Long distance
Loch Lomond and Cowal Way
A short, accessible route connecting Loch Lomond, the Gareloch and Loch Long. Forest paths, loch shores and hill passes within easy reach of Glasgow.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 55 km/ 34 mi
- Typical days
- 3
- Total ascent
- 1200 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Start → Finish
- Balloch → Inveruglas
- Best direction
- South to North
✔ Waymarked throughout
Our take
The Three Lochs Way is the perfect long-weekend route for Glasgow residents — train to Balloch on Friday evening, walk for three days, bus home from Inveruglas. The terrain is gentle, the scenery is classic Argyll, and the route avoids the crowds on the West Highland Way while running through similar landscape. A confidence-builder before tackling something longer.
Highlights
- Loch Lomond shore at Balloch
- Helensburgh seafront
- Gareloch and the Rosneath Peninsula
- Glen Douglas and Loch Long
Day-by-day itinerary
A suggested 3-day schedule. Adjust to your fitness and conditions.
1Balloch to Helensburgh18km · 350m ascent
From Loch Lomond through farmland and over the hills to Helensburgh on the Clyde coast. Views back to the loch and across the Firth of Clyde.
- Terrain
- Woodland paths, hill tracks, town walking.
- Overnight
- Helensburgh has hotels and B&Bs. Good train links to Glasgow.
- Stats
- Balloch → Helensburgh · 18km · ↑350m
2Helensburgh to Garelochhead18km · 400m ascent
Along the Gareloch shore past the naval base at Faslane and through forest to Garelochhead at the head of the loch.
- Terrain
- Loch-shore paths, forest trails, some road walking.
- Overnight
- Garelochhead has B&Bs and the Anchor Inn.
- Stats
- Helensburgh → Garelochhead · 18km · ↑400m
3Garelochhead to Inveruglas19km · 450m ascent
Over the hills between the Gareloch and Loch Long, then through Glen Douglas to Loch Lomond at Inveruglas. A satisfying finish linking back to the WHW.
- Terrain
- Hill paths, glen tracks, forest roads. The most demanding day.
- Overnight
- Inveruglas has limited options. The Drovers Inn at Inverarnan is nearby. Bus to Glasgow.
- Stats
- Garelochhead → Inveruglas · 19km · ↑450m
Best months
Accommodation
Hotels at Balloch and Helensburgh. B&Bs at Garelochhead and Arrochar. Easy logistics from Glasgow.
Resupply
Full shops at Balloch, Helensburgh and Arrochar. Never more than a day from a town.
Current conditions
Weather at the start point (Balloch)
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:33
- Sunset
- 20:58
- Civil dawn
- 04:48
- Civil dusk
- 21:43
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026
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