Things to do, places to visit.
In and around Helensburgh
“The Hill House”, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s 100 year old masterpiece of domestic architecture. Only a 15 minute walk from Balmillig.
As one of the UK’s prime realisations of a “Garden City”, Helensburgh is justly renowned for its fine villas, and superb gardens and streets set out with an outstanding array of ornamental flowering trees and shrubs which create a stunning display in spring. Late April and early May is the time to see this at its best, although the Autumn colours can also be a very beautiful.
Many quality specialist shops – jewellery, Scottish gifts, art galleries.
The Tower Digital Arts Centre streams world class events directly into the town venue.
Summertime cruises on PS Waverley – the world’s last sea going paddle steamer.
Glenarn – Springtime rhododendron gardens in elevated woodland setting.
Golf – many superb courses within the area. Discount play available locally.
Lots of pleasant walking on extensive footpath network in and around town. Two long distance routes pass by Balmillig, The Three Lochs Way and the John Muir Way.
Cycling – a great way to get around the area.
The West Highland Railway Line from Helensburgh Upper Station offers one of the World’s Most Scenic railway journeys. Not to be missed!
A short drive – 15 – 30 mins
Beautiful Loch Lomond &Trossachs National Park just a short distance away.
Balloch – Loch Cruises, Country Park. Loch Lomond Shores – Aquarium, Shopping, Paddle Steamer Maid of the Loch static steamship.
Luss – pretty estate village famous for its floral displays, lovely walks including faerie trail.
Suburban, woodland, farmland, wetland, coastal, moorland and upland habitats mean birdwatching opportunities abound. Nearest RSPB reserve is at Gartocharn. Ardmore Point has big variety of coastal birds.
Arrochar – hiking and climbing on the ‘Arrochar Alps’ including ‘The Cobbler’.
Tarbet – Loch Lomond cruises, walks.
Dumbarton – Medieval castle, Denny Ship Tank Maritime Museum, walks on the Lang Crags.
Rosneath Peninsula – Lovely views over sealochs, good walks and quiet cycling.
40 – 60 min drive
East Loch Lomond – Glengoyne Distillery, galleries, footpaths, Inchcailloch Nature Reserve, Ben Lomond.
Inveraray – 18thC planned town, old town jail, stately home of Duke of Argyll.
Glasgow – Interesting architecture, shopping malls , theatres & concert halls, world renowned galleries & museums, lively cafes and restaurants. Easily reached by train in 40 mins.
Trossachs – Forest walks, woollen centres, SS ‘Sir Walter Scott’ cruises, Mountain biking, Go Ape aerial adventure.
Cowal Peninsula – Benmore Botanic Gardens, Puck’s Glen, forest walks & bike rides
Stirling – mediaeval fortified town, superb ancient buildings, castle, shopping centre, Wallace Monument. Skiing in Glencoe
Hiking and Hillwalking and skiing/boarding
Your hosts are qualified mountain leaders, and operate the guiding service, Loch Lomond Guides. We are also adjacent to The Three Lochs Way and the John Muir Way long distance walking routes which pass through Helensburgh. Click on Loch Lomond Guides to find out how we make it easy and safe for you to discover the very best of Scotland’s wild and beautiful places.
Relaxing
Or why not just read your way through our collection of books and magazines as you relax in the comfort of the conservatory.