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
On the high track above Loch Long there is access signposted to the remains of the fermtoun. The descent is by a rough trod beside the fence and through a sheep creep under the railway line. Recent work on the line has not obstructed the trod so you can still visit this lovely spot and think of the folk who long ago lived out their lives on this spot with its wonderful views over the loch.
The Allt Derigan Burn in Glen Mallan at GR NS25992 96669 is to be removed over period Monday/Tuesday 8-9 March 2021. Defence Estates are applying for funding to replace it, but we have no date yet when that will happen. Meanwhile you will have to ford the burn – best place is a metre or so upstream from railway overbridge. Obvious signage highlights the crossing point - but be prepared for wet feet when the burn is high!
IMPORTANT ROUTE UPDATE In Glen Malan, around Grid ref. 258964 at the northern end of the Gurkha "Bato"(road) after the left turn under the railway underbridge, the improved path ahead unfortunately only leads to a dangerously rotten bridge - do not follow the path - do not cross the bridge. Instead simply ford the burn under the railway line and then turn left to pick up the rough trod within the larch trees and continue north.
We await repair work or replacement of this bridge by the agency responsible for the area.
Apologies for the poor quality of the photo but it allows you to see the location.
Grant funding from Paths for All counts us all in and out!
With grant funding assistance from “Paths for All”, Helensburgh & District Access Trust trustees have recently installed people counters at two locations on the path network. Every time you walk, run or cycle past one of the counters you’ll be logged. This is important as the Trust needs hard evidence to prove actual use of paths when it applies for funding support to keep the paths in good condition.
Since the counters were installed in early December the readings to date show that approximately 10,660 people have passed the counters on the “Upland Way” path between The Hill House and Rhu – that means about 60,000 users of the route in a year! Dogs (unless they are very tall!) don’t trigger the counter.
The Trust is entirely run by about 8 local volunteers and is the group in the area that attempts to keep the paths in reasonable shape. We are also responsible for the creation and maintenance of the Three Lochs Way Long Distance Route which is one of Scotland’s “Great Trails”. Since the start of the new year, we can report healthy sales of the Three Lochs Way guidebook to people outside our local area, so be prepared to welcome these folk when you meet them on our paths. Based on the readings for December and January, an estimate for walkers on this longer distance route numbers about 3,500 per annum.
When you're out on the route near Helensburgh keep a lookout for Alan's plaque and boulder. The plaque was recently installed to commemorate Alan Day, the man who first conceived the vision for the footpath network around Helensburgh and the Three Lochs Way long distance route. He worked tirelessly in pursuit of these aims and the Trust continues to develop the ideas he first initiated almost 30 years ago. Thanks for a great idea Alan.
Update September 2019 - Forest & Land Scotland have now reopened the path between Tarbet Railway Station and Arrochar village. This is a lovely, mostly shady, section of the route. The path is a bit narrower than it used to be due to lack of use but we expect that will change now that it has been completely reopened.
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.