Helensburgh & Clyde Sea Lochs
Scotland's Adventure CoastDon’t miss the opportunity to visit Helensburgh. The town is easy to reach, with regular direct trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and Helensburgh Upper Station is on the world famous West Highland Line.
Named for Helen, the wife of Sir James Colquhoun who founded the town in the late 18th Century, Helensburgh developed into a grand Victorian seaside resort for the wealthy merchants of Glasgow. Of the many architectural gems in the area, the finest is surely Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s internationally renowned Hill House, currently protected by an award-winning architectural chainmail ‘Box’ which offers visitors a unique perspective from its walkways.
Helensburgh is a great place to explore, with a fantastic range of unique independent shops and galleries, and a market twice a month. There are also many wonderful eateries to enjoy, with everything from patisserie and cosy cafés to award-winning restaurants or fish and chips on the seafront promenade.
The ‘Garden City of the Clyde’, Helensburgh is also famous for its tree lined streets, particularly the spectacular Spring cherry blossom, and beautiful gardens nearby include Geilston and Glenarn. Families are well catered for with the Helensburgh Leisure Centre and play facilities at Hermitage Park, and boat trips on the River Clyde allow visitors to get up close to the famous Sugar Boat shipwreck and maybe even see some dolphins!
The free Discover Helensburgh App features over 50 places of interest, 8 self-guided trails and family fun activities. If you are feeling adventurous, Helensburgh is also a great base to explore the John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way, Argyll Sea Kayak Trail and Clyde Sea Lochs Trail, all of which pass through the town. There is a busy local programme of events and activities and you can find the latest listings on the Destination Helensburgh website or in their Visitor Information Centre in the town.
Weekend Getaways and Fun-Packed Holidays
With elegant tree-lined avenues, a promenade, independent shops and eateries galore, there’s something for everyone.
Explore Helensburgh & Clyde Sea Lochs
What are you looking for?CLYDE SEA LOCHS
Enjoy a fascinating journey of discovery around the shores of the Firth of Clyde and its beautiful sea lochs; Gare Loch and Loch Long
KILCREGGAN
Enjoy walks, quiet cycling roads, rocky shores and open sea views and the ferry to Gourock from a historic pier.
CARDROSS
Explore the charming village and its castle ruins, dating back to 1329, where King Robert the Bruce is believed to have died.
TARBET & ARROCHAR
The villages of Tarbet and Arrochar are within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, at the gateway to the Argyll Forest Park, and at the foot of the Arrochar Alps.
Planning your journey
Follow the traditional road route into Argyll & the Isles along the A82 as far as Dumbarton, Balloch and Loch Lomond.
Travellers can diverge from the A82 at Dumbarton to travel along the edge of the Clyde on the A814 to Cardross and Helensburgh and on to Garelochhead and Arrochar – look out for the route markers of the Clyde Sea Lochs Trail which starts in Dumbarton, a 65 mile road route which also takes in the beautiful Rosneath Peninsula.
Alternatively, continue up the A82 on Loch Lomondside. Helensburgh is only around 10 minutes from Loch Lomond on the A818, or there is the A817 connecting to Garelochhead, which is a stunning drive in either direction offering panoramic views to the east and west.
You can also access Helensburgh by bus, train (including the Highland Explorer on the West Highland Line), cycle routes, or walk along the John Muir Way or Three Lochs Way
