Hiking the Final Leg of the John Muir Way: From Balloch to Helensburgh
As the final day of my John Muir Way adventure dawned, the promise of a “warm and sunny” Scottish morning quickly translated into an overcast sky. The overnight rain had left behind a blanket of heavy fog over Balloch, adding a mystical charm to the morning. After a leisurely breakfast, I waited for the mist to clear over Gouk Hill, which marked the start of my final day on the trail.
At around 10 a.m., I set out from the Balloch Aquarium, eager to make my way through this historic stretch. Along the way, I met a local couple walking their dog, who told me about the history of Stoneymollan Road—also known as Coffin Road. This route once served as a path for mourners carrying coffins to burial grounds atop Gouk Hill. As I climbed, the trail offered intriguing glimpses into Scotland’s past, and the stories about the Coffin Road added a deeper sense of purpose to my final ascent.
📍 Watch the full video as I recount the story of Coffin Road and the stunning views over Loch Lomond:
The ascent gradually transitioned from a paved path to a steeper climb through open fields. Each step up Gouk Hill revealed more of the landscape below, with Loch Lomond making dramatic appearances through the breaks in the trees. Despite the cloudy sky, the views were breathtaking, capturing the raw beauty of Scotland’s largest loch.
As I reached the summit, the trail opened into a rolling traverse, leading me toward Helensburgh. Along this stretch, the scenic beauty continued to unfold, offering sweeping views of Loch Lomond and the distant Firth of Clyde. The descent into Helensburgh was a peaceful end to the journey, with the coastal town offering both a vibrant energy and a sense of history.
📍 Check out the views from Gouk Hill and Helensburgh:
One of the highlights of the day was hiking through Scotland’s temperate pine forests. These lush, green landscapes, similar to those found in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., thrive in Scotland’s unique climate. As I wandered through the towering pines, the peaceful surroundings added a calming rhythm to my hike. The forest eventually gave way to more open vistas of Loch Lomond, offering a final chance to take in the beauty of the loch before reaching the coast.
📍 Explore Scotland’s temperate pine forests and Loch Lomond views:
Finally, I arrived in Helensburgh, where I made my way to the John Muir monument of feet. This unique tradition marks the end of the John Muir Way, inviting hikers to stand or dance barefoot on a circle of stone feet. Reflecting on my journey, I paused at the monument and embraced the ritual, celebrating the completion of this incredible adventure.
📍 Watch the final steps to Helensburgh and the John Muir Way monument:
This final day on the John Muir Way was filled with history, nature, and a sense of accomplishment. From the foggy start in Balloch to the coastal finish in Helensburgh, every step of the journey offered something new, capturing the essence of the Scottish wilderness.
Keywords:
- John Muir Way final day
- Loch Lomond views
- Gouk Hill hike
- Helensburgh Scotland
- Coffin Road history
- Scottish pine forests
- Temperate rain forests Scotland
- John Muir monument
- Firth of Clyde views
- Hiking Scotland trails
- Outdoor adventure Scotland