Helensburgh & District Access Trust

Improving countryside access in the Helensburgh and Lomond area

Originating in 1990 as a footpath sub committee of Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) and initially known as Helensburgh & District Access Forum (HADAF), the organisation became a registered charity in May 2001 (No. SC 031468) and in 2009 changed its name to Helensburgh & District Access Trust, becoming at that time a company limited by guarantee, company No.360787.

After that the then forum changed again to become a SCIO – Scottish Incorporated Charitable Organisation and became a Trust.

In March 2010 the Trust publicised the “Three Lochs Way“, a long distance route first conceived of by its secretary, Alan Day, in 1991.

To date the Trust has created and repaired 12 km of paths and walking routes in the immediate vicinity of Helensburgh and with the Three Lochs Way, is actively engaged on a further 50 km. To date it has raised £140,000 which has been invested in access work for the benefit of this and future generations.

HADAT dumper truck © Helensburgh and District Access Trust

HADAT bridge opening © Helensburgh and District Access Trust — HADAT bridge opening

HADAT work party © Helensburgh and District Access Trust — HADAT work party

HADAT culvert installation © Helensburgh and District Access Trust — HADAT culvert installation

The Trust has completed work to deliver the Three Lochs Way Improvement Project 1 which comprised a range of improvements including a guide for the route published in May 2012 as Android and iPhone smart phone versions. A printed version of the guide is also now available from the Three Lochs Way website. Other improvements include better signage and the replacement of the a bridge in Glen Mallan which was washed out a few years ago. Gates and stile have been improved or removed so much of the route is accessible to most forms of transport except motorised vehicles.

HADAT view over Helensburgh © Helensburgh and District Access Trust

In 2013 the Trust undertook to improve a very boggy section of the route north of Helensburgh. This was our biggest challenge and we have continued further work on the route at this section, with a much better surface now in place in February 2019!

Works between Balloch and Helensburgh have been ongoing and now provide a delightful few hours walk over a well surfaced path with superb views north over Loch Lomond and south over the Firth of Clyde. For some of this section the Three Lochs Way benefits from sharing the route with the John Muir Way.

Current participating bodies include:- Cardross Community Council, Helensburgh Green Belt Group, Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, St Michael’s Ramblers, Luss Estates.

A small group of dedicated older individuals keep the work of fundraising, publicising, extending and repairing paths going and would welcome assistance from any users especially younger users anytime. Please get in touch if you’d like to help.

Website for full details: https://threelochsway.co.uk/about-us/

HADAT is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation run by volunteers – to donate please visit the website https://threelochsway.co.uk/about-us/donate/