Walks from Helensburgh

Recommended: A hill route using much of the Three Lochs Way, with a steep initial climb through woods, then uphill above the Gare Loch with nice views. The long central section follows a paved road through a valley near overhead lines and before a footpath crosses a heather-covered hill and descends on quiet wide streets into Helensburgh. Follows the Three Lochs Way. Nice views over the Gare Loch and the river Clyde in good weather.

Time: 4h30–8h30

Lunch: Only the post office in Garelochhead for early-morning supplies; little en route.

Warnings: Crosses a Ministry of Defence firing-range danger zone; only available when there is no firing (check the Scotland firing times before setting off). A fence near the top is trickier to cross than a usual stile.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Northern section is very enjoyable with amazing views over Loch Long; excellent views. A route forming roughly half of the Three Lochs Way, with a very enjoyable northern section of amazing views over Loch Long, a less enjoyable middle third on a tarmac road through an MOD training area and a final descent on quiet single-track road and new footpath through woodland into Helensburgh. The ground can be sodden in the second section from Tarbet. Comprises about half of the Three Lochs Way, running between Inveruglas and Balloch. Passes the famous Mackintosh-designed Hill House.

Time: 9h–17h30

Warnings: The Tarbet end is currently closed for overhead-line works with a signed diversion (likely until 2026). About a third of the way involves fording a small stream beneath a railway where a bridge has been removed. The ground from Tarbet can be sodden, so walk in drier weather.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Fabulous views and moorland birds. A moorland and forest route following the Three Lochs Way, with a tarmac riverside multi-use path at the Alexandria end, then a quiet lane climbing uphill, rubbly path with tree roots, a steep zigzag climb into forest and a cinder/gravel path over boggy high ground. The descent down Red Glen is fairly steep with occasionally skiddy gravel and a tricky stream crossing. Follows the Three Lochs Way; the John Muir Way splits off near the high point. Views over Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond and the Firth of Clyde. Last refreshments at Balloch before the climb.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 4h–8h

Lunch: Busy Balloch is the last opportunity for refreshments before the climb.

Warnings: A section roughly 7-8km from the Alexandria end was rendered impassable by storm tree-fall. Steep, skiddy gravel descent down Red Glen and a tricky stepping-stone stream crossing. The final stretch is a mile or more along the busy A814.

Walk details: Slow Ways.