CLYDE SEA LOCHS TRAIL
The sea lochs trail makes an interesting departure from the straight drive up the west of Loch Lomond and takes in the Firth of Clyde, Gareloch and Loch Long before rejoining the route north at Arrochar and Tarbet.
From the A82 Loch Lomond road, take the B832 at Arden roundabout to Helensburgh where, in addition to a large number of independent retail shops you will find some excellent tea and coffee shops. Ferries sail from here across the Clyde to Kilcreggan and Gourock or on some days the paddle steamer Waverley sails down the Firth of Clyde to Dunoon and the Kyles of Bute.
The Waverley is well known, but another alternative is the Second Snark, built by Denny in Dumbarton. There is a sense of being closer to everything in a smaller vessel as she can safely negotiate waters larger vessels cannot, bringing you that much closer to the shores and sights along the way.
Being on board the Second Snark is also a great experience from a ship historian's point of view - they say that the Denny family themselves used her when going out for the day on Clyde. What
better recommendation can you get!
Of course small vessels don't suit everyone, but if you really love sailing and wish to experience something more intimate then you will greatly enjoy the experience of the Second Snark's cruising programme.
Refreshed and stocked up, follow the Sea Lochs Trail north through the conservation village of Rhu and along the Gareloch with its sailing boats and the Faslane naval submarine base.
At Garelochhead, there is the choice of another circular detour to the picturesque villages of Kilcreggan and Cove, possibly including a visit to the Lynn Gardens. Follow on to the end of the road at Coulport and it’s a short hop back over the new road to the junction for Arrochar.
Alternatively, if time is short, take the main road to the right out of Garelochhead for Loch Long and Arrochar. Follow the road along the side of the fjord like Loch Long to Arrochar at the head of the loch, where you can continue on the Rest and Be Thankful road through the Arrochar Alps to Dunoon or rejoin the Loch Lomond road continuing north through Crianlarich to Oban.
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