On southside of glen between Arrochar and Tarbet.
This diversion officially does remain in place as stipulated by Scottish & Southern Electricity Network contractors although currently there does not seem to be much activity along this section. We have been asked by contractors to relay a safety message to all users of the route between these two points on the southside of the glen between Arrochar and Tarbet. Lorries and other traffic may be encountered travelling along the narrow track so please be aware and ready to stand to the side should this occur.
At Tarbet track end there are some No Entry signs which, rather confusingly, remain in place by the contractors.
You can omit this section entirely from the route as follows -
FROM THE SOUTH - use the link path into Arrochar just after the hydro station and then rejoin the TLW to either Tarbet or Inveruglas at the link path opposite the tearoom in Arrochar.
FROM THE NORTH - use normal route to Tarbet if that is your destination. If continuing south beyond Arrochar use the link path into Arrochar main street and then rejoin the TLW using the link path from Church Road just off the A814.
IMPORTANT NOTICE! Updated 3 April 2025
Hurray! To the best of our knowledge the fallen trees on the Three Lochs Way and the John Muir Way between Balloch and Helensburgh have now been cleared so the route is open again. Please ignore any remaining diversion signs. Enjoy the path.
The fallen trees between Balloch and Helensburgh remain in place so the signed diversion still needs to be followed for now. We have amended the original map slightly to show where the diversion maps are located. Please look out for them and be alert to when you need to change direction to stay with the diversion. It could be useful to photograph one of the maps. Maps and diversion arrows are in place at all points shown on the map. If you think any maps have been removed from these locations please let us know.
ALERT! Updated 30 January 2025 At the north end of Glen Loin, I kilometre SSE of the Coiregrograin Bridge, a pond has developed across the path and unless you are wearing wellies you will need to detour slightly into the nearby conifer forest to get past this obstruction. Walking poles proved extremely useful when we visited the site on 6 August 2024. We think there has been an alteration to the drainage in the location perhaps due to forest works on the slope above the site. We hope this may be remedied as there is a lot of work with new spur tracks going to the Pylons from the Forest & Land Cruach Tairbeirt track, so with some luck and time this problem can be resolved.
The Access Trust hope for a similar solution when the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan is upgraded.
This photo of the Pass of Killiecrankie says it all. When the A9 here was upgraded in 1980, planners and engineers got it right. Their High Road solution left the pass, its historic military road and ancient woodland untouched. Pitlochry and Killiecrankie were by-passed, keeping them clear of heavy traffic. The old road was left for local traffic and access to the walking trail through the beautiful pass, from which you neither see nor hear the busy A9 road above. Built on a viaduct above the railway, the old road and the ancient woods, the new A9 gives superb views of the historic Pass of Killiecrankie. … read more
Thanks to a generous grant from NatureScot the Trust now has an updated guidebook to the Three Lochs Way for sale. Not only does this assist Three Lochs Way walkers, strollers, cyclists, bikers and all to have more knowledge of the route and the interest along the way, proceeds from the purchases of the books will assist with the expense involved in maintaining the path. Thanks NatureScot.
With a major award from the NatureScot Green Recovery Fund the Access Trust is improving 3.6km of the route just north of Helensburgh between the Hill House and Glen Fruin. The path which has been under increased pressure over the Covid period is being repaired to a high standard and old signage will be renewed.
Donations from route users were important in helping us secure the funding as it always helps to be able to show public support for a project like this.
Many thanks to NatureScot for supporting our project to make walking or biking the Three Lochs Way an even better experience for both visitors and the community, through the
#BetterPlacesFund for a #GreenRecovery
Greener Scotland
… read more
From mid-October 2021 for a number of weeks, forest roadworks and tree felling will take place in the vicinity of the Three Lochs Way at Blackthird Forest, close to Gowk Hill on the route between Balloch and Helensburgh. The route will remain open and disruption should be minimal. Route users are asked to observe any on-site signage and instructions from the contractor. The forest road will have additional traffic and may be muddy during/following wet weather. … read more
Our Funding Partners
The Three Lochs Way is managed and maintained by the voluntary efforts of members of Helensburgh & District Access Trust which urgently requires funding for improvements to the route. Find out more on how you can help.