The Three Lochs Way

A long-distance walking route linking Loch Lomond, Gare Loch and Loch Long in four stages, the Three Lochs Way has a railway station at the start and end of each section, except at the very end at Inveruglas where there is only a bus stop.

Beginning 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 crosses over to Glen Fruin and then enters the military training areas high above the nuclear weapons base at Faslane. After a detour to Garelochhead the route continues through the military ranges 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 joins with the Cowal Way at Arrochar and both link to the West Highland Way by ferry from Inveruglas.

THE CHALLENGE

The Three Lochs Way is mostly waymarked; for much of the distance it follows minor roads and hard tracks with an undulating route. Some parts are on footpaths, with some boggy going in a few places.

Stage descriptions	Length	Time	Done
Balloch to Helensburgh	13.5km	3½-4½ hours
Helensburgh to Garelochhead	14.75km	3½-4½ hours
Garelochhead to Arrochar / Tarbet	19km	4½-5½ hours
Arrochar / Tarbert to Inveruglas	9.5km	2½-3 hours