Arrochar brings together church and trail history with things to do in the countryside around the village. As one of the main gateways to Argyll Forest Park, it offers a starting point for a range of interests: historical traces in the village, walking trails, mountain views and activities on Loch Long. If you are planning an overnight stay, it helps to first consider which of these themes you want to shape your visit. The places and trails do not form a fixed route; instead, they offer different starting points for your plans.
Church, Cemetery and Local History
Arrochar Parish Church was built in 1847 as a Tudor Gothic church with a tower. Its cemetery includes 19th-century gravestones, a Celtic cross and urn monuments. Thus, a church building that can be precisely dated stands alongside different forms of memorial. For those interested in cultural history, these offer concrete points of connection, without Arrochar’s history being limited to a single building.
Glenloin House dates from the 17th century; an underground ice house stands beside it. Arrochar was also important to the development of Scottish climbing in the late 19th century, thanks to the Cobbler Club. This history adds a historical perspective on climbing to today’s view of the walking landscape.
The Hidden Heritage Trail begins and ends at Three Villages Hall in Arrochar. A plaque on the north side of the new bridge at the upper end of Loch Long explains the former boundaries of the counties of Argyll and Dunbartonshire. The information about the trail and the plaque relate to different aspects of local history, so you can include them as separate topics in your plans.
Walking Trails and Different Types of Excursion
The Three Lochs Way passes through Arrochar and connects there with the Loch Lomond & Cowal Way. The latter also passes through Arrochar and ends in Inveruglas. Its trail surfaces and terrain include paths, beaches, forest roads, mountain climbs and minor roads. This makes for a varied mix along the route; when planning your own trip, it is worth focusing on the specific stage rather than just the trail’s name.
For walks up The Cobbler, the car park in Arrochar Forest is a starting point for long, challenging hikes. This distinguishes these excursions from exploring the trails in and around the village. When planning, therefore, take the challenging nature of the hike and the scope of the rest of your day’s itinerary into account.
Mountain Scenery, Wildlife Watching and Loch Long
From the 1,011 m summit of Beinn Ime, the view extends over sea lochs, among other features. With a little luck, golden eagles can be spotted in the hills around Arrochar; red deer are found on the slopes. Wildlife sightings are possibilities, not guaranteed. For those interested in nature, the area offers not only walking trails but also a chance to appreciate the landscape and its wildlife.
Nearby, Loch Long resembles a fjord. Water sports available there include kayaking and diving among numerous wrecks. The Loch Long Jetty is at the northern end of Loch Long, in the village of Arrochar. There are two visitor moorings there for yachts of up to 15 tonnes. Fees and operating arrangements may change; if you are planning a call, check these details in advance.
Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay
Buses from Glasgow to Inveraray and beyond stop in the village of Arrochar. For rail travel, a different point of reference is relevant: Arrochar & Tarbet railway station is a 1½-mile walk along a forest path from the car park in Arrochar Forest. The bus stop in the village and the railway station are therefore different arrival points. Check the timetable before travelling, and factor the relevant destination into your choice of where to stay.
The combination of history, walking trails and waterside activities makes Arrochar an appealing destination for different kinds of stay. You can focus on one theme or combine several, but should keep the relevant conditions in mind: a challenging hike, a possible wildlife sighting and a planned boat call each require different preparations.
Discover more destinations: Lussagiven, Isle Of Mull, Kilmun, Crinan, Tayinloan, Kilbride, Bruichladdich, Isle Of Colonsay.
For the broader travel overview: Argyll And Bute.
