Three Lochs Way: Balloch to Helensburgh
The 55.0 km long Three Lochs Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and the first section, Balloch to Helensburgh, invites walkers to experience 13.5 km of stunning waymarked trails through gorgeous, gentle landscapes, with only minor ascents. Beginning at the southern end of dazzling Loch Lomond, this section of the trail features incredible scenery as you enjoy paths, minor roads, and wide-open moorland. The walk ends in the graceful town of Helensburgh, where you can either enjoy an overnight stay at a B&B before continuing on the next section or choose to end the walk here.
Quick Navigation
Join our newsletter
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers
Route Description for Three Lochs Way: Balloch to Helensburgh
The Three Lochs Way: Balloch to Helensburgh walk is the first section of the full 55.0 km Three Lochs Way long-distance Great Trails of Scotland. This walk is often completed in 3-4 separate sections over the course of time, or the sections can be done consecutively by enjoying overnight stays at B&B’s along the trail. The Balmillig B&B in Helensburgh is an excellent choice for an overnight stay following the first section.
The walk begins at the Balloch Visitors Centre, found adjacent to the rail station. To begin the trail, walk through the car park towards the River Leven and join the path the unfolds riverside on the left. The trail soon brings you to a road which you’ll cross and bear left, leading you through the retail area of the Loch Lomond Shores. Look for the walkway found to the right of the car park as you depart the retail area to join a minor lane at a T-Junction. Turn left, and then right, following signs for Cardross and Stoneymolland Road. The track becomes more straightforward from here as you cross a footbridge above the A82 and continue up a steep road. You’ll soon reach a high point, granting you incredible views out towards Ben Lomond and over Loch Lomond as well. Stick to the main path following the waymarked trail for the Three Lochs Way, which takes you through down over lovely moorland with superb views of the Firth of Clyde and out to your final destination, Helensburgh. The path soon joins the main route into Helensburgh, ushering you into the beautiful resort town on the sea, with spellbinding views accompanying you much of the way on the final stretch. After arriving in the leafy town, train and bus service is available for those wishing to return to Balloch and those wishing to continue on to the next section, Helensburgh to Garelochhead can find a cozy B&B to rest for the night.
Getting to the Three Lochs Way: Balloch to Helensburgh Trailhead
To get to the Three Lochs Way: Balloch to Helensburgh from Alexandria, take Main St/B857 and continue on B857 for 1.3 km. At the roundabout tale the second exit onto Old Luss Rd and continue 137 m before taking the third exit for Balloch Rd at the second roundabout. Continue 0.5 km on Balloch Rd to reach the Balloch Visitors Centre car park where the walk begins.
Route Information
Three Lochs Way: Balloch to Helensburgh Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherThree Lochs Way: Balloch to Helensburgh Reviews
Add a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Nearby Trails
- Luss Heritage Trail
- Three Lochs Way: Garelochhead to Arrochar/Tarbet
- Three Lochs Way: Helensburgh to Garelochhead
- Beinn Dubh Walk
- Balloch Castle Country Park Walk
- Balloch Country Park and Whinny Hill Walk
- Strone Hill Walk
- Duchray Castle Walk
- Loch Ard and Ghleannain Loch Walk
- Conic Hill Walk
- Ben Lomond
- Cashel Forest Walk