The Three Lochs Way

The Three Lochs Way is a 34 mile long distance route between Balloch and Inveruglas, with Loch Lomond, The Gareloch and Loch Long as recurrent scenic backdrops.

Technical sheet No. 27087048

A Argyll and Bute walk posted on 22/09/22 by Gillian's Walks. Last update : 29/09/22
Author's time Author's time : 2 days
Distance Distance : 57.79 km
Vertical gain Vertical gain : 1,213 m
Vertical drop Vertical drop : 1,218 m
Highest point Highest point : 267 m
Lowest point Lowest point : 6 m
Difficult Difficulty : Difficult
Back to starting point Back to starting point : No
Walking Walking
Area Area : Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Location Location : Argyll and Bute
Starting point Starting point : N 56.251694° / W 4.709552°
Ending point Ending point : N 56.003391° / W 4.583095°
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Viewpoint View down to Loch Long

Step by step walk

This walk needs several days, please find the details below.

Inveruglas to Garelochhead, The Three Lochs Way

Inveruglas to Garelochhead, The Three Lochs Way

This half of The Three Lochs Way is strenuous but the scenery makes it all worthwhile! Loch Long is your companion for the majority of the route and you also get glimpses of Loch Lomond and The Gareloch: the three lochs which give this long distance walk it’s name. This is The Three Lochs Way Day 1.

Garelochhead to Balloch, The Three Lochs Way

Garelochhead to Balloch, The Three Lochs Way

This part of The Three Lochs Way is much flatter than the first half and definitely the easier of the two days. It passes through the pretty town of Helensburgh. Despite the walk’s name, you leave the lochs behind for much of the way, meeting back up with Loch Lomond in the final stages. This is The Three Lochs Way Day 2.

Useful Information

For more information and a walk review, visit Gillian's Walks

The official Three Lochs Way website recommends walking the route in 4 sections, however the route described here is 2 longer sections starting in Inveruglas and ending at Balloch.
Day 1: Inveruglas to Garelochhead
Day 2: Garelochhead to Balloch

Transport

  • Car parks: Sloy Power Station, Garelochhead Railway Station, Balloch
  • Public transport option: leave a car in Balloch then take the Citylink bus to Sloy Power Station to start the walk from that end and walk back. It is service 916 and picks you up just after the roundabout on A82.

Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.

Other walks in the area

Walking Inveruglas to Garelochhead, The Three Lochs Way
Organisation / Walking Club / Mountain guide
Inveruglas to Garelochhead, The Three Lochs Way
distance 28.91 km Vertical gain +671 m Vertical drop -644 m Duration 10h10 Difficult Difficult
Starting point Starting point in Argyll and Bute

This half of The Three Lochs Way is strenuous but the scenery makes it all worthwhile! Loch Long is your companion for the majority of the route and you also get glimpses of Loch Lomond and The Gareloch: the three lochs which give this long distance walk it’s name. This is The Three Lochs Way Day 1.

Walking Ben Vane, Inveruglas
Organisation / Walking Club / Mountain guide
Ben Vane, Inveruglas
distance 11.64 km Vertical gain +883 m Vertical drop -884 m Duration 5h50 Difficult Difficult
Starting point Starting point in Argyll and Bute

Ben Vane is the smallest of the 282 Munros and it is renowned for its many false summits which lure you into a false sense of achievement! In clear weather you will be rewarded with extensive views across the Arrochar Alps, Loch Sloy, Loch Lomond and far beyond across the peaks of the southern Highlands.

Walking Arrochar Caves Trail - Glen Loin, Loch Long
Walker
Arrochar Caves Trail - Glen Loin, Loch Long
distance 4.78 km Vertical gain +95 m Vertical drop -91 m Duration 1h40 Moderate Moderate
Starting point Starting point in Argyll and Bute

This walk is like a treasure hunt. This walk goes through the woodlands and valley bottom before enjoying a nice waterfall. However, if you do wish to explore the caves (Glen Loin), you will need some balance and awareness.

Walking Amongst the Arrochar Alps at Glen Loin
Organisation / Walking Club / Mountain guide
Amongst the Arrochar Alps at Glen Loin
distance 16.03 km Vertical gain +671 m Vertical drop -665 m Duration 6h30 Difficult Difficult
Starting point Starting point in Argyll and Bute

A challenging high-level loop beneath the Arrochar Alps, beginning and ending at Succoth car park. On a clear day enjoy fantastic close-up views of the surrounding mountains, including The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime, returning via Glen Loin.

Walking The West Highland Way - Stage Three (Inverarnan to Bridge of Orchy)
Organisation / Walking Club / Mountain guide
distance 29.55 km Vertical gain +533 m Vertical drop -391 m Duration 10h00 Moderate Moderate
Starting point Starting point in Stirling

The West Highland Way is the most established of Scotland’s long distance walking routes. This is the third of a five stage route, staying at prebooked accomodation along the way.

Walking From Rowardenann to Inverarnan, West Highland Way
Walker
distance 22.60 km Vertical gain +387 m Vertical drop -388 m Duration 7h35 Difficult Difficult
Starting point Starting point in Stirling

This 3rd section of the West Highland Way (WHW) goal is to walk up to Loch Lomond. You start by increasingly going up a beautiful forest, where you can spot incredible views of the loch. On the way, go past waterfalls coming from Ben Lomond. As soon as you get back along the lochside, follow it for quite a while, along paths going up and down and in between rocks. A brief climb between two beautiful hills and one way downhill towards Inverarnan to finish this stage.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

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