Tarbet Isle Walk, near Tarbet

Summary

This short circular walk climbs through pine woods and then oak woodland with good views over Loch Lomond and Tarbet Isle below. The first half of the loop is easy and waymarked; the furthest part is no longer mainained and is wetter underfoot; it can be omitted but is still walkabkle.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good paths, gentle up and down sections.

Getting there

Start

Foresty & Land Scotland car park opposite Tarbet Isle off A82 just north of Tarbet.

Public Transport

None to start - nearest bus Tarbet but the walk along the A82 is dangerous.

Start Grid Ref

NN326053

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2km / 1.25 miles
Time: 45 mins
Ascent: 55m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

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OL39 Loch Lomond North

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The car park is signed from the A82 and is just north of Tarbet on the inland side of the road up a steep drive. From the entrance to the parking area take the path on the left marked with a yellow marker post, heading uphill towards some Scots Pines. The path climbs steadily before easing off and looping to the right and then descending for a short section.

Stage 2

As the path goes through mixed conifer and broadleaved woodland the remains of Caulfield's Military Road which ran from Tarbet to Crianlarich can be seen on the other side of the drystane dyke to the left of the path. The waymarked path short-cuts across the route shown on our map after 600m or so. You can take this if you want to stick to the easy paths, or continue on the old path which is boggy in places but still easy enough to follow.

Stage 3

The woodland is now mainly oak and glimpses of the water of Loch Lomond can be seen through the trees. Tarbet Isle, a small island only 80 metres long and 10 metres at its highest point, can be viewed from here. The island takes its name from nearby Tarbet which itself means the portage place. This name comes from folklore that the 13th century King Haakon sailed his Viking fleet up and down Loch Lomond causing havoc and panic having dragged his boats overland to Tarbet across the narrowest part of the land. The waymarked path joins back in from the right. Keep ahead along it, eventually on a track, to return to the car park.

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