Heading north towards Tarbet, Loch Lomond narrows and becomes enclosed by increasingly imposing mountains - the beginning of the Highlands. The Arrochar Alps, spread around the head of Loch Long and the west side of Ben Lomond, are a group of very steep and rocky mountains with real character. One of their number - the famous Cobbler - has as distinctive and remarkable an outline as any mountain in the country; these peaks are deservedly popular.
Beyond the head of the loch visitors pass through Glen Falloch to reach Crianlarich. This small village appears on road signs many miles away due to its importance as a road junction. By this point the mountains have reached their full stature, with the great dominating peaks of Ben More and Stob Binnein seemingly a feature in every view.