Balloch map

1. The Path
2. Balloch - Helensburgh

Phase 1

Balloch Tourism Information workplace towards Hill home in Helensburgh: 14.5km, 9 kilometers; ascent about 400m.

Using current small roadways, a historical right-of-way, woodland roadways, footpaths and casual trods, this section crosses the Killoeter/Ben Bouie upland between Balloch and Helensburgh. The route provides exemplary views over Loch Lomond, Helensburgh while the Firth of Clyde.

Those cycling will see a continuous pattern path near the A82 and A818 connecting Balloch and Helensburgh. The committed mountain biker will of course think nothing of tackling the upland route as described - there are brilliant descents - you need to be ready to do some pushing to have up the high bits!

Map files due to Argyll and Bute Council. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance research with respect to HMSO. © Crown copyright and database correct 2009. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence quantity 100023368

Directions

Through the Balloch Visitor Information center (opposite the railway section) start by proceeding east for a couple metres before switching north to the riverside carpark. In the north end regarding the car parking pick up the riverside walkway and follow for 500 metres to your Loch Lomond Shores retail complex.

At the western end for the "retail crescent" change left in the "Gateway Centre" and walk 400 metres southwest regarding pavement fringing the large car parking before you achieve the Old Luss Road in which you turn left, walking for 250 metres before switching right onto the old drove and coffin course referred to as 'Stoneymollan Road'.

After about 400 metres approximately the lovely old roadway is cut because of the A82 and a pedestrian overpass goes across the hectic carriageway. The unusual wood and steel "coronet" which graces the roundabout declares the entrance into the National Park. Perhaps predictably, the cynical residents have dubbed it "The Rack of Lamb"!

Continue after the Stoneymollan Road uphill in which after 600 metres you move across a gate. The course today becomes a rough track which you follow uphill for a kilometre approximately before moving by another gate into a forestry plantation.

NOTE 19 July 2016 out of this point on the route to the Darleith Muir T junction, through the sleep of July and August you will see woodland functions. You should know that there will likely to be hefty machinery and large lorries working. Obey all indications and any directions from personnel working in the location. This will be not likely to hinder your journey to any level.

After 450 metres a waymarker indicates a right turn during the crossroads. Stick to the forestry roadway 800 metres to your Darleith Muir T-junction at GR 352822.

As indicated because of the waymarking post, change right at Darleith Muir ‘T’ junction and head over the recently built aggregate road which heads northwest on the steep Killoeter Escarpment. Up on the plateau a signpost suggests a brief detour along a reddish colored road off to spot height 281on Goukhill Muir for which you is going to be compensated with stunning views over Loch Lomond.

100m SW associated with view at 344828 take a left following TLW signpost down on the Camis Eskan path to Helensburgh. (An alternative is follow the John Muir course right here which goes on on along the forestry road. Nonetheless we do not suggest this because the thick conifers prevent the view and you find yourself approaching Helensburgh along a cycle track close to the extremely hectic A818 road)

Using the Camis Eskan path, a gate is reached in slightly under 200m. Through gate the brand new course descends towards Helensburgh through the Camis Eskan forestry plantation and soon provides grand views within the city, the Firth of Clyde and Glen Fruin. Resume along the course unless you cross a brand new forestry road near Northfield Wood at grid ref 332821. An indicator here tips the way in which down the appealing Red Burn trail leading down through Quarry Wood to a forestry road in which a left turn goes through a disused sheep fank.