Arrochar - Tarbet link path

This walk links Tarbet to Arrochar and makes a nice one way or return circuit - or could be extended by following the Cruach Tairbeirt route. There are good views from the elevated path which has some steep sections.

Terrain

Well surfaced, waymarked, route with some up and down and steep first section.

Public Transport

Bus to Arrochar or Tarbet; train to Tarbet.

Start

Loch Long car park, Arrochar (charge). Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Currently 3.50/5

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.25km / 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour (one way)
Ascent: 95m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN298048

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the car park on the shore at Arrochar (charge payable) and follow the short path along the shore to the main road and turn right to pass the shop/post office and chippy. At this point cross the road and climb the few steps opposite to reach an information board with a map of the route. Follow the path uphill following the yellow waymarkers. At the junction turn right and keep following the path.

Stage 2

In the 13th century the Vikings took advantage of the low and short piece of 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 truly terrifying to see one of King Haakon's longboats appearing out of the mist filled with armed Viking raiders. Now the 2.5km stretch houses the busy A83 linking Glasgow and the east to most of Argyll. As the path climbs there are good views back over 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 3

The path passes a bench with a good view and continues straight ahead. Stay on the main path, ignoring a rough path to the right through the rhododendrons. At a fine Scots pine, the route passes a wooden barrier and continues to climb uphill. It then winds through beech, birch and oak trees. Ignore a small path joining from the right.

Stage 4

With pine forest on the left side pass a group of carved heads and soon a junction is reached. Turn right here to descend to Tarbet Station. The path to the left which has red waymarkers is a the Cruach Tairbeirt loop with more of Loch Lomond although it involves a steep climb. If continuing to Tarbet follow the path under the railway line. There is some parking here.

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