arrochar, but I walked from north to south so Arrochar and Tarbet train station to Helensburgh Central train station. I had planned to walk from Inveruglas but Citylink don't allow dogs on their buses so I had to make do with the Oban train to Arrochar.
Heading out from the station I walked down the hill to the A82, turned left and continued walking for about 100m where I took a right turn and followed the track up the hill. After about 50m I turn right again and began to follow the track along the side of the hill. I followed this track pretty much all the way to Garelochead Training area where there are a few junctions but they are all well marked by the Three Lochs Way discs on posts. I only had to use my map a couple of times but it was just make sure I was on the right track.
Once I left Garelochead Training Area I joined the single track road that runs through Glen Fruin. I was a little bit concerned about walking along this road with the dog but I was only passed by 5 cars in total and they were all driving at a slow speed. I followed the road for about 6.5k then followed the road on the right and crossed over the bridge before taking the path up to the right 100m up the road which is well signposted.
The track began very well but about 3k in it just stops and I had to walk the last 3k into Helensburgh through some horrible boggy conditions. The poor dog was sinking right up to his belly at some bits! Really quite disappointing after such an excellent walk up to this point. Hopefully there will be funding in the future and the path can be extended
I enjoyed the Three Lochs Way but I would recommend doing it south to north to take advantage of the beautiful views as you head up towards Arrochar
Heading out from the station I walked down the hill to the A82, turned left and continued walking for about 100m where I took a right turn and followed the track up the hill. After about 50m I turn right again and began to follow the track along the side of the hill. I followed this track pretty much all the way to Garelochead Training area where there are a few junctions but they are all well marked by the Three Lochs Way discs on posts. I only had to use my map a couple of times but it was just make sure I was on the right track.
Once I left Garelochead Training Area I joined the single track road that runs through Glen Fruin. I was a little bit concerned about walking along this road with the dog but I was only passed by 5 cars in total and they were all driving at a slow speed. I followed the road for about 6.5k then followed the road on the right and crossed over the bridge before taking the path up to the right 100m up the road which is well signposted.
The track began very well but about 3k in it just stops and I had to walk the last 3k into Helensburgh through some horrible boggy conditions. The poor dog was sinking right up to his belly at some bits! Really quite disappointing after such an excellent walk up to this point. Hopefully there will be funding in the future and the path can be extended
I enjoyed the Three Lochs Way but I would recommend doing it south to north to take advantage of the beautiful views as you head up towards Arrochar