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Arrochar / Tarbet - Inveruglas

The final stage of the Three Lochs Way heads from Arrochar - Tarbet station to Inveruglas, further north on the shores of Loch Lomond. Along the way there are terrific views of the Arrochar Alps. Could be done as a day walk with public transport. It also allows links to be made to the Cowal Way or the West Highland Way.

Terrain

Good paths throughout; tarmac lane to finish.

Public Transport

Trains serve Arrochar - Tarbet station, with buses to both Arrochar and Tarbet. Inveruglas is also served by buses as well as a seasonal ferry link across Loch Lomond.

Start

Arrochar - Tarbet Station. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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There are 3 user reports for this walk - click to read them.

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 260m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN311044

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Pass under the railway line by Tarbet - Arrochar station and follow the path into the woods; at a t-junction, turn left. Ignore a path joining from the left, and wind through beech, birch and oak trees. Head past a wooden barrier by a fine Scots pine and ignore another route from the left. Pass a bench with an excellent view. In the 13th century the Vikings took advantage of the low, narrow ground between Arrochar and Tarbet (which in Gaelic means place of portage) to carry their longboats overland and carry out raids on the settlements on Loch Lomond. It must have been terrifying to see one of King Haakon's longboats appearing out of the mist filled with Viking raiders. Now the 2.5km stretch houses the busy A83 linking Glasgow and the east to most of Argyll. There are excellent views on the descent, taking in Arrochar and across to the Cobbler and Beinn Narnain beyond. You can also see the remains of the second world war torpedo testing station on the far side of Loch Long where there is still a large jetty and some derelict buildings.

Stage 2

At a junction a path off to the left descends to reach the shop, accommodation and services of Arrochar; otherwise continue ahead. At a second junction the route of the Cowal Way joins in from Arrochar on the left. The path now heads up the glen beneath the telegraph wires, at first just above the farm track and then joining with it. There are good views of Beinn Narnain and A'Chrois to the left.

Stage 3

At the end of the flat section of Glen Loin the path crosses a small wooden footbridge and begins to climb the broken slopes, still beneath the pylons. The southern end of Ben Vorlich is visible ahead whilst there is forestry over to each side but the views remain open. Pass through a gate to reach the highest point on this section beside some outcropping rocks. The path now runs beside the trees on the left before curving into and running along a firebreak.

Stage 4

After a gate bear right to cross a bridge over the Inveruglas Water. On the far side take the track that leads up a private tarmac road running along the glen; turn right onto this to head down the glen. The steep mountain visible behind is Ben Vane, with Ben Vorlich over to the right. The left turn up the road is also popular with people completing a circuit of Glen Loin as well as with hillwalkers.

Stage 5

Keep following the surfaced road as it passes an electricity substation and pylons from the hydro electric scheme cross overhead. You may well be joined by walkers either heading up towards the Sloy dam to tackle the Munros or descending after a day in the hills. Eventually the road loops round and then goes under the railway and past a gate to emerge onto a cycleway next to the busy A82. Turn left and follow this shared path which keeps you away from the main road. This crosses a number of tracks but keeps going all the way to the large power station at Inveruglas. From here it is only a short walk along the pavement and then cross the road to the big car park, visitor centre and cafe.

Stage 6

As a finale to the route, be sure to follow the path up beyond the cafe to visit the 'An Ceann Mor' installation. You can pass through this wooden structure to reveal a grand view down Loch Lomond, and then climb it to reveal the outlook over the loch. From Inveruglas it is possible to take a boat trip to Inversnaid on the other side of Loch Lomond and pick up the West Highland Way, or for those whose journey is over, there is a Citylink bus service running along the A82.

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