Three Lochs Way Balloch - Helensburgh

Formal sign for the way

A more sedate outing today with the good folks of KOIR, walking the first leg of the Three Lochs Way from Balloch to Helensburgh.
Parking at the car park opposite the railway station the first challenge for a few was to operate the automatic toilet at the tourist information. Sadly, not all successfully managed this so first stop in the woods!!
Such a mild day compared to yesterday's freezing wind but not the blue skies forecast.

Nice view to start the walk

On our way now pass the Lomond Shores shops, giving good views over the loch, and proper toilets for those in the know, woodlands saved.
A few twists and turns then over the footbridge and head up the steep road, watch out as quite a few cars on this stretch.

Watch out for cars

When the road ends the moor starts but just keep going following the clear track. When you reach the gate, on your right is the coffin stone, really just a big buried boulder but let your imagination go and think of the days past, manually carrying a coffin through this pass.

Ben Lomond

It is a good resting place as there are great views from here across the typical moorland terrain, of the loch, Ben Lomond, Conic hill and the Campsies.

Moor, Loch & Hills

A short but sharp climb through the trees brings you out at a small green water hole and continue on to the sign taking you up to a viewpoint. 

The only climb

Sadly rain showers diluted the views but some bedraggled fir trees with some Xmas decorations caused interest and speculation, is this the remains of last year or the start of this year? Feel free to post a reply if you know.

Xmas tree?

There is the option of taking in a sub 2000, Ben Bowie, looks a short but rough moorland ascent but not for us today.
Soon the track splits so take the left hand fork up to a gate which then gives a gentle descent towards Helensburgh. The views of the Firth of Clyde are excellent even on this grey day.

Firth of Clyde

Civilisation is soon reached, go past the school and then reach the main road. Go right and a lengthy road walk finally brings you to the railway station and the end of the section 1 walking. The most impressive building being this old school, I like the separate entrances for boys and girls.

Parish school

For us there is the excitement of two train rides (£1 with concession card, a bargain) to get us back to Balloch.
An enjoyable walk with plenty of laughs as always, very good company.

Time: 3hrs 50
Ascent: 1077ft (328m)
Distance: 8.27m (13.31km)