Three Lochs Way Helensburgh - Garelochhead

A change of plans gave me the opportunity to continue the Three Lochs Way sooner than expected. I knew that this section would be the most straightforward with more tarmac walking than I would like but the views actually more than made up for it. 

Car park start

I followed the route guide, albeit starting from the waterfront, which added .7 of a mile, following the rising gradient up Sinclair Street, reaching Helensburgh Upper Station, a quick left then right onto Upper Colquhoun Street straight uphill to the car park. Then go left onto a path signed for Rhu Marina and Glen Fruin.
A pleasant woodland walk crossing several bouncy railway sleeper footbridges, think some might need replacing soon.

1st Junction

After about 2/3rds of a mile a junction is reached, turn right onto a footpath signed for Garelochhead. The slightly muddy path continues uphill along the edge of the woods. 

Track to moor

At the top go through the gate and the track crosses moorland. Plenty of fresh cow pats and yes when I broached a top there they were just ahead. One by one their heads lifted to stare at me. No option, no going back, walk on through, make no eye contact, survived.
The views of the lower Luss hills are a treat to the eye, then a second gate is reached, the path goes over the Fruin Water to the minor road left through Glen Fruin.

Glen Fruin

This is now road and tarmac for most of the remaining walk, not so good for walking boots. You cannot get lost.
Today, the walk through the glen was an autumn feast of colour, tranquil for a while, just a few cyclists and one car. Then the guns were booming once again, reverberating around the hills and glen, pheasants turn be slaughtered this week. 

Glen Fruin 2

I am sure that is The Brack in the distance disappearing in a weather front, What, no rain today!! On with rain trousers just in time. As I walked on the light was constantly changing with the colours on The Strone light and dark. 

Strone House Peacocks

A loud calling beckoned and then Strone House along with its peacocks came before me. Warning signs ‘Army about‘.
The road climbs with super views around and back down the glen and a bit of history that I was unfamiliar with. A monument and seat on the right commemorate the Battle of Glen Fruin, where the MacGregors defeated the Colquhouns in 1603. 

Battle memorial

Reading the board and looking around the hills; The Strone; Chaorach & Tharsuinn, most in the sun brought it all to life.
Don’t take the MOD road beside the monument instead twist and turn uphill, the road soon levels out. 

Yankee Road

Now go right onto a tarred lane known as the Yankee Road ( American Rd on the signs, political correctness) - built by the American army in World War II. Immediately it forks; keep on the main tarred left branch, soon reaching the main A817 road. 
Good views northwards and now below to your left Faslane can be seen but no subs around.
I walked along the military road until the signpost for the route that takes me down to Garelochhead, this is on your left. 

There is a barbed wire fence here!!

Crossing the barbed wire fence was a bit of an effort. The wooded covered area swings alarmingly and not safe without someone to hold it, so I needed to use the wooden slat which was very slippy, fun!!.

Boggy track to Garelochead

Now this downhill section was without a doubt the muddiest, boggiest section of the walk, all the way down to the road. Just follow the gloopy path along the edge of the plantation, down a wall, avoiding your feet disappearing in the mud, through some woods then the road is reached. 
I crossed the road and followed the path into town and had only a 20 minute wait until a bus back to Helensburgh.
A good day. Mainly bright, blue skies, high wind chill and the odd shower. Hopefully complete the Way before the yearend.

Time: 3 hours 21m
Distance: 10.01mls (16.11km)
Ascent: 992ft (302m)