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WALKING AND JOGGING IN AND AROUND HELENSBURGH Route maps and a practical guide to the network of paths by
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WALKING AND JOGGING IN AND AROUND HELENSBURGH
Route maps and a practical guide to the network of paths
byDavid C Dick
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Preface
The town of Helensburgh provides wonderful opportunities for walking and jogging. It sits between mountains and sea within commuting distance of Scotland’s industrial heartland but on the very edge of the Highland boundary fault. Few places can have a greater variety of landscape so easily accessible on foot – woodland, seaside, loch-side, moorland and quiet residential streets – can all be encountered in a single outing. When the town centre is busy and bustling as it is during the morning and evening “rush hour” with workers heading to and from the nearby naval base or at weekends during the tourist season it is still possible to find peace on the tree-lined grass verges of streets two or three blocks away. The town is, also, well supplied with a network of footpaths for those who like to escape completely from the presence of motor vehicles.
Walking and jogging are activities I have enjoyed throughout my adult life. For the past forty years the day has begun with a morning jog – just twenty minutes each morning before breakfast in my younger days but a bit longer at weekends. Part of the enjoyment comes from the encounter with the elements in all their variation throughout the year. The prospect of a dry towel and a warm shower enables one to survive most degrees of wind, rain, frost and mud for the relatively short time it takes to get outdoor daily exercise - in my view, a more economical use of time and money than subscription to a gym. There is so much pleasure, also, in experiencing the natural environment of mother earth not only in the grand, scenic beauty of the Clyde estuary but in the small scale such as the scent of bluebells in the woods, the waving expanse of bog cotton on the moors, or the ethereal sound of a sky lark.
Most of the routes described involve well-established and popular paths. Some (usually short) sections take one over grazing land or land used for shooting, other forms of recreation and even military training. Restrictions on access may apply at times and walkers / runners should abide by The Scottish Outdoor Access Code published by Scottish Natural Heritage. This code offers guidance on the responsible use of access rights enshrined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. I have, personally, jogged or walked all the listed routes during the past year and the descriptions are based on notes made on a simple voice recorder at the time.
David C Dick
February 2014
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AcknowledgementsMany public as well as voluntary organisations have been responsible for the heritage of footpaths in the Helensburgh area. Particular mention must be made of Helensburgh and District Access Trust which, with various partner organisations, has developed a long-distance path known as The Three Lochs Way. In compiling this guide I, frequently, consulted this group’s handy pocket guide published under the title ‘The Three Lochs Way’.
Argyll and Bute Council has been a willing participant in most of the improvements to the paths network in recent years especially the cycle path from Helensburgh to Loch Lomond, the loch-side path at Rhu and is currently constructing a new off-road path to Cardross for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Friends of Duchess Wood group has been continually active in managing this local nature reserve including its paths and foot-bridges.
The ability to track each journey using GPS signals was invaluable in collecting detailed information to describe each route and for this purpose I used a wrist-worn Garmin® ‘Forerunner’ device.
Two different online web-sites were used to generate the maps. These were www.googlemap.com and www.openstreetmap.com . These computer images were then annotated as carefully as possible to produce the final maps but some inaccuracies (hopefully, none of them critically important) are likely to have crept in when tracing routes over land where no tracks appear in the original publication.
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Table of Contents
Short distance (around 5 kilometres or less) Map1. Ardmore circuit starting and finishing at Ardmore car park p. 7 p. 39
2. Cairndhu point p. 9 p.40
3. Craigendoran p. 10 p.41
4. Helensburgh Rugby Club and West Bay Esplanade p. 11 p. 42
5. Hermitage Park p. 13 p. 43
6. Skating pond and reservoirs from The Hill House car park p. 15 p. 44
Medium distance (over 5 to around 10 kilometres)7. Cardross one-way p. 17 p. 45
8. Garelochhead circular route from the car park above Faslane p. 29 p. 46
9. Garrawy Glen p. 19 p. 47
10. Helensburgh – the northwest frontier p. 21 p. 48
11. Skating pond and reservoirs from the Pierhead p. 15 p. 44
12. Rhu via Highlandman’s Road p. 23 p. 49
Long distance (over 10 kilometres)13. Ardmore circuit starting and finishing at the Pierhead p. 7 p. 39
14. Ben Bouie circuit p. 25 p. 50
15. Crosskeys and Glen Fruin p. 27 p. 51
16. Faslane via Glen Fruin p. 29 p. 52
17. Helensburgh to Garelochhead routes p. 31 p. 46
18. Glen Fruin via The Hill House, moorland and Inverlaurin p. 33 p. 53
19. Red Road circuit p. 35 p. 45
20. Stoneymollan Road and Loch Lomond p. 37 p. 54
Appendix – maps p. 39 to p. 54
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Ardmore Circuit
As the route takes you alongside the busy A814 road in the direction of Cardross it is best regarded as a “Sunday outing” when the traffic is lighter than on weekdays.
Be prepared for muddy conditions and overgrown paths and avoid this route if you hate getting wet feet.
Start and Finish: The swimming pool car park at the pierhead. (A shorter version of the route can be done by starting and finishing in the car parking area at Ardmore).
Distance: 15.2 km (9.4 miles) or 3 km (2 miles) if starting and finishing at Ardmore
Hills: This is a fairly level course with one main incline to 40 m at around 5 km and, again, on the return leg at 10 km
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / tarmac road / gravel footpath / grass footpath / boggy footpath
Hazards: Beware of traffic on the A814 section; the Ardmore footpath is overgrown, narrow in places and usually has pockets of deep mud and puddles.
Route details:
1. From the swimming pool head east along Clyde Street. At 1.4 km the main road veers left and passes over the railway but keep on the pavement and continue straight ahead. After a short distance on this quieter road you will see a patch of grass and a footpath on the left. Take this path which leads to a flight of steps up to the pavement where you rejoin the main road. Turn right (heading east) and go under the railway bridge carrying the West Highland line. Again take the quieter road that runs beside the main road by going down a short grassy incline or some steps. Go straight on at the next junction then, at a set of pedestrian lights, cross to the opposite side of the dual carriageway (2 km).
2. Continue running east, passing Hermitage Academy and Waitrose supermarket. At 3 km the pavement becomes narrower and uneven. At 5.1 km you cross the A814 (opposite a cottage) and make a right turn down Ardmore Road (there is no pavement here), with a level crossing over the railway line 500 m further on.
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3. At 6 km the road ends and you take the grassy path to the right between two rows of fences heading towards a broad, sandy bay. At the shore line follow the path round to the left. The grass gives way to a gravel surface and the path narrows as it winds among overhanging trees. (Some deviations are possible along the shore but it is, generally, best to keep to the main path). At 7.2 km the route passes a white painted Trigonometric sign on your right and shortly afterwards you encounter the most muddy and overgrown section for around 500 m. Eventually, you emerge on to a broader, grassy track and you can look out for basking seals on some rocks in the bay. The path becomes stony again just before you arrive back at the road (9 km) where cars tend to be parked.
4. Re-trace, in the opposite direction, the route along Ardmore Road heading uphill to the A814. Cross to the pavement on the other side and turn left in the direction of Helensburgh.
5. When you reach the pedestrian lights where, earlier, you crossed the dual carriageway (13 km) you can take a different route back to the start. Do not cross the road here but continue straight on; after a short distance go under the railway bridge then, immediately, bear right and cross the road to enter South King Street (first left). Where this ends at the junction with East King Street turn left and continue in the same direction for a further 1 km crossing over Sinclair Street at the traffic lights before turning left at the next junction (Colquhoun Street). This leads to the sea front and, after carefully crossing Clyde Street at a set of pedestrian lights, go left to the finish at the swimming pool entrance.
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Cairndhu Point
This is a short but pleasant seaside walk. For joggers, the route is ideal for interval training (a series of short bursts of speed alternating with slower, ‘recovery’ periods). Also, the section that is run twice (between the start/finish and the entry to Kidston Park) is almost exactly one mile long and useful for timing yourself over that distance.
Start: The swimming pool entrance at the pierhead car park
Distance: 3.8 km (2.4 miles)
Hills: A very level course with one small incline of 25 m in Kidston Park just before the half-way point
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement and grass
Hazards: As the route is along the sea front, at high tide on a stormy day waves and spray can make it dangerous. There is little shelter from strong winds which can sometimes make running difficult.
Route details:
1. Head west along the Esplanade on either the pavement or grass.
2. After 1.6 km take the paved footpath on the left leading to Cairndhu Point. This path skirts around the sea front at Kidston Park.
3. After passing the children’s playground walk or run on the grass to avoid the narrow path on the sea wall. Go slightly uphill to the far end of the park where you rejoin the pavement.
4. Turn right on the pavement back towards the start passing the car park and Kidston Cafe. At 2.2 km you have completed a loop of the park and begin to retrace your steps. Return to the starting point.
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CraigendoranStart and Finish: At the swimming pool entrance on the pierhead
Distance: 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
Hills: A fairly level course
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement, road and paved footpath
Hazards: No particular hazards but look out for traffic when crossing roads
Course details:
1. From the swimming pool entrance head east along Clyde Street. Take a minor diversion along the East Bay Esplanade (passing the display of the flywheel from Henry Bell’s ‘Comet’) for some views across and up the river. A little further on (at 1 km from the start) you pass the site of Henry Bell’s ‘Bath’s Inn’ now transformed into ‘Queen’s Court’. In another 400 m the main road veers to the left over the railway but continue straight ahead along the pavement eventually turning right into Craigendoran Drive at the first junction. This leads to the sea front where you turn left into Middleton Drive. The pavement here is not continuous and even the road becomes somewhat uneven but, after a short distance, you emerge on to a broad tarmac road where you veer right. You should see the railway station on the left and the remains of Craigendoran pier on the right. Go over the railway via the foot bridge and exit the station by a footpath through a short tunnel.
2. On reaching the road (Dennistoun Crescent) turn left then, just right of where it ends, cross the dual carriageway at the pedestrian lights. On the other side turn left along the pavement past the site of the old Hermitage Academy (a new housing development) and turn right through some metal gates into the old school playground continuing past Helensburgh AAC clubhouse. A tarmac footpath brings you out on to Redgauntlet Road where you turn left (3 km).
3. Continue straight ahead under a railway bridge, cross Old Luss Road, and go along East King Street. At 4 km you pass a playing field on the opposite side of the road. Continue ahead, crossing Sinclair Street at the second set of traffic lights and turn left down Colquhoun Street at the next junction. Pass through Colquhoun Square towards the sea front and cross Clyde Street at the pedestrian lights to finish back at the swimming pool entrance (5.1 km).
Map: see Appendix – maps p. 41
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Helensburgh Rugby Club and West Bay Esplanade
This is ideal as a regular walk or run at any time of year. It can, also, be used for building up fitness by interval training as there are two long, level stretches – on Millig Street and the Esplanade.
Start and Finish: The swimming pool entrance on the pierhead.
Distance: 4.8 km (3 miles)
Hills: There is one climb over the first 800 m to 41 m (a.s.l.) and a similar descent with level sections before and after the descent.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement, grass, tarmac road.
Hazards: Be wary of a combination of high winds and high tide when travelling along the esplanade.
Route details:
1. From the swimming pool go slightly left and up to Clyde Street to cross to the other side at the pedestrian traffic lights. Turn right for a few metres then left into Colquhoun Street. Cross Colquhoun Square and continue heading north along the pavement or grass verge. The street is lined with flowering cherry trees which burst spectacularly into pink blossom for a few days in late April. After leaving the Square you cross four streets before reaching Millig Street (800 m) where you turn left.
2. Millig is a quiet street in a leafy residential area. At its end continue past some lock-up garages and an entrance to Duchess Wood. There is a short path to the left between some trees that you must take to get to the first of Helensburgh Rugby Club’s playing fields. Keep to the left side of the field (bounded by a stream and a line of trees) until you arrive at a wooden bridge (2 km) which you cross to get to the next field. Turn right along the edge of this field until you reach a tarmac road (the entrance to Duchess Wood car park) where you go left to the junction with Rhu Road Higher.
3. Cross the road to the pavement on the other side and turn right and slightly downhill. Turn first left into Cumberland Avenue (2.5 km) and go 300 m to its end where you meet Rhu Road Lower (A814) almost opposite Helensburgh sailing club. Cross to the loch side of the road and turn left, in the direction of Helensburgh pier, either on the broad pavement or the grass verge. You pass Kidston Park Cafe and a car park at 3 km and continue along West Bay Esplanade. At a small water treatment plant 800 m from the end of the route, joggers might wish to start increasing the pace for a fast finish at the swimming pool entrance (4.8 km).
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Hermitage Park
This short route can easily be extended by making multiple laps of the park or taking different paths within it.
Start: The swimming pool entrance at the pierhead car park
Distance: 2.2 km (1.4 miles)
Hilliness: There is a gradual climb of 30 m to the park entrance and some very short up and down sections within the park.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / grass / gravel and tarmac footpath
Hazards: There are several roads to cross and several sets of traffic lights
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Route details:
1. Head north by crossing Clyde Street (there is a set of pedestrian lights just west of the swimming pool). Turn right for a few metres then turn left into Colquhoun Street. Continue heading north across Colquhoun Square and after crossing the next street (W. King Street) you start to go uphill. Cross two more streets then turn right into a narrower, one-way street (Stafford Street). Here, there is no pavement but you can walk or run on the road or grass verge.
2. At the end of Stafford Street, cross Sinclair Street (which can be busy). On reaching the other side go downhill for about 20 m and you arrive at Hermitage Park entrance on the left.
3. Take the path into the park and, to go round the perimeter, keep to the left passing a Children’s playpark and the War Memorial to the left. At 1.3 km there is another entrance to the park on your left but you should follow the path that winds downhill to the right passing Hermitage Primary School playground. Keeping to the perimeter, go over a wooden bridge and go straight ahead at the (staggered) crossroads. This path goes uphill and turns left after passing the old tennis courts. You re-join the path by which you entered the park and here turn left to the Sinclair Street exit.
4. Turn left and go downhill to the starting point at the pierhead taking care when crossing the roads and taking advantage of a number of pedestrian lights.
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Skating pond and reservoirs
Start and Finish: At the swimming pool entrance at the pierhead (or at The Hill House car park for a shorter trip).
Distance: 7.8 km (4.9 miles) or 3.8 km (2.4 miles) if starting at The Hill House.
Hills: A gradual climb of 120 m to The Hill House and one short, steep climb to Reservoir No.2.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement; gravel, tarmac, grass footpaths; the grass path around Reservoir No.2 can be overgrown and muddy in places.
Hazards: Be considerate to walkers on the narrow woodland path beyond The Hill House. Do not attempt to take this route in the dark.
Course details:
1. From the start at the swimming pool entrance walk or run to the pedestrian traffic lights and cross Clyde Street. Turn right for a few metres and then go left into Colquhoun Street. Head north on Colquhoun Street going gradually uphill. At the end of the street (1.2 km from the start) turn right making a loop for 200 m to get over the railway line via the Sinclair Street bridge. Just past the entrance to Helensburgh Upper station the loop takes you along Munro Drive West and, at its end, turn right into Upper Colquhoun Street and continue uphill. At 2 km you pass The Hill House and just beyond that a small car park.
2. From the car park you enter woodland. Take the footpath to the right (a waymarking sign indicates ‘Old Luss Road 1.5 km’). This is a narrow, gravel footpath often used by dog walkers so be careful not to cause alarm if overtaking anyone. After 400 m you arrive at the end of the footpath at the junction with the A818 road. Turn left along the pavement until it stops after 200 m. Here, you will find a gap in a wall that leads on to another gravel footpath and, having gone up a short slope, the path takes you along the side of Reservoir No. 1.
3. Continue running in a northerly direction and pass through a metal gate that takes you via the car park to the Skating Pond. Make an anti-clockwise circuit (600 m) on the tarmac footpath. Return to Reservoir No.1 through the metal gate and take the footpath to the right. After 300 m leave the reservoir path and continue on a broad stretch of grass until
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you meet a steep grass slope (used by children for sledging during winter). Go diagonally up this slope which leads to a raised grassy path around Reservoir No.2. The reservoir has now been completely drained but the route goes around it in an anti-clockwise direction. This is the roughest section of path and it can be overgrown and muddy. At 4.6 km you have completed one circuit and should go down the grassy slope and back to the footpath around Reservoir No.1. Go right to complete a circuit of this reservoir and exit right through the gap in the wall to reach the pavement of the A818. Turn right downhill and re-enter the wood on your right after 200 m to take the footpath leading back to The Hill House car park (5.8 km).
4. Head downhill to the swimming pool following the same route in reverse as at the start (7.8 km).
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Cardross one-Way
This is a shorter alternative to the Red Road circuit. Since it is not a circular route you need to take the train or bus back to Helensburgh
Start: At the swimming pool entrance on the pierhead
Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)
Elevation: One gradual climb to highest point of 317 m then another gradual descent.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / farm track / grass footpath / gravel forest road / tarmac road
Hazards: A small stream must be forded at the risk of wet feet especially after heavy rain. There is one padlocked gated to be climbed and the section of forest road through heather moorland preceding this gate has notices saying ‘Private Road’ and ‘Dogs running loose’.
Route details:
1. From the start head east along Clyde Street which continues out of Helensburgh as the A814 road. Keep to the river side of the road and, after 500 m, take a minor diversion along the East Bay Esplanade where a relic from Henry Bell’s steamship ‘Comet’ is displayed. Continue east along Clyde Street going over then under railway bridges. After a further short distance the road briefly becomes a dual carriageway and, at the pedestrian lights, cross to the other side (2 km). Turn right along the pavement for 300 m until you see a footpath on the left (just before a large bungalow) and take this footpath for 200 m then turn right on to a narrow tarmac road (opposite the junction with Collins Road).
2. Continue on the road as it winds uphill and becomes a stony farm track. Ignore the two roads leading off on your right. (The first one goes to Hermitage Academy and the second to Camis Eskan House). Where the road forks take the left branch (waymarked ‘Balloch 8.7 km’). Shortly afterwards, you go through a gate with a sign for ‘Three lochs way’. (Remember to close the gate behind you). The route continues to wind uphill but becomes a slightly narrower track and passes a large farmstead on the right.
3. When you reach some sheep pens (4 km from the start) you must look out for a way-marked grassy path on the right. Take this path which crosses a small stream and winds uphill through woodland. You reach a gate (marked ‘Three lochs way’) through which the route
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continues but now in bracken-covered moorland. There are some board-walks to take you over marshy or muddy areas.
4. After 500 m on the grassy path a red gravel forest track is reached and you are at a 3-way junction. Directly ahead the footpath continues in the direction of Balloch but take the track off to the right which leads downhill for a short distance. This is a broad track over open moorland although recently planted with young trees on both sides. It begins to wind gradually uphill and a panoramic view of the Firth of Clyde appears on the right. When you arrive at the top of the incline (6.0 km) there is a gate bearing the signs ‘Private Road’ and ‘Dogs running loose’. The route passes through this gate and the track continues over a stretch of heather moorland with views ahead to the village of Cardross on the right and cultivated fields and woods to the left. After going more steeply downhill proceed through another gate in a deer fence. 700 m from the top of the previous incline a high, locked gate is reached. You have to clamber over this gate and, after a very short distance the track ends at the junction with a tarmac road.
5. At 6.7 km from the start you have reached Red Road. Turn left and then loop to the right into Darleith Road. This is a quiet country lane with a good tarmac surface that makes walking or running very easy as you are, also, going gently downhill. There are a few rather isolated houses along this pleasant hedge-lined route that passes streams, woods and fields. At 9 km you pass St Mahew’s chapel and 400 m further on reach the outskirts of Cardross. On arriving at the main A814 road, turn left to a set of pedestrian lights and cross to the other side. Go down the street on your right (Reay Avenue) then turn first left into Church Avenue. Cut diagonally through the playpark and football field on the right to reach Cardross railway station (10.6 km). Take the train (or bus from the main road) back to Helensburgh.
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Garrawy Glen
Start and Finish: The swimming pool entrance at the pierhead
Distance: 7 km (4.5 miles)
Hills: One steep climb of 100 m and a generally hilly course
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / grass / gravel and earth footpaths / rough ground with no clear path
Hazards: One short section of rough ground where a small stream must be forded and a barbed wire fence climbed. Also, the route skirts and crosses a golf course. Avoid this route after heavy rain.
Course details:
1. From the swimming pool entrance go east along Clyde Street. After 0.5 km make a short diversion along East Bay Esplanade and, immediately after re-joining the main road, cross to the opposite pavement and turn left at the next junction (Adelaide Street). Continue on over the railway footbridge and across East King Street until reaching a T-junction where you turn right, then first left, emerging on Henry Bell Street where you begin to wind uphill.
2. At the next T-junction go left (continuing uphill on Old Luss Road) and then over the railway bridge where the road bends to the right and is re-named Winston Road. You should soon pass the Churchill housing estate on the left and see the railway line on the right. After the road bends to the left cross to the opposite side and run along the grass verge. Ahead, beside a group of oak trees, is the footpath and sign to Garrawy Glen which you enter on your right by a wooden gate (2.7 km).
3. Follow the gravel footpath up through woodland (after 300 m you briefly exit the woods through a metal gate then re-enter a bit higher through another gate). A steep descent to a wooden bridge over a stream is followed by a longer uphill section and the path becomes a narrow earth track with some protruding tree roots. Take care not to trip and beware of the steep slope on your left as you continue through the woods. At 3.2 km a low fence must be climbed and the path becomes narrow and grassy. You should be skirting the edge of the wood with, first, a cultivated field and then a deer fence and young tree plantation on the right. After a slight bend to the left the track begins to descend gently. Where the ground to
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the left is no longer steep and the path is barely visible you should bear left and cross the stream. There is one easy fording place as the stream goes over a rocky bed. On the other side there is a section through some tall vegetation which must be crossed to reach a stone wall and barbed wire fence. Clamber over these obstacles and there is another short, rough section before arriving at the edge of the golf course (3.6 km).
4. Turn right around the perimeter of the golf course (slightly uphill at first) passing the 7 th tee. You join a red gravel path that passes by the 6th tee and leads to a grass track on the left and then a broader path where you turn right. After the 4th tee you reach a T-junction where you head downhill to the left. This is a badly worn stony track lined with banks of trees and shrubs on both sides which you continue until it ends at a road in the Churchill housing estate (4.8 km).
5. Cross the road and continue downhill on a tarmac footpath. Where the footpath ends you join a section of road encountered earlier. Go straight ahead over the railway bridge then take the second road to the right. Look out now for a gravel footpath on the left which crosses a field and emerges on to Havelock Street. Travel along this street on the grass verge (there is no pavement) until it ends at the junction with Charlotte Street. Here, turn left downhill (passing Parklands School) and then turn first left along East Montrose Street and, at its end, enter Hermitage Park.
6. In the park go straight ahead then downhill and across a wooden bridge. After the bridge turn left and the path should bring you out of the park on Sinclair Street at the side of Victoria Halls. Turn left and run downhill to the starting point.
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Helensburgh – the northwest frontier
Start and Finish: At the entrance to the swimming pool on the pierhead.
Distance: 7.7 km (4.8 miles). The route takes you via a residential area to ‘The Hill House’, passes through ‘Duchess Wood’, and ends on ‘West Bay Esplanade’.
Hills: From sea level at the start then gradually uphill to 146 m after 3.2 km; thereafter downhill then level for the final 2 km
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / grass / gravel footpath and road
Hazards: A long section of the route goes through woodland and a torch or headlamp is necessary if travelling after dark. Also, the woodland path is narrow and you may have to alert walkers to your presence to avoid alarming them especially if you wish to overtake.
At high tide when there is a strong S or SW wind the esplanade is subject to sea spray and occasional flooding.
Route details:
1. Near the start cross Clyde Street at a set of pedestrian lights just west of the swimming pool and head north on Colquhoun Street. Continue across Colquhoun Square (passing St Andrew’s Kirk on your left). As you go gradually uphill the pavement gives way to a tree-lined grass verge and you pass through a quiet residential area of mainly large, detached villas.
2. At 1.1 km a T-junction is reached. Go right for about 100 m then turn left passing the entrance to Helensburgh Upper station on Sinclair Street. Turn first left into Munro Drive W until 100 m further on where it meets Upper Colquhoun Street. Here, turn right and continue uphill.
3. At 2 km from the start you pass the Charles Rennie MacIntosh designed ‘Hill House’ on your right. Continue uphill through a car park into a wooded area bearing left on to a narrow, clay and gravel footpath. After 0.7 km the wood begins to thin and reveal some moorland as the path winds more consistently uphill. After passing through a wooden gate and over a wooden bridge you reach a junction with a signpost. Follow the direction marked ‘Duchess
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Wood 0.7 km’ which points to the left. Shortly, there is a dry-stane dyke on your left with a view over the River Clyde towards Greenock.
4. The path now begins to wind downhill through mature woodland and after 250 m leads on to a wider road where you bear left and continue downhill. The road passes under a railway bridge then you see houses ahead. At this point turn sharply to the right where another wooden signpost points to ‘Duchess Wood’. Follow the sign down a flight of steps, across a bridge and up another flight of steps to enter the wood. The footpath goes downhill to a junction where another signpost points left to ‘Helensburgh’. Don’t take this direction but, instead, turn right following the footpath uphill. After crossing a wooden bridge and just before a stone bridge the route begins to go downhill. When the path levels out continue ahead over another wooden bridge.
5. Where the narrow footpath forks, take the right fork and turn right on to the broader path that takes you past a rugby pitch on the right and a stream on the left. As you reach the Duchess Wood car park the route becomes a tarmac road. Bear right passing between playing fields and a row of bungalows before arriving at a main road (Rhu Road Higher) which you cross to the pavement and turn right. Take the first road to the left (Cumberland Avenue) which, at its lower end meets Rhu Road Lower as it runs alongside Gareloch. Cross over to the loch side (there is a crossing point for cyclists to your left).
6. Turn left along the pavement then take a slight diversion across the grass and around the perimeter of Kidston Park. Where you rejoin the esplanade you can walk or run either on the concrete surface or the grass verge. After around 2 km you arrive back at the starting point.
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Rhu via Highlandman’s Road
Start and Finish: At the swimming pool entrance on the pierhead.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hills: The route has three roughly equal sections. The first section is a gradual ascent to 159 m (a.s.l.); the second is downhill to sea level; the third is flat to the finish.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / tarmac road / stony or gravel footpath / earth and grass footpath / stone and earth track.
Hazards:
Show respect for walkers on the narrow footpath beyond the Hill House.
Take extra care on the Esplanade in strong winds and at high tide.
Route details:
1. From the swimming pool run to the pedestrian lights to cross Clyde Street. Turn right for a few metres then left into Colquhoun Street. Continue through Colquhoun Square then uphill to the end of the street (1.1 km). Go right and make a loop to cross the railway on the Sinclair Street bridge, passing Helensburgh Upper station entrance, then turning first left until the junction with Upper Colquhoun Street where you turn right and go uphill. When you reach the end of the tarmac road in the Hill House car park (2 km) look for a gravel footpath through a wooden gate on the left – a sign-post at the top of the car park indicates the direction to Rhu Marina 3.8 km.
2. Follow the footpath along the edge of woodland and go through a second wooden gate (3 km) where another sign-post directs you slightly to the right through woodland beside a small stream (do not take the direction of Duchess Wood). You emerge from some larch trees on to bracken-covered moorland and, here, a few metres to the left of the path is an ancient ‘cup-marked boulder’. After passing through a gap in a wooden fence you reach Highlandman’s Road.
3. Turn left on the broad, rough track of Highlandman’s Road (there is another sign for Rhu Marina 2.5 km). After 500 km you arrive at the highest point on the route where, through a gap in the trees, there are good views over Helensburgh and the River Clyde. The woodland section ends 500 m ahead and, after going through a gate, the path goes through pasture where sheep and two Shetland ponies are, usually, grazing. Here the views are over Gare
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Loch, the Rosneath peninsula (the Green Isle), and Greenock. Pass through two gates and you reach a tarmac road that descends into Rhu.
4. After crossing on the bridge over the West Highland railway (5 km) take the first road on the right (Lineside Walk) and continue on, passing Quarryknowe and several terraces of houses, until reaching a dip in the road (before some blocks of flats) where you take a concrete and gravel footpath steeply downhill through some mature woodland. Where the path becomes tarmac-covered it is joined by another from the right but keep going downhill to the left until the junction with a road and pavement (6 km). Here, you go right and continue downhill, passing a children’s play-park. Take the second road off to the right and, immediately, take the left fork (Church Road) – Rhu Parish Church and its clock-tower steeple should be clearly visible. Follow the road as it bends to the left and you arrive at a junction with the A814 road. Turn left passing the Post Office and Rhu Inn to arrive at pedestrian lights where you cross to the opposite side of the road. Turn left and run along the pavement / cycle path by the loch-side in the direction of Helensburgh.
5. This excellent tarmac path takes you back along the side of Gare Loch. You pass the Coastguard Station and Rhu Marina after 500 m then, 400 m further on, part of HM Naval Base Clyde. The 8 km mark is reached at Helensburgh Sailing Club. After passing the car park at Kidston Park you travel on the Esplanade all the way to the finish at the swimming pool (10 km).
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Ben Bouie circuit
Start and Finish: At the swimming pool entrance on the pierhead
Distance: 14.3 km (8.9 miles)
Hills: A hilly course with a gradual ascent of 280 m to around the mid-point followed by a long (occasionally steep) descent.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / gravel, metal, and tarmac footpaths / grass / heather moorland / forest track / farm track
Hazards: The route crosses a golf course, one short section of rough moor without a footpath, and then a recently-made path crosses land used for deer-stalking. One small stream must be forded.
Course details:
1. From the swimming pool entrance head a few metres east to the traffic lights where you can cross Clyde Street diagonally and turn left up Sinclair Street in a northerly direction.
2. After 600 m you pass the Victoria Halls and its adjacent car park then turn right on to a red gravel path that takes you into Hermitage Park. In the park head downhill, going right where the path forks, cross a wooden bridge then turn right uphill passing Hermitage Primary School on your right. At 800 m you leave the park through the exit into East Montrose Street. At the first road junction turn left after crossing the road and head up Charlotte Street. Take the first road on the right (Havelock Street) and run to the end of this long, level road. Continue straight ahead on to a gravel footpath and take the left fork to a narrower path through a grass field with a school beyond the grass to the left. Where the footpath ends continue a few metres on the pavement then turn left uphill and over the railway bridge at the first road junction. Do not follow the pavement where it bends to the right but continue uphill on a tarmac footpath.
3. At 2.3 km you reach the end of the footpath, cross the road and continue uphill on the rough stony track. Having passed the last houses on the edge of Helensburgh the track continues winding uphill across the golf course although you are largely hidden from the view of golfers by the trees and shrubs on both sides. At the far end of the golf course the path divides. Do not turn right but continue straight ahead into woodland where the surface often gets very muddy.
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4. Where the track ends (3.7 km) you reach the A818 road between Helensburgh and Loch Lomond. There is a metal gate or a stile to go over before arriving at the combined tarmac cycle path and pavement. Turn right, heading downhill for 1.3 km until reaching a shady section of the path where a forest track goes off to the right. Take this track; some wooden steps at the side of a metal gate lead you on to the gravel surface. The track winds uphill and is lined with a few trees separating you from open countryside but after 500 m the woodland becomes denser and, gradually, you enter a forest plantation. After a further 3 km the track bends to the right and you get the first of two views of Loch Lomond through gaps in the trees down to your left. (The second view is 150 m further on). Eventually, you arrive at open moorland and where the track bends to the left towards the summit of Ben Bouie you leave it for a narrow, rough path on the right (beside a tree bearing waymarking signs). This path goes across a drainage ditch then some heather moorland and at 7.8 km from the start you have reached the highest point on the route.
5. You leave the rough path through a wooden gate that takes you on to a raised gravel path with drainage ditches on both sides and you enter the section where there are notices warning about the possibility of deer stalking taking place. You cross open moorland with views of the Firth of Clyde and the Arran mountains on a clear day. At 9.4 km, just after a steep descent, you cross a broad, red gravel forest road – there is a waymarking sign indicating ‘Helensburgh 3 km’ showing your route along a narrow grassy path with some short sections of boardwalk to help you avoid deep patches of mud. Pass through a gate that continues the descent through woodland. On emerging from the wood you cross a small stream at a ford and reach a farm track (10 km). Turn left and go downhill, passing through a gate after 500 m. As you continue downhill a number of tracks join from cottages but these should be ignored.
6. The farm track reaches the edge of town at a junction with Drumfork Road (11.4 km) where you turn left along a paved footpath and 300 m further on you arrive at the A814 (Helensburgh to Dumbarton) road. Turn right along the pavement of the quiet road that runs parallel to the dual carriageway. Go under the railway bridge then cross a road before turning into South King Street where you pass the Fire Station. At the next road junction turn left into East King Street. At the second set of traffic lights cross Sinclair Street and continue ahead until the next junction where you turn left into Colquhoun Street. Cross Colquhoun Square then across Clyde Street at the pedestrian lights before turning left to finish at the swimming pool entrance (14.3 km).
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Crosskeys and Glen Fruin
Start and finish: The swimming pool entrance on the pierhead. An alternative, shorter run is, also, possible with the start and finish at the Hill House car park.
Distance: 16.7 km (10.4 miles) or 12.4 km (7.7 miles) if starting from the Hill House car park.
Hills: A moderately hilly course with a total ascent of 583 m. The highest point is 158 m a.s.l. and occurs at Kilbride farm entrance on the Glen Fruin road (9.2 km).
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / tarmac road / gravel and stony footpaths.
Hazards: Take care when crossing the A818 road.
Route details:
1. Cross Clyde Street at the pedestrian lights just west of the swimming pool entrance, go right for a few metres then turn left into Colquhoun Street. Continue up Colquhoun Street to the T-junction at West Rossdhu Drive where you make a right turn and loop around to the other side of the railway line and continue uphill on Upper Colquhoun Street. Pass the Hill House and enter the woods beyond the car park (2 km).
2. Follow the sign ‘Old Luss Road 1.5 km’ taking the gravel footpath on the right through the woods. After 400 m you emerge on to the pavement of the A818 road. Turn left continuing uphill until the pavement stops where you cross the road and continue on the other side on the combined pavement /cycle path. After 1 km you pass a road to Glen Fruin on the left but continue ahead on the cycle path. The route crosses Fruin Water at 5.8 km and, after another uphill section you cross the A818 road immediately before Crosskeys roundabout and turn left at the sign for Glen Fruin (6.5 km).
3. You are now moving uphill on a very quiet country road past fields, woods and occasional houses. The highest point is reached at the entrance to East Kilbride farmhouse (9.2 km) then you descend and turn left at the road junction crossing Black Bridge over Fruin Water (10.2 km). 200 m further on you pass the Three Lochs Way footpath to Helensburgh over the hilly moorland on the right but continue ahead on the tarmac road. Drumfad farm sits at a bend on the road (12.1 km) and 500 m beyond it an electricity sub-station is passed. You reach the end of the Glen Fruin road at 12.9 km. Cross over the A818 and turn right along the pavement on the other side.
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4. On the left, a few metres before the ‘Welcome to Helensburgh’ sign (13.9 km), is the start of a footpath through some woods. Take this path to introduce some variety into the route back to the swimming pool starting point (but, if you chose to start the route at the Hill House, cross to the pavement on the other side of the A818 and re-trace your footsteps via the initial path through woods back to the car park).
5. The woodland footpath is 300 m long and brings you out between houses on Abercromby Crescent. Turn left and run downhill passing the Golf Clubhouse after 500 m and reaching the junction with Golfhill Drive 300 m further on. Turn right, continue over the railway bridge (15 km), then 250 m beyond the bridge cross the road and turn left down Charlotte Street. You cross a number of residential roads until at East Montrose Street where you turn right continuing along the road then enter Hermitage Park at its far end. In the park run straight ahead on the red, gravel path passing Hermitage Primary School on your right. Go downhill, across a wooden bridge then take the path uphill to the left. You should emerge from the park on Sinclair Street at the side of Victoria Halls (16.1 km). Turn left and go downhill to finish at the entrance to the swimming pool on the pierhead (16.7 km).
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Faslane via Glen Fruin
Start and Finish: At the swimming pool entrance on the pierhead.
Distance: 23.9 km (14.9 miles).
Hills: For the first 2 km you climb steadily to 100 m (a.s.l.) then the route is fairly level through Glen Fruin until near the head of the glen (10 km) where another climb begins to the highest point of 204 m (a.s.l.) at 12.4 km. There is a descent for the next 2 km then level to the finish.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / tarmac road and cycle path.
Hazards: This route tends to be quiet and isolated so make sure you have a means (e.g. a phone) of being rescued in an emergency.
Route details:
1. From the swimming pool entrance go east towards the Tourist Information Office (beneath the clock tower) and cross the A814 (Clyde Street) at the traffic lights to travel up Sinclair Street. At 2.5 km you reach the top of the hill just before the Civic Amenity Centre. Go another 500 m and, where you see the sign for the small road to Glen Fruin on the left, cross the A818 and head for Glen Fruin.
2. At 5.7 km you arrive at Black Bridge where you cross Fruin Water and at the road junction beyond turn left. (There is a Three Lochs Way sign indicating ‘Garelochhead’). This road takes you alongside the small river past farmland (mainly grazed by sheep) and some small forest plantations. At 8.0 km the road goes over a stream at Ballevoulin and at 10.7 km you go over another stream at the head of the glen where the road bends to the left and begins to go uphill. At 11.5 km you pass Strone House and cross another tributary of Fruin Water. The entrance to Strone Army camp comes up shortly on your right and 200 m further you pass the memorial stone for the Battle of Glen Fruin fought here in 1603. At the top of the hill (12.4 km) is an area for parking cars and a track off to the right (‘the American road’) that can be taken as one of two possible routes to Garelochhead.
3. For the circular route back to Helensburgh continue on the tarmac road and begin to descend. There are good views of Gare Loch and the mountains to the north and, as you descend further, Faslane Naval Base comes into view. At 14 km the road goes under the railway line and 150 m further the A814 road is reached. Turn left to complete the circuit in
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Helensburgh (or turn right if intending to finish in Garelochhead). There is pavement for a short distance then a cycle lane on the road. After 1.5 km in this cycle lane the route diverts along a quiet road to the left that leads under the A814 carriageway and brings you out at the lochside near the south entrance to HM Naval Base Clyde. Turn left and run as far as is possible by the lochside (about 500 m) – ignoring the slip road to the left – arriving back on pavement beside the A814 opposite the Peace Camp. Carefully cross this fast stretch of road and continue the run on the other side where there is a cycle path and quiet access roads for Shandon.
4. You are now away from fast vehicles. You arrive in Rhu and pass Rhu Parish Church at 20.2 km. 200 m after the church you have to cross the main A814 road at a set of pedestrian traffic lights. On the other side continue in the same direction on the pavement / cycle path all the way to the finish at the swimming pool in Helensburgh (23.9 km).
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Garelochhead
This route provides an extension or alternative endings to the Faslane via Glen Fruin run. It can, also, be made into a shorter, scenic circular run from a hill-top starting point.
Start: At the swimming pool entrance on the pierhead or the parking area above Faslane (D)
Finish: Garelochhead shops (A and B); Helensburgh swimming pool (C); parking area above Faslane (D).
Distance:
A. Helensburgh to Garelochhead via Glen Fruin and the American Road – 16 km.B. Helensburgh to Garelochhead via Glen Fruin, A814 and B872 – 17 km.C. Helensburgh to Garelochhead circular route (via American Road and returning via A814) – 28
km.D. Garelochhead circular route from the car parking area above Faslane – 8 km.
Hills (route D): The 200 m descent into Garelochhead is quite steep in places.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / tarmac road / rough grassy footpath (on the descent from the American Road).
Hazards: The American Road takes you through a Military Training Area where access may be denied at times. The descent from this road to the A814 involves travelling over rough terrain for 700 m and a fence must be climbed.
Route details:
1. As for Faslane via Glen Fruin until you reach the parking area on the ridge of hill above Faslane (12.4 km) – except for route D.
2.A. Follow the tarmac track off to the right (the American road) in the direction of the
waymarking sign ‘Glen Douglas 13 km’ and cross the fast A817 road after 400 m.
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After another 1500 m look for a sign for ‘Garelochhead 1.5 km’ pointing to the left at the edge of a forestry plantation. Go over the fence at a wooden gate here and downhill beside the plantation on the grassy path. Turn right at the next waymarking sign (2.9 km from the parking area) keeping to the side of a drystane dyke. This is a steep, rough and overgrown section of path but you obtain a nice view of Garelochhead. You go over another fence and the path continues through woodland for 150 m until you emerge near a roundabout on the A814 road (2.6 km). Cross the road, go through a metal gate and follow a new cycle path downhill to Station Road in Garelochhead (3.5 km). Continue downhill to your right and after 80 m take the footpath to the left - signposted ‘Public path to Dunivard Road’. This leads between houses down to the main road beside the shops (3.8 km). Here, if you wish, you can take the bus back to Helensburgh.
B. Descend to the A814 as for the Faslane via Glen Fruin route (14.2 km). Turn right along the pavement/cycle path passing the North Gate of the Naval Base and cross the A814 road just beyond the roundabout. Cross to the loch side of the B872 road at a bus stop and turn right towards Garelochhead. After 1.9 km you reach some shops where the route finishes. You can have a rest on a seat by the loch side (down a path to the left) then catch the bus back to Helensburgh from the B872.
C. Follow 2A (above) and 2B (in reverse) continuing back to Helensburgh as detailed in the Faslane via Glen Fruin route.
D. Travel to the parking area above Faslane by car (instead of 1 above). Follow 2A (above) and 2B (in reverse). 400 m after the roundabout at the North Gate of the Naval Base look out a sign for the road to Glen Fruin on the left. This leads you back uphill under the railway bridge to the start.
For A and B return to Helensburgh from Garelochhead by bus. Return by train is, also, possible but trains are very infrequent.
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Glen Fruin via the Hill House, moorland, and Inverlaurin
Start / Finish: At the swimming pool entrance on the pierhead.
Distance: 13.7 km (8.5 miles)
Hills: A hilly course with very little level ground; there are 3 uphill sections making an ascent in total of 541 m; the highest point is 201m above the start / finish at sea level.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement; gravel or earth footpaths; farm track; tarmac road. Parts of the route can be very muddy.
Hazards: Be considerate to walkers on the narrow woodland path just beyond the Hill House; the rough moorland section is very exposed and you may encounter grazing cattle or sheep; one metal gate has to be climbed; near its end the route crosses a golf course.
Route details:
1. Go from the start at the swimming pool entrance to the pedestrian lights to cross Clyde Street. Turn right for a few metres then go left up Colquhoun Street. Cross Colquhoun Square and continue uphill until the end of the street. Make a loop to get over the railway line by turning right, then left over the Sinclair Street railway bridge (passing the entrance to Helensburgh Upper station), then first left to the end of this short street. Turn right into Upper Colquhoun Street and continue uphill. You should pass the Hill House on the right and enter the car park beyond (2 km). At the edge of woods is a waymarking sign; take the direction indicated for ‘Glen Fruin 4.2 km’ by going along a narrow, gravel path to the left.
2. At 3.1 km you pass through a wooden gate and must turn sharply to the right and uphill along a newly-constructed, gravel footpath – waymarked ‘Garelochhead 14 km’. On the left you pass a forest plantation and on the right, separated from the path by a wall and fence, is open moorland. After 700 m you must go over a fence or a stile to cross the moorland where sheep or cattle may be grazing. The footpath takes you past the highest point of the route (beside a small wood on the left) where the sound of a cuckoo can often be heard in the late spring. Half-way along the downhill section you go through a wooden gate with a latch to open and close. At the end of the footpath you meet a tarmac road where the route goes left – following a waymarking sign for ‘Garelochhead 11 km’.
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3. This narrow road takes you over a cattle grid and then over Fruin Water at Black Bridge. At the road junction beyond the bridge turn right (no longer following the direction for Garelochhead). This gives you another hill to climb until the 6.8 km mark where you begin a descent. After travelling 2.2 km on a tarmac road surface the route makes a right turn on to a gravel farm track. This occurs where the open moorland and rough grazing on both sides is about to give way to woodland. Take the farm track just before reaching the wood ahead. At 700 m along this track you should pass a cottage and some farm buildings (Inverlaurin). The route then descends a bit more steeply for a further 700 m leading to a bridge over Fruin Water before starting another ascent. There is a padlocked metal gate to be climbed at the end of the track almost at the junction with the A818 road between Helensburgh and Loch Lomond (9.8 km).
4. Cross the A818 road with care to the cycle path / pavement on the other side and head uphill (to the right). After 200m on this tarmac path turn left on to a dirt track by going over either the stile or the metal gate. Continue over a second stile and gate and shortly the track narrows, becomes muddier and enters a wood. Towards the end of the wood (10.5 km) you start to go downhill and the path takes you across a golf course although the small trees and high banks on both sides mostly keep you hidden from view of any golfers. This 800 m section on the golf course ends where you reach some houses and then a road (Golfhill Drive).
5. Cross to the opposite side of Golfhill Drive and take the tarmac footpath that goes directly downhill. After 400 m the footpath stops at a bend in a road. Here you transfer to pavement taking roughly the same direction and over a railway bridge. Leave this pavement at the second road off to the right (just past a bus stop) and take a footpath that goes off to the left on the opposite side of the road. The footpath goes past trees then an open stretch of grass and brings you to one end of Havelock Street. Travel on either the road or grass verge to the far end of this street where you cross the road and go left, downhill, on the pavement. Turn right at the first junction (East Montrose Street) and continue straight ahead into Hermitage Park on the red, gravel path, passing Hermitage Primary School on the left. The path goes down a slope; follow it over a wooden bridge then turn left up a slope to the side of Victoria Halls and exit the park at the pavement on Sinclair Street. Head downhill to finish at the pierhead (13.7 km).
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Red Road circuit
Start: At the entrance to the swimming pool on the pierhead
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Elevation: From sea-level at the start then a gradual climb from 3 km for a further 3 km to the highest point (220 m); thereafter downhill for 3 km then flat to return to the pierhead.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / farm-track / grass path with occasional board-walk / gravel forest track / quiet tarmac country road
Hazards: Part of the route takes you along the pavement beside the main road between Helensburgh and Dumbarton which can be busy with traffic particularly on weekdays.
You need to ford a small stream – with the risk of wet feet after heavy rain.
There is one locked gate that must be clambered over at the end of the forest track and a short section of the forest track through heather moorland preceding this gate has signs saying ‘Private Road’ and ‘Dogs running loose’.
Route details:
1. From the start head east along Clyde Street which continues out of Helensburgh as the A814 road. Keep to the river side of the road and, after 500 m, take a minor diversion along the East Bay Esplanade where a relic from Henry Bell’s steamship ‘Comet’ is displayed. Continue east along Clyde Street going over then under railway bridges. After a further short distance the road briefly becomes a dual carriageway and, at the pedestrian lights, cross to the other side (2 km). Turn right along the pavement for 300 m until you see a footpath on the left (just before a large bungalow) and take this footpath for 200 m then turn right on to a narrow tarmac road (opposite the junction with Collins Road).
2. Continue on the road as it winds uphill and becomes a stony farm track. Ignore the two roads leading off on your right. (The first one goes to Hermitage Academy and the second to Camis Eskan House). Where the road forks take the left branch (waymarked ‘Balloch 8.7 km’). Shortly afterwards, you go through a gate with a sign for ‘Three lochs way’. (Remember to close the gate behind you). The route continues to wind uphill but becomes a slightly narrower track and passes a large farmstead on the right.
3. When you reach some sheep pens (4 km from the start) you must look out for a way-marked grassy path on the right. Take this path which crosses a small stream and winds uphill through woodland. You reach a gate (marked ‘Three lochs way’) through which the route
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continues but now in bracken-covered moorland. There are some board-walks to take you over marshy or muddy areas.
4. After 500 m on the grassy path a red gravel forest track is reached and you are at a 3-way junction. Directly ahead the footpath continues in the direction of Balloch but take the track off to the right which leads downhill for a short distance. This is a broad track over open moorland although recently planted with young trees on both sides. It begins to wind gradually uphill and a panoramic view of the Firth of Clyde appears on the right. When you arrive at the top of the incline (6.0 km) there is a gate bearing the signs ‘Private Road’ and ‘Dogs running loose’. The route passes through this gate and the track continues over a stretch of heather moorland with views ahead to the village of Cardross on the right and cultivated fields and woods to the left. After going more steeply downhill proceed through another gate in a deer fence. 700 m from the top of the previous incline a high, locked gate is reached. You have to clamber over this gate and, after a very short distance the track ends at the junction with a tarmac road.
5. You have reached Red Road. Turn right and continue on this road as it takes you downhill over a distance of 2 km to the junction with the main A814 road between Helensburgh and Cardross. In front is a view of the Ardmore peninsula but turn right (there is a rather rough pavement) in the direction of Helensburgh.
6. After 3 km, just past Hermitage Academy on the right and Waitrose supermarket on the left, you begin to retrace the first part of the route. Continue the final 2.3 km to the pierhead.
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Stoneymollan Road and Loch Lomond
Start and finish: At the swimming pool entrance on the pierhead
Distance: 24 km (15 miles)
Hills: There are two long ascents and descents on this rather hilly course (total ascent 856 m). The highest point (228 m a.s.l.) is reached on the high ridge between the river Clyde and Loch Lomond.
Underfoot surfaces: Pavement / tarmac road / stone and gravel track
Hazards: Long stretches of the route can be busy with traffic although there is always pavement on these sections. Some of the track on the Stoneymollan descent is very uneven.
Route details:
1. From the start head east (towards Dumbarton) along Clyde Street. Cross to the opposite side of the A814 after 2 km at the pedestrian lights on the dual carriageway section – 400m
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before Hermitage Academy. Turn left into Red Road (5 km) which is almost opposite the Ardmore peninsula. This road takes you uphill and is quite steep in places.
2. Red Road is joined on the right by Darleith Road (7.3 km) and continues to go uphill as Stoneymollan Road. After 400 m the tarmac ends at Blackthird farm and the road becomes a stone and gravel track. There is a stile beside a metal farm gate at this point and a second stile beside a gate 500 m further on. Beyond the second gate the path has patches of mud and puddles until you reach the forest plantation (9.2 km). The plantation (now partially cleared) is entered through a gate and here, if you look back, are views over the river to Greenock and Port Glasgow. At the end of the plantation is another wooden latch gate which you go through to the top of a ridge (9.9 km) where you gain a magnificent view of Loch Lomond.
3. The descent goes through moorland used for rough grazing by sheep and is quite steep, very stony and uneven. There is another latch gate at the start of the tarmac road (11.1 km) where the first cottage is seen on the left. Continue downhill on the tarmac for 600 m then take the footpath on the left which leads you over the A82 road on a footbridge (11.7 km). Where the footpath divides take the left fork downhill past Glendale kennels and not the path to the side of the A82. You arrive at a narrow road that, shortly, meets a wider road lined by houses at a T-junction (12.1 km). To take the circular route back to Helensburgh turn left (but if you wish to take public transport turn right into the town of Balloch where there is the possibility of catching either a bus or train).
4. After turning left continue to the end of this quiet road where it becomes a pavement and cycle path and for 400 m takes you down the side of the main A82 road. Leave the A82 at a slip road to the right signposted for Duck Bay passing the driveway to Cameron House. On reaching the shore of Loch Lomond at Duck Bay you run along ‘The Bonnie Banks’ for 750 m. The route re-joins the A82 as pavement / cycle path for 1 km and then crosses the A82 just before Arden roundabout. Take great care here as the traffic moves fast so make sure any gap between vehicles gives you enough time to cross safely. On the other side (16.1 km) continue on the tarmac cycle path beside the A818 road to Helensburgh.
5. After 1 km the route makes the first of two crossings of Fruin Water and at 18.2 km you reach Crosskeys roundabout where the path makes a left turn. The second bridge over Fruin Water is reached at the end of a downhill stretch and then you begin a long climb to reach the ‘Welcome to Helensburgh’ sign at the top of the hill above the town. From there it is 2 km to the finish on the pierhead (24.2 km).
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Chapter 2 Appendix
Routes 1 and 13: Ardmore circuit
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Route 2: Cairndhu Point
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Route 3: Craigendoran
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Route 4: Helensburgh Rugby Club and West Bay Esplanade
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Route 5: Hermitage Park
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Route 6: Skating pond and reservoirs
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Routes 7 and 19: Cardross one-way and Red Road circuit
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Routes 8 and 17: Garelochhead
See, also, the map of Route 16; Faslane via Glen Fruin (p. 50) if starting from Helensburgh
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Route 9: Garrawy Glen
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Route 10: Helensburgh – the northwest frontier
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Route 12: Rhu via Highlandman’s Road
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Route 14: Ben Bouie circuit
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Route 15: Crosskeys and Glen Fruin
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Route 16: Faslane via Glen Fruin
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Route 18: Glen Fruin via The Hill House, moorland, and Inverlaurin
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Route 20: Stoneymollan Road and Loch Lomond
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