Garelochhead to Balloch, The Three Lochs Way

Description

Start: Station Road, Garelochhead. (G84 0DB) Grid ref. NS 24166 91158

(D) From Station Road, Garelochhead follow the surfaced cycle path North-East to the A814 near a roundabout.

(1) Cross over carefully and pick up a grassy track on the other side of the road. Look out for a tall wooden finger post "American Road 0.8kms".

Follow a faint footpath through a small woodland area then uphill beside a dry stone wall.

(2) The path continues along a fence to a gate (you need to climb over it), leading to the official Three Lochs Way route.

Turn right (South-East) to walk along the track.

(3) After approx 1.5km cross over the A817. The track continues at the other side of the road.

(4) Turn left (East) and walk along Glen Fruin Road for 6.5km to a fork.

(5) Turn right (South-West) onto Drumfad Road.

(6) After approx 250m, turn right (South-West) onto a way-marked track heading up the hillside.

Continue in a South-West direction for approx 2.5km.

(7) Shortly after passing beneath some overhead pylons, turn left (East) at a fork to enter a pleasant woodland.

(8) When you reach a small car park turn right (South-West) onto Upper Colquhoun Street, passing Hill House, a National Trust for Scotland property.

At the end of Upper Colquhoun Street turn left (East) onto Munro Drive West.

(9) At the end of Munro Drive West turn right (South-West) onto A818/Sinclair Street which continues for approx 1km down to the A814/East Clyde Street by the water’s edge.

Turn left (East) to walk along the busy A814/East Clyde Street.

(10) After 1.8km move over to quieter Cardross Road on the left.

(11) Towards the end of Cardross Road the way markers direct you left (North-East) onto Drumfork Road, a minor road leading into a woodland area.

(12) Continue in a general North-East direction uphill for 1.4km to a crossroads. Continue ahead (East) towards a forest.

(13) Keep left (East) at a fork 300m along.

(14) A further 70m along keep right (South-East) at another fork.

(15) Follow the track in a general North-East direction for 2.3km to a path junction - turn right (East). At this point the Three Lochs Way joins up with the John Muir Way.

(16) It is worthwhile taking a short detour to a well signposted viewpoint in the forest – beautiful views of Loch Lomond. Turn left (North) off the path when you reach the signpost and follow the trail along to the viewpoint. Return to the main path via the same route.

(17) Keep right (South-East) at a fork a short distance along from the viewpoint. The forestry road bends to the right and starts to head downhill, emerging out onto a wide track at the bottom.

Keep left (East) at two forks along this track (18) and (19) and you will come out onto Stoneymollan Road.

(20) The path starts to head downhill with fabulous views down into Balloch. It leads you through a lovely tree-lined passage and onto Upper Stoneymollan Road.

(21) Close to the bottom of the hill turn left (North-East) to cross a footbridge over A82 and along Lower Stoneymollan Road.

(22) At the end of Lower Stoneymollan Road, turn left (North-West) onto Old Luss Road.

(23) Look out for a path on your right 280m along heading North-East towards Loch Lomond Shores.

(24) Walk along the main path around Loch Lomond Shores, past the shops and towards the pier, turning right (North-East) to cross Ben Lomond Way.

Follow the footpath at the other side of the road which bends to the right and runs parallel to the River Leven. The river should be on your left-hand side.

Balloch Tourist Information office is at the end of the path next to the car park (A)