The Three Lochs Way, which saw its final section completed this year, has been praised in the Scottish Parliament.
Jackie Baillie, whose Dumbarton constituency includes the route lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament praising the Three Lochs Way. The text of the motion reads
“That the Parliament celebrates the walking trail, the Three Lochs Way, one of Scotland’s Great Trails, which links Loch Lomond, the Gareloch and Loch Long; understands that the Three Lochs Way links several communities along the Clyde Sea Lochs fringe of Scotland’s first national park; notes that the route encompasses woodlands, loch and mountain views, seventeenth century clan battle grounds, hydroelectric installations and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s The Hill House; thanks the volunteer members of the Helensburgh and District Access Trust who manage and maintain the trail, and encourages everyone to walk the Three Lochs Way.”
The 34-mile route runs from Balloch to Inveruglas, with a total ascent of approximately 1,500 metres.
Helensburgh and District Access Trust convener, Anne Urquhart, said the group was very grateful for the support, adding: “It really is very heartening to see the Three Lochs Way getting the recognition it deserves.
“Our area is beginning to win more and more attention from walkers and cyclists, a trend which will be further enhanced now that the John Muir Way link between Helensburgh and Balloch has been completed.”
I fully understand that this project is important to the area and a great way of encouraging people in. However I wish there had been a little bit more enthusiasm and effort for the John Muir Way. I think this is such an important way for many places especially Helensburgh. If you look at the West Highland Way and how much revenue that brings in to Milngavie, then I think more should be done in Helensburgh. You only have to spend a few minutes at the start point in Milngavie to see how many of the walkers pop in to local shops to stock up before they set off. At the moment there isn’t even a point made to commemorate the start/finish in the town and when I pointed this out to a local A&B representative if anything was going to be put in place for this I was quite surprised that that person hadn’t even heard of it and knew nothing about the JMW.
So come on A&B Council instead of moaning that nobody is coming to Helensburgh, do something about it. Promote what we have got, that a good many other towns haven’t, Hill House, John Logie Baird, JMW and many other attractions.