Arrochar and Tarbet
Welcome to a comprehensive See Loch Lomond guide to the 'Heart of the National Park', combining Tarbet on Loch Lomond with nearby Arrochar on Loch Long. This is where Loch Lomond meets Argyll Forest, a place where there is so much to enjoy outdoors.
Covered in the guide is information about walking, cycling, boat trips, together with details of the facilities available in this beautiful part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.
Where are Arrochar and Tarbet?
Arrochar and Tarbet are shown on the map below, highlighting the glen that runs between them. There was a consideration in days gone by to create a channel to connect these two large lochs, which would have dramatically changed the future of these lochs, especially Loch Lomond. Vikings and Cattle Drovers used the land passages to get between the two lochs, with the Vikings dragging their boats across from one loch to another.
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Travel by Train to Arrochar & Tarbet
Arrochar and Tarbet have a railway station, with a train journey of 1 hour 16 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street. While travelling from Glasgow to Fort William, by train the view is spectacular, with stunning views across Loch Lomond and stops at Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui and Tyndrum.
Tarbet, Loch Lomond
Tarbet, Loch Lomond
We start this guide to Tarbet at free car park by Loch Lomond, which has a refreshment kiosk, toilets and motorhome service point, with waste disposal. There is a large green bank of grass between the car park and loch, ideal for enjoying a picnic. Tarbet is on the A82; please read our guide to the landmarks along this busy but scenic road. Tarbet is one of the landmarks, drawing visitors for easy access onto Loch Lomond.
Cruise Loch Lomond
Tarbet is the main departure point for Cruise Loch Lomond's cruise boats and water bus services. One of their highlights is the weekly RSPB cruise across the loch to Inversnaid. We've worked extensively with Cruise Loch Lomond, producing films and capturing photography for all of their scheduled services and sailings. We once got all of their large fleet of boats out on the water one summer evening for an aerial photograph, something that we needed the entire width of the loch to achieve! See more in the film above.
Tarbet, Loch Lomond
West Lomond Cycle Path
Tarbet is the end of the West Lomond Cycle Path, which starts in Balloch. The route alongside Loch Lomond is mainly off the road on reasonably quiet paths, with the final section into Tarbet especially picturesque. Click here to read an extensive guide to the cycle path.
Tarbet Isle, Loch Lomond
Tarbet Isle
A bit further north of Tarbet on Loch Lomond is Tarbet Isle, also known as Honeymoon Island. The story goes that newlywed couples would honeymoon on it for a week. If that week went well, then there was every chance that their marriage would be successful. Read more about Tarbet Isle, and the other Loch Lomond islands at a special See Loch Lomond guide.
Tarbet Isle has a car park (just off the A82), with access to a 2km circular woodland walk, which has good views of Loch Lomond, Tarbet Isle and mountains.
Slanj, Tarbet
Slanj Restaurant
The distance between Tarbet on Loch Lomond and Arrochar on Loch Long is less than two miles. On the journey along the A83 from Tarbet to Arrochar, you will see a converted church on the right, which is now home to Slanj restaurant, a great place to eat and drink. Slanj’s owners used their time during lockdown productively, perfecting an Arrochar Alps gin brand that they distil and sell on site.
Outside Slanj is a portacabin containing Tarbet's Village Shop.
Motorhomes are welcome to stay overnight, as long as the Slanj restaurant is used! There is space for up to five motorhomes.
Arrochar
Turn left onto Church Road and head alongside Loch Long, the fjord-like sea loch, for Three Lochs Village Hall. The hall serves the neighbouring communities of Tarbet, Arrochar and Succoth. The Loch Lomond and Cowal Way (90km) and Three Lochs Way (52km) pass through Arrochar, whilst the village sees the conclusion of the Clyde Sea Lochs Trail, which starts at Dumbarton Castle.
Head of Loch Long
Back the other way to the car park at the Head of Loch Long. Parking cost is £1 an hour, with toilets installed through the season (up to the end of October). A pretty spot with Arrochar Alps in the distance and bluebells out in Spring.
Head of Loch Long
The Cobbler
The Cobbler (Ben Arthur), with its distinctive peak, takes about 4-6 hours to climb. A tough and difficult climb in places, around 22km, beware that weather can change and make it even more challenging. There is a car park, it's the next one on from Head of Loch Long at Succoth, west of Arrochar. Note there aren't toilets at this car park.
Ardgartan
Just outside Arrochar is Ardgartan Forest, featuring lots of trails, many of which are ideal for cycling. One the best times to visit is in autumn when there are some fantastic colours.
Rest and Be Thankful
If you're staying around Tarbet and Arrochar you also have excellent access to the many attractions and places of outstanding beauty in Argyll. The famous Rest and Be Thankful takes you towards Benmore Botanic Garden, Loch Goil, Fyne Ales, Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Inveraray.
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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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Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.