This linear walk follows a popular section of the West Highland Way long distance path. Starting in Sallochy the route winds up through lovely oak woodland to reach various viewpoints at the shore of Loch Lomond. The walk finishes at Rowardennan where there is a hotel, car park and toilets. Unless transport has been arranged, the outward route can be retraced provided different views down the Loch.
Summary
Waymarked clear path with up and down sections, some steep
Terrain
Users'
rating
No public transport to start of walk. It is possible to take the ferry from Tarbet Pier to Rowardennan,
regular buses to Tarbet from Glasgow and Balloch.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Start from the Forestry Commission car park at Sallochy on the east side of Loch Lomond, approximately 3 miles before the road end at Rowardennan is reached. From here walk down to the shore and take the path heading to the right, to bear north along the shore. The path passes through beautiful oak woodlands and soon passes a boathouse and jetty. On the right Glasgow University's ecology research field centre can be seen. Keep following the narrow path as it climbs up to join a track where you turn left.
2. This walk follows part of the long distance footpath, the West Highland Way, which runs from Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, to Fort William. Look for the distinctive thistle marker posts indicating the way. Leave the track and head uphill to the right on a clearly marked path. This climbs steeply through the oak trees before emerging in a more open area where there are great views of Ben Lomond to the right and the peaks of the Arrochar Alps in the distance.
3. Keep following the path which includes a couple of boardwalk sections to avoid the muddiest parts. Pass a small barn on the right and bear right along a short section of shoreline. This can be wet after very heavy rainfall. The path passes in front of an old mill, now a pretty cottage and passes over a small bridge to continue through the woodland with a swampy area between the path and the lochside.
4. Another bridge crosses a larger stream before the path climbs to an open area with good views over the Loch and to the mountains ahead.
5. Keep following the marked path, keeping to the left where the route nears the road and a track joins from the right. After descending some steps the path nears the water's edge again and then climbs out onto a tree-covered peninsula. Keep left on the wide track ignoring a route to the right. Although the path curves around to the right, it is possible to walk out to the end point where there are good views up the Loch.
6. The path now undulates through an area of pine trees with glimpses of the water in places. Eventually the path descends to the road where you turn left to follow the pavement alongside a chalet park. Just before the Rowardennan Hotel cross the road to follow a grassy path away from the road which passes a phone box and continues until it reaches the information centre at the car park at Rowardennan.
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