John Muir Way Tour Stage One – Helensburgh to Balloch

In 2016, a tree fell on the Visitor Information Centre I managed in Tarbet, Loch Lomond- bringing five years of hard work to an abrupt end. Redundancy felt like a loss, but it also cracked open a new path. A retail job in Luss helped me retrain and reconnect with Scottish heritage. Visitors were eager to hear stories – Clan Colquhoun, tartan, folklore, and roots. That spark lit the way. By 2018, I saw a gap in the area surrounding Loch Lomond for guided walking tours. And in 2019, I took the leap. In for a penny, in for a pound- I launched Argyll Walks with nothing but a kitchen table, a head full of stories, and a heart ready to rebuild. What began as a career pivot became a purposed-led business. Today, I work from my upstairs desk in Arrochar, designing bespoke walking experiences for curious travellers, charities and corporate groups. Each tour is crafted with emotional resonance, sensory storytelling, and a deep respect for Scotland’s landscapes and legacy. Every walk builds confidence. Every story invites connection. And every step is a reminder that resilience can lead to something beautiful.