Three Lochs Way: Helensburgh to Garelochhead

Summary

The second stage of the Three Lochs Way begins at Helensburgh, passing Charles Rennie Mackintosh's masterpiece Hill House before a woodland path and over moors to Glen Fruin. A quiet country lane through the glen before the route joins the Yankee Road - built by the US army in WWII - with fine views over the Gare Loch. Check times for the live firing range here with the MOD before setting out (see Stage 4). The route described includes descent to Garelochhead for facilities at the end of the stage - those who wish to continue with the next stage to Arrochar can omit this last 2km descent.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good woodland and moorland path, then minor roads. The final descent to Garelochhead involves a path which crosses fencelines and is very boggy in patches, but is waymarked.

Public Transport

Trains and buses serve both Helensburgh and Garelochhead.

Start

Helensburgh Upper Station. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.75km / 9.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 233m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS299832

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

Starting from Sinclair Street by Helensburgh Upper Station, turn left onto Munro Drive to the north (uphill) side of the railway line, then right onto Upper Colquhoun Street. Follow this uphill through several crossroads to reach Hill House, the finest of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's residential creations. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, it has a stunning interior packed with original Mackintosh items. Head through the car park and then turn left at the top onto a path signed for Rhu Marina and Glen Fruin.

Stage 2

Continue through woodland across several small footbridges; there are views over the Firth of Clyde to Greenock with the hills of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park beyond. After around 1km turn right onto a footpath signed for Garelochhead. The path continues uphill along the edge of the woods. Eventually it passes through a gate and continues across rough pastures. After a second gate the path leads down to a tarred lane. Turn left and follow this over the Fruin Water to emerge on the minor road through Glen Fruin. Turn left along this.

Stage 3

This road continues through the glen for around 6km. Near Strone House you may be met by an attendant muster of peacocks heralding your approach for quite some distance. The road begins to ascend, affording lengthy views back down the glen. Shortly after the house a monument and seat on the right commemorate the Battle of Glen Fruin, where the MacGregors defeated the Colquhouns in 1603.

Stage 4

After another 500m the road reaches a low saddle and has its first views over the Gare Loch. At this point turn right onto a tarred lane lane known as the Yankee Road - built by the American army in World War II. Immediately it forks; keep on the main tarred left branch, soon reaching the main A817 road. Go straight across this to continue along the Yankee Road, heading into the MOD Garelochhead Firing Range. Access along the Yankee Road is usually not a problem, but the MOD may close access so check for firing activity with the MOD website before setting out (otherwise a very long detour along the A814/817 is required, regaining the route at Glen Douglas).

Stage 5

Continue straight along the military road for 1.5km and watchcarefully for the end of the plantation on your left. A faint path leads across to a wooden structure on the fence line which has a small circular Three Lochs Way marker on it. This is the way down to Garelochhead. If you want to omit Garelochhead and simply continue on to the next stage right through to Arrochar, keep straight ahead. Otherwise, take the faint path, cross the fence, and follow a muddy path along the edge of the plantation. This turns left at the corner, then continues alongside the fence until meeting a drystone dyke (wall). Turn right alongside the wall, crossing to the other side part way down. At the bottom a very muddy section of path leads through the woods to the left to emerge on the main A814 road immediately north of a roundabout. Head straight across onto a tarred cycle path. This swings right, eventually passing under the railway and emerging on Station Road in Garelochhead. The rail station is to the left, whilst all other facilities are to the right.

Next stage: Garelochhead to Arrochar

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