WALKERS are being invited to put their best feet forward after improvement works to a stretch of a popular route near Helensburgh.

The two-kilometre Camis Eskan section of the Three Lochs Trail has undergone major work to make it more walker friendly and is now ready for those keen to explore the area to enjoy.

Created around 15 years ago by Scottish Woodlands as a public access condition of its forestry grant, the portion of the route was never fully surfaced and had been deteriorating recently under the pressure of increasing numbers of walkers and mountain bikers.

However, in December 2022, Helensburgh and District Access Trust was handed a boost when it successfully obtained funding from the National Walking and Cycling network budget.

The job was given to groundworks contractor David McKenzie, a farmer from Gartocharn.

John Urquhart, convener of Helensburgh and District Access Trust (HADAT), said: "David not only found himself working against the clock, but also the weather. January and February were wet and mud soon became a serious issue on the lower reaches of the job.

"Despite that, by March 5, the work was complete and when I went on an inspection that afternoon, there were lots of folk out walking the trail and all of them were delighted with the improved surface."

The Three Lochs Way long distance walking route links Balloch, Helensburgh, Garelochhead Arrochar, Tarbet and Inveruglas, all communities on the shores of beautiful freshwater and sea lochs on the south-western edge of the National Park.

It is promoted by NatureScot as one of Scotland's "Great Trails" and is popular with walkers and mountain bikers.

Fiona Cuninghame, recreation, access and paths officer at NatureScot, said: "We are delighted to have supported this project to improve two kilometres of the Three Lochs Way, making it easier for more people to use and enjoy this picturesque and popular route."