Helensburgh, a coastal town on the River Clyde and only four miles from Loch Lomond, can be a welcome civilisation and shopping detour on a trip to the lochs and the West of Scotland.
Gateway to the Highlands and the last major last major residential development before Oban, Helensburgh’s fine Victorian architecture and tree lined streets have been a major attraction for many years. In May, the tree blossoms are quite magnificent.
Local attractions include the Charles Rennie Mackintosh “Hill House” now open to the public, summer trips on the paddle steamer Waverley, a number of fine gardens open to the public and, of course, the chance to stock up for your journey north.
During the summer months there are regular pipe band performances and highland dancing displays on the seafront or in Colquhoun Square.
Whether you come for the day or decide to stay for a few. Helensburgh is well worth the detour.
Based in Helensburgh you can easily tour the west coast of Loch Lomond and the Clyde Sea Lochs by car, or take the West Highland Line train from Upper Helensburgh station through Arrochar, Tarbet and Crianlarich to Oban, Fort Wiliam and Mallaig. This spectacular journey takes in a wealth of highland scenery and you don’t have to keep your eyes on the road! A welcome break for the motoring visitor.
Alternatively, the world’s last sea-going paddlesteamer, the Waverley sails from Helensburgh pier during the summer down the Clyde Estuary to the Kyles of Bute. Operated as a charity she has recently been almost completely rebuilt at a cost of £4 million. Now much better appointed than she ever was her future is certain and her popularity seems if anything to grow each year.
Clyde Marine also run daily crusies from Helensburgh to the traditional Clyde steamer ports of Millport, Largs, Dunoon, Rothesay and Tighnabruaich. The Second Snark is ideal vessel for exploring the sea lochs in style.
West promenade, Helensburgh
Pipe band at pierhead
Paddle steamer Waverley - the last seagoing paddlesteamer
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