Three Lochs Way

The Three Lochs Way is a 34-mile (55 km) point-to-point walk from Balloch north to Inveruglas, linking Loch Lomond, Gare Loch and Loch Long. It is a multi-day lowland route, not a high summit walk: expect roughly 1,500 metres of cumulative climbing over three to four days, with moorland, woods, hard tracks and quiet roads between the lochs. The views shift from Ben Lomond and Loch Lomond to the Clyde, Gare Loch and the Arrochar Alps. The route is waymarked and can be walked in either direction; this description follows the usual Balloch-to-Inveruglas line.

Start at Balloch railway station and pick up the waymarkers across the road. The level opening follows a riverside path past moored boats and Loch Lomond Shores, then Stoneymollan Road brings the first steep climb. This old coffin road rises onto open ground around Gouk Hill. A signed bench viewpoint is a short detour for Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond; Gouk Hill itself reaches 277 metres, but the walk’s payoff is the view from the ridge rather than a summit bag. The descent toward Helensburgh is rough and can be boggy. In town, the route skirts Hill House and follows wooded paths and bridges before crossing rough pasture into Glen Fruin. The valley eases the climb but includes roughly six kilometres on a quiet minor road. A monument and seat mark the 1603 Battle of Glen Fruin.

From Glen Fruin, the way climbs toward Yankee Road and crosses land used for military training. Access can be suspended during firing, so check the current restriction before setting off; a closure can mean a lengthy public-road diversion. North of Garelochhead, tracks and shorter rough paths cross open slopes and woods, with burns, views across Loch Long and the jagged Arrochar Alps ahead. The Glen Douglas-to-Arrochar leg is the roughest-feeling stretch: broad tracks are steep and stony in places and drainage is poor, so expect wet feet and muddy patches. Look back as you descend toward Arrochar; the view across Loch Long makes the climbing feel worthwhile.

From Arrochar/Tarbet railway station, the waymarked path enters beech, birch and oak woodland, then climbs through Glen Loin on a path that is often wet. It descends to the A82 at Inveruglas; a narrow path beside the road leads to the car park and visitor centre, where the route finishes. This is a one-way walk, not a circuit. Rail stations at Balloch, Helensburgh, Garelochhead and Arrochar/Tarbet serve earlier stages; Inveruglas has a bus stop and toilets but no overnight accommodation. Loch Lomond Shores has cafés, shops and toilets near the start, while the villages provide the main food and lodging stops. Allow three to four days; the published stage times add up to about 14–17.5 hours walking before longer breaks. If you want a day out instead, Arrochar to Inveruglas is a supported six-mile one-way stage, but plan its return transport too. Dogs are allowed under Scottish access rights when properly controlled, with extra care around livestock and ground-nesting birds.