Helensburgh Beach

Helensburgh Beach overlooks the Upper Firth of Clyde, sitting just outside the mouth of Gare Loch. It is backed by a promenade from where one can admire the views across the bay to the hilly Rosneath peninsula.

Along the road opposite the beach there are shops and places to eat. Parking can be found at the ferry terminal at the south-eastern end of the beach. Toilets, a skate park, and an indoor swimming pool can also be found here. The pool is due to be replaced in the coming years as part of a plan for redeveloping the pier.

Popular activities at the beach include wind surfing and boating trips.

The town of Helensburgh developed as a seaside resort after the railway line to Glasgow was completed. Today, two services per hour from Helensburgh Central, just 200 meters from the beach take visitors and commuters to and from Glasgow. The railway brought wealth to the town, and today there are two conservation areas in the town.

There are many footpaths in the area around Helensburgh, some of which start in the town, including the John Muir Way which runs for 134 miles to the town of Dunbar.