John Muir Way: Helensburgh to Balloch

Summary

The John Muir Way leaves the pier at Helensburgh to climb up through leafy streets. It passes Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House before picking up a forestry track which climbs to glimpses of Loch Lomond. The route then descends to Loch Lomond Shores (cafes) and follows the waterside to the centre of Balloch where there are all facilities and train station.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Pavements, shared cycle path, track, moorland path, an alternative, flatter route for cyclists.

Getting there

Start

John Muir Way start point near Helensburgh Pier, West Clyde Street.

Public Transport

Buses and trains at Helensburgh and Balloch.

Start Grid Ref

NS294822

Open in Google Maps

Services

Helensburgh and Balloch are both towns with plenty of facilities.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.3km / 9 miles
Time: 4 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 360m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
OL38 Loch Lomond South

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (10)

Stage 1

The John Muir Way starts from the sea front in Helensburgh, by the pier. There is a low circular stone marking the start of the route just west of the public toilets on the grassy front, there is also car parking in front of the leisure centre. Begin by heading up Colquhoun Street which heads uphill opposite the pier. Continue straight ahead until this is blocked by the railway line; at this point turn right then left to cross the railway on the main Sinclair Street, before turning left and then right again onto Upper Colquhoun Street.

Stage 2

Eventually this leads up past the Hill House, now clad in a protective cover - regarded by many as the finest of Charles' Rennie MacIntosh's domestic commissions. Run by the National Trust for Scotland, it is open to the public. Pass the house and head through the parking area to reach a footpath signpost. Go ahead here to reach a path - signed 'John Muir Way' - which passes through the trees, aiming to the right, until it emerges on the main road.

Stage 3

Cross and turn left to pick up the cycle path that runs beside the main A818 road and follow this for around 2km until a waymarked (JMW) track heads to the right, signed for Balloch (the cycle route version of the JMW continues ahead). Go through the gate to follow the track as it climbs gently uphill with good views in places to the left. When the first clear view of Loch Lomond can be seen ahead ignore a track to the left and stay on the main route which bends right and continues climbing.

Stage 4

On a bend in the track the route of the Three Lochs Way to Helensburgh leaves on a signed path to the right. Continue on the track and very soon a red stony path (signed Viewpoint) to the left offers an optional short detour to a seat and great view over Loch Lomond. The main route continues ahead and very soon branches right at a signed fork. After passing a small pond the track soon bends right to start the descent of the Killoeter escarpment. Before this, you can detour up a rough path to the summit of Gouk Hill for more views of Loch Lomond - to do this, take the path heading up to the left immediately after the pond, next to some trees on the left.

Stage 5

Otherwise continue on the track which narrows and is very steep for a first section before following a zig zag path downhill and then continues ahead. When the edge of the forestry on the right is reached turn right to follow a track, soon turning left at a signed junction. This crosses open ground before turning left at a crossroads onto an ancient route - this junction is easy to miss in this direction.

Stage 6

Soon go through a gate onto Stoneymollan Muir and there are lovely views to Loch Lomond as the route descends on a grassy track towards the southern end of the Loch. A line of trees marks the approach to the end of the Stoneymollan road where there is a small parking area, go through the gate and descend the road which is steep in places but usually quiet.

Stage 7

Eventually the road bends sharp right - go straight ahead here, taking a path leading over a footbridge over the A82. On the far side pick up the track which keeps to the left edge of a caravan park. Bear left when a road junction is reached, then right at the next junction to head along the left hand side of a vast area of car parks. Continue along this edge to reach Lomond Shores, passing to the right of the Gateway centre to reach the loch. Here bear right along the back of the curving row of shops and cafes. Pass the cylindrical aquarium tower to continue round a short section of the loch shore.

Stage 8

Follow the main path as it curves away right, and go straight across at a road. The path eventually bears right and continues through woodland by a river to emerge in a small car park beside the tourist information centre. The railway station is opposite; the next stage of the route lies over the road bridge to the left.

Next stage: Balloch to Strathblane

Route Profile

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?