A Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation 031468

About Helensburgh & District Access Trust

Originating in 1990 as a footpath sub-committee of Helensburgh Community Council and initially known as Helensburgh & District Access Forum (HADAF), the organisation became a registered charity in May 2001 (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 forum changed again to a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated 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. It is now recognised as one of Scotland’s Great Trails.

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 approximately £400,000 which has been invested in access work for the benefit of this and future generations. It is an ongoing task!

The Trust has completed work at various locations along the route working always in partnership with landowners. A printed version of the guidebook is available and is in its second edition. Sales of the book is an important income stream for the Trust (see link on home page). Other improvements include better signage, replacement of a bridge in Glen Mallan and a new one at Tighness and Camis Eskan. Gates and stiles have been improved or removed so much of the route is accessible to most forms of transport like bikes and horses but not motorised vehicles.

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.

Our funders over the years have been numerous and include NatureScot, Argyll & Bute Council, Scottish Enterprise, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Fund, Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, Walking Scotland, Lomond & Clyde Tourist Association, European Leader, Dunclay Trust, Helensburgh Round Table, and other local Trusts along with the very many people who donate regularly or play our lottery.

We enjoy support from Luss Estates, Defence Estates, Arrochar & Tarbet Community Development Trust, Scottish Woodlands, Forestry & Land Scotland

A small group of dedicated individuals keeps the work of fundraising, publicising, extending, and repairing paths going and would welcome assistance from any users at any time. Please get in touch if you'd like to help.