helensburgh and west dunbartonshire group logo

Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire Group

We are the Helensburgh & West Dunbartonshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our quarterly Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

Walkers must book in advance with the walk leader.

A walk along the John Muir Way from Helensburgh to Balloch to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the long-distance footpath from Dunbar to Helensburgh.

Sunday, 21 April 2024
Start time:
9:00 am
Estimated finish time:
1:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
14.4km / 8.9mi
Ascent:
313m / 1027ft
Type:
linear

To celebrate 10 years since the opening of the John Muir way, and his 186th birthday in 1838, a walk on the route ending in Balloch Park. The return to Helensburgh will be by train from Balloch.

Local Grade: C+

Terrain:  A mix of tarmac and gravel paths, with some muddy parts. Some steeper sections over Gouk Hill.

Max height:  313 m

Maps covering route of walk: OS Landranger No. 63.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Accessible by public transport
  • Car parking available

Starting point

Grid reference:
NS 29495 82289
Nearest postcode:
G84 8AR
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Start time:
9:00 am

Start marked by a circular stone plinth and a white stone bench on Helensburgh's waterfront, near the pier. Please note we will leave promptly at 09:00.

Finishing point

Grid reference:
NS 39034 83001
Nearest postcode:
G83 8SY
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Estimated finish time:
1:00 pm

Balloch Country Park

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our quarterly Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking