Gartocharn, Loch Lomond

Aerial view of Gartocharn and Loch Lomond

Gartocharn is a charming village on the southern shores of Loch Lomond, offering scenic beauty, history, and outdoor adventures. With attractions like the RSPB nature reserve and nearby hills to explore, it’s an ideal stop for those visiting the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Here’s your complete guide to visiting Gartocharn.

Where is Gartocharn?

Gartocharn lies between Balloch and Drymen along the A811. It’s part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, making it a convenient base for exploring the stunning landscapes. The village is easily accessible by car, around a 30-minute drive from Glasgow and an hour from Edinburgh. A bus service connects it with Balloch, Drymen and Balmaha.

 

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View from Ross Priory, Gartocharn

Gartocharn History

Gartocharn has a rich past, closely tied to the surrounding loch and countryside. Historically, the area was known for farming and rural life, with smallholdings still scattered. Over time, Gartocharn has grown into a peaceful village, welcoming visitors who seek the tranquillity of Loch Lomond.

Ross Priory

A short distance from Gartocharn, Ross Priory is an impressive 19th-century mansion with a fascinating history and stunning views of Loch Lomond. The priory sits within 200 acres of beautifully maintained parkland, featuring gardens, woodlands, and a lochside shoreline. While today it primarily serves as a private venue for weddings, corporate events, and university functions, Ross Priory has a rich past, closely linked to one of Scotland’s most significant literary figures—Sir Walter Scott.

The mansion, built in a Gothic Revival style, is renowned for its architectural beauty and tranquil setting. Sir Walter Scott was a frequent visitor to Ross Priory, often staying with his close friend, James Buchanan, who owned the estate then. It’s said that Scott drew inspiration from his time here, and the estate played a role in shaping his literary works. The picturesque surroundings, with views of Loch Lomond and the hills beyond, likely influenced his vivid descriptions of Scotland’s landscapes.

Ross Priory’s connection to Scott adds a layer of cultural significance, making it more than just an architectural gem. Visitors can imagine the famous novelist strolling through the gardens, reflecting on his next story, or enjoying the serenity of the loch. Although public access is limited, those lucky enough to attend an event at Ross Priory will find it a memorable experience.

In addition to its literary connection, the priory’s grounds offer excellent opportunities for photography, especially in the spring and summer months when the gardens are in full bloom. If you are in the area, it’s worth checking whether public open days or special events coincide with your visit, as they provide a rare chance to explore this historic estate.

Tom Weir Connection

Gartocharn was once home to Tom Weir, one of Scotland’s most beloved adventurers and broadcasters. Known for his passion for Scotland’s outdoors, Tom Weir brought the wonders of the country’s landscape to millions through his TV programmes and magazine articles. He lived in Gartocharn with his wife Rhona, the headteacher of the local primary school. A statue in nearby Balmaha commemorates Tom’s contributions to Scottish culture and exploration.

Portnellan Farm

Portnellan Farm is accessed through the grounds of Ross Priory, an organic farm that has successfully diversified to keep with the times. The family farm produces organic beef whilst having self-catering and glamping accommodations. Farm tours can be prebooked, check their website.

In a glorious lochside position, the farm also has standup paddleboard and kayak hire. Plus, speedboat tours, run by Chris Scott-Parker. We can't recommend these tours highly enough. Chris is very knowledgeable and friendly, creating bespoke tours and landing on Loch Lomond's islands.

If you want to learn more about our experiences of the speedboat tours, read about our two trips to Loch Lomond's islands at the southern and northern ends of the loch. 

Chris Scott-Parker, Portnellan Farm Speedboat Tours

RSPB Loch Lomond

One of the two RSPB reserves in Loch Lomond is just beyond Gartocharn (if travelling away from Balloch). There is a visitor centre, a couple of lovely walks, and often, some friendly wardens and volunteers are on hand to tell you about the birds spotted nearby. The RSPB Loch Lomond Reserve is a peaceful retreat for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. The reserve offers a well-maintained visitor centre, several walking trails, and a chance to experience the area’s rich biodiversity.

The reserve’s habitats include woodland, grassland, and wetlands, making it a prime location for spotting various birds throughout the year. Spring and summer bring an array of vibrant species, including swallows and house martins, which dart through the sky in search of insects. Watch for warblers, such as the willow warbler and sedge warbler, whose melodic songs fill the air during the warmer months.

One of the reserve’s highlights is seeing ospreys during the summer. Another striking bird of prey you may spot is the peregrine falcon, known for its incredible speed and precision hunting.

The reserve transforms into a hub for migratory birds in autumn and winter. Whooper swans and greylag geese arrive from Iceland, creating a spectacular sight as they gather in large flocks on the loch’s shores. You may also encounter goldeneye ducks and wigeon, both common winter visitors to Loch Lomond’s waters. The reed beds shelter reed buntings and water rails while flocks of fieldfares and redwings feast on berries in the woodlands.

For those who enjoy birds of the smaller variety, the woodlands are home to some resident species, such as great tits, blue tits, and coal tits, as well as more elusive birds like the treecreeper and great spotted woodpecker. With its striking pink breast, the bullfinch is another frequent visitor, often seen in pairs as they forage in the hedgerows.

Check the RSPB Scotland website for details of events and guided walks that run throughout the year.

Aber Shore

Aber Shore is a peaceful retreat along the shores of Loch Lomond. A newly established woodland trail connects the RSPB Nature Hub to Aber Shore, allowing visitors to enjoy a serene walk through the forest and on boardwalks over marshland before emerging onto the loch’s tranquil shores. This trail is ideal for observing woodland birds like chaffinches, wrens, and robins.

At Aber Shore, you may see herons standing motionless by the water’s edge, waiting to catch fish, or spot cormorants drying their wings on exposed rocks. The loch’s surface often hosts tufted ducks and mallards, while grebes—known for their elegant diving and striking plumage—can sometimes be seen gliding gracefully across the water.

Note: The alternative route to Aber Shore from the Millennium Hall footpath is partially closed due to the Aber Dam Footbridge being out of service.

View from Duncryne Hill, the Dumpling

The Dumpling Walk: A Rewarding Climb Near Gartocharn

One of the most rewarding walks near Gartocharn is climbing Duncryne Hill (The Dumpling), a small but prominent hill officially named Duncryne. Though a modest 120 metres above sea level, its summit offers breathtaking, uninterrupted panoramic views of Loch Lomond, its islands, and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see as far as Ben Lomond to the north and the Arrochar Alps in the distance. Despite its low elevation, the unique positioning of The Dumpling provides a perspective that many higher peaks cannot match.

The Dumpling is located just outside Gartocharn, off the A811. The easiest place to park is at the small layby on Duncryne Road, a short distance from the foot of the hill. There’s space for a few cars, but it can fill up quickly during busy periods, particularly on weekends and in summer. If the layby is full, additional parking can be found near the Millennium Hall in Gartocharn, adding a bit of walking distance along the road.

The walk to the summit is relatively short—around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your pace—and suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children. The path starts by passing through farmland, so expect a slightly uneven surface and the occasional muddy patch, especially after rain. Proper footwear, such as walking boots or sturdy trainers, is recommended.

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Kilmarnock Church

The small community of Gartocharn had two churches, one for summer and one for winter. The summer one, Kilmarnock, is now a community-owned building run by a local trust. Read more about it in our guide to some of the most interesting churches in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.

Kilmaronock Church, Gartocharn

Gartocharn Facilities

In 2021, the House of Darrach restaurant and shop permanently closed after 11 years. Formerly, it was the Hungry Monk pub and restaurant. Sadly, this means that there isn't a restaurant in the village. There is a good local shop/Post Office, which is part of the petrol station. If you're looking to ride a horse on your Loch Lomond visit, there are Duncryne Stables. There is also a small children’s play park in the heart of the village by the A811.

I hope this guide has helped you to spend some time in Gartocharn.

Millennium Hall, Gartocharn

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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