Aber Shore, Loch Lomond

Introducing Aber Shore, Loch Lomond

Aber Shore has to be one of the loveliest walks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. That's a big statement, I know, but here are my reasons: First, it is easy, mainly flat for most of the way, along some good paths. Second, it is alongside one of the most beautiful sections of Loch Lomond's shoreline. Of course, it is also a place to see wildlife, especially birds, as this is part of RSPB Scotland's Loch Lomond reserve.

This is one of our most popular guides, and we have updated it as there are some significant changes to be aware of, with the temporary closure of part of the footpath from the Millenium Hall and the introduction of the excellent new pathway that connects RSPB’s Nature Hub and Aber Shore.

This guide will go through those two options for getting to Aber Shore.

 

Kilmaronock Millennium Hall

Kilmaronock Millennium Hall, Gartocharn

The starting point for a walk from the village of Gartocharn (as opposed to the RSPB Nature Hub) is Kilmaronock Millennium Hall in Gartocharn. Driving through the village, you will see a sign for it. The hall is on Church Road, opposite Cawley Restaurants office and training building. Take that turn and then after a minute or so you will see a car park on your right, opposite the hall. Park here and head to the hall. (Postcode for Sat Nav is G83 8NF)

On the right-hand side of the hall, you will see a track signed Aber Right of Way. However, when updating this guide (June 2022), the bridge across Aber Dam (Later on in the walk) is closed, so you won’t be able to get through to Aber Shore this way until the bridge is back in action. Keep reading for an alternative route.

Panorama of Loch Lomond Panel

Just at the back of the hall (and easily accessible) is a stone with a metal plate that describes the panoramic view you will see, with features including Loch Lomond islands, Ben Lomond and Conic Hill. 

Aber Right of Way

Ignore the Aber Path turning to the left and continue to walk past the hall and then along a track. You will arrive at a single track road, turn left and walk past the caravan park, then as the road winds, pass some cottages on either side of the road. When you see a turning with a red postbox, take that and keep walking. You will see signs indicating you are on the Loch Lomond Nature Reserve.

Eventually, you go through a gate and into a wood on Aber Shore.

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Loch Lomond Nature Reserve

Once properly into the reserve and by the shoreline, you'll find a couple of pretty beaches with fine views across the loch. The path then takes you through Shore Wood to Net Bay Viewpoint and then finally the Endrick Viewpoint. 

Wildlife at Aber Shore

The wetlands, woodlands and meadows are home to warblers, wading birds and otters. In winter, you can see (and hear) some of the thousands of geese that flock here. Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent ospreys that fish in the waters; a few have nests nearby.

New Aber Shore Path

The new Airey Woodlands Trail footpath linking RSPB Visitor Centre at Gartocharn with Aber Shore opened in Spring 2022. Boardwalks take you across boggy fields and link with new pathways to provide an excellent and peaceful trail across the reserve to the shoreline.

Here are some photographs of the walk along Aber Shore, including Net Bay, Shore Wood and The River Endrick. 

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RSPB Gartocharn

Aber Shore is part of the RSPB Loch Lomond Reserve with an excellent visitor centre and pathways. Although very close to each other, they have different access points. There are plans to create a new footpath to link them together.

Plan Your Visit 

If you plan to visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, consider ordering our book ‘101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs’, a photo guidebook of things to do and places to explore. Click here to purchase. 

Aber Shore Videos

These photographs are from a summer walk-in in August. Here are some videos that I previously had filmed on the reserve for Love Loch Lomond and Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. 

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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