Gartocharn, Loch Lomond
Aerial view of Gartocharn and Loch Lomond
Where is Gartocharn?
In this guide, we cover the village of Gartocharn, which is on the A811 road from Balloch to Stirling. Hopefully, if you're planning to drive along that road, our article will encourage you to stop, as there are lots to see and do.
If you are travelling through it’s not obvious how close to the loch you are. The photograph above (which I took from a helicopter!) and the map below shows the proximity of the village to the southern end of Loch Lomond.
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View from Ross Priory, Gartocharn
Ross Priory
Magnificent Ross Priory, on Loch Lomond, is a gothic building now owned by the University of Strathclyde. It has a golf club, sailing club and has hosted numerous weddings and events. Sir Walter Scott is rumoured to have stayed here whilst writing his poem 'The Lady of the Lake' set at Loch Katrine.
Planning permission has been recently granted to the Hunter Foundation for a ‘world-class’ leadership centre, providing high-quality training for Scotland’s headteachers.
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 accommodation. 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 find out 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
Tom Weir
A special mention for Tom Weir, Gartocharn was the former home of Scotland's much-loved adventurer and TV broadcaster, which he shared with wife Rhona who was the local primary school headteacher. Tom (1914-2006) brought the wonders of Scotland's countryside to millions of people, encouraging them to explore their country more fully. Tom's magazine articles and TV programmes are legendary, and there is a statue to mark his incredible career in nearby Balmaha.
Do read our review of a book that Tom wrote just over 50 years ago at his Gartocharn home about his hopes and fears for the future of Loch Lomond.
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 on hand to tell you about the birds spotted nearby.
Aber Shore
The RSPB Nature Hub is now connected to Aber Shore by a woodland trail. Whilst, the footpath from the Millenium Hall is partially closed due to the Aber Dam Footbridge being out of service. (updated for 2023)
View from Duncryne Hill, the Dumpling
The Dumpling
Duncryne Hill (The Dumpling) is a short, steep hill climb with a stunning view up Loch Lomond. Please read our guide for this walk; it explains how to find it and warns about footwear choice, as sections are often muddy, although recently a usually quite muddy part has had a hard surface added which is a good development.
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 though a good local shop, 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.
Hopefully, this guide has encouraged you to spend some time in Gartocharn.
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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.
Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.
Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.