destination, with a fantastic range of unique independent shops, and a vibrant programme of craft fairs, mar- kets, concerts, festivals and sporting events. 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 beautiful conservation village of Luss on Loch Lomond is the ancestral home of Clan Colquhoun. As well as picture postcard views, the settlement has a fascinating history, including an 11th century Viking hogback grave in the churchyard. There are several fabulous gift shops and eateries, and plenty of activities for all the family. Ardlui offers watersports on Loch Lo- mond, and Arrochar is a great base for Munro-bagging and mountain-biking. The whole area includes a number of trails such as the John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way, Loch Lomond and Cowal Way and Argyll Sea Kayak Trail. The Clyde Sea Lochs Trail is a 65 mile road route from Dumbarton to Arrochar, including the Rosneath Peninsula with its own fascinating heritage trails. Kilcreggan Pier is a regular stop for the Waverley Paddle Steamer on its Clyde cruises, and the Peninsula offers stun- ning views down the Firth of Clyde to Bute and Arran. Key dates this year include the Helensburgh Beer and Gin Festival 16-17 May; Food and Drink Weekend 17-18 May; Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games 7 June; Gala Day and Dog Show 26 July; and on Wednesday
Named for Helen, the wife of Sir James Colquhoun who founded the town in the late 18th Century, the town of Helensburgh developed into a beautiful Victorian seaside resort for the wealthy merchants of Glasgow. Visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s internationally renowned Hill House (NTS), currently protected by an award-winning architectural chainmail ‘Box’ which offers visitors a unique perspective from its walkways, or the Scottish Submarine Centre museum. Families are well catered for with the waterfront skate park and play facili- ties at Hermitage Park, and there are two farm parks nearby. The ‘Garden City of the Clyde’, Helens- burgh is also famous for its tree lined streets, particularly the spectacular Spring cherry blossom, and beautiful gardens nearby include Geilston (NTS) and Glenarn. Helensburgh is a great shopping
Helensburgh and Lomond is the gateway to Argyll, situated on the Clyde Sea Lochs, and including the west bank of Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. With several train stations throughout the area on the West Highland Line, it has fantastic transport connections to both the west coast and the central belt.
evenings in June enjoy Bagpipes in the Square with Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band. Lots more events take place through- out the year - find all the latest news about what’s on in our online calendar www.destinationhelensburgh.org/ whats-on/ We look forward to welcoming you to Helensburgh and Lomond!
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