Didn't do this as a bikepacking trip as I was out looking for some new trails but an out and back or a one way with a ferry over Loch Lomond to the WHW at Rowardennan would make for a very satisfying o/n trip.
The Three Lochs Way (3LW) is a relatively new route put together by the Helensburgh and District Access trust, full details and maps can be found here: http://www.threelochsway.co.uk/.
I have to say I was surprised with what I found and how hard it was !!
The first piece of the trail goes from Balloch to Helensburgh, straight up for the 1st 2 miles at an average grade of 10% (but often steeper) up the Stoneymollan Road. Tarmac is soon abandoned for good walking track which peters out onto soft moorland trail and soon poor trail through a forrest at around 20% grade!
After this it becomes rideable again and hits a splendid descent down new trail into Helensburgh.
Next is a tarmac climb up to Hill House followed by good singletrack and then poor moorland singletrack which is pretty boggy and unrideable in places before hitting good new track down into Glen Fruin. The next 3 or 4 miles are pretty dull as you follow the road through Glen Fruin before turning to skirt the edge of the Military Firing range as you head past Cardross. Tarmac again turns to forrest road and then into singletrack as you follow the railway line towards Tarbet. This section is pretty hard as there are several sections which are too steep and/or loose to ride and involve some pushing, however the views are stunning and the riding often interesting. Also of note are4 wooden "tents" at around the 20 mile mark which are clean and dry and look to get little use.
After descending into Tarbet the trail heads around the back of Arrochar, this trail is very similar to the
riding found on the WHW around Loch Lomond, and up glen Loin on some fantastic singletrack before descending to Inveruglas.
Overall the trail is pretty enjoyable at 34 miles long with around 4000 ft of ascent. Travelling light it took me 3h40 something of riding - so i think with o/n kit it might take 5-5.5 hrs for a reasonably fit rider. Also of note is the cafe at inveruglas which looks good - unfortunately I got there at 6pm and it shuts at 5 - good old fashioned Scottish Hospitality :(
The Three Lochs Way
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