Arrochar Travel Guide - Scotland

If you are a fan of hill walking and climbing, then a visit to Arrochar will certainly give you a wealth of opportunities to engage in these activities. The picturesque Scottish village of Arrochar is located at the base of the Arrochar Alps where you have a direct view of the craggy peaks of the Ben Arthur, which has been nicknamed "The Cobbler". The name of this mountain comes from the shape of the peak– it looks like a cobbler hunched over his workbench. It is not difficult to get to this village as it is located at the intersection of the A83 and the A814 roads and there is also a train station where the train stops on a regular schedule. There is also a local bus service connecting the village with Balloch and Helensburgh and the village is only 45 minutes from Glasgow.

The Clan McFarlane controlled Arrochar and the surrounding area for over 500 years. The name of the village means "Loch of Ships" and indicates that it was a main place for the Vikings to land when they came to this part of the country. It is located at the northern tip of Loch Long and has been popular with tourists for centuries. Queen Victoria described it as a small town with a great view. Very little has changed since the early times and the breathtaking scenery is still the same today as it was hundreds of years ago.

Climb to the top of the Cobbler or walk in the foothills of the Alps. The fresh air and the quiet peacefulness of your surroundings will refresh your body, mind and spirit. Along with walking through the streets of the town and chatting with the locals, drop into the pub and enjoy the camaraderie that exists between the local people and the tourists that come here. There are several tourist shops where you can buy souvenirs and crafts unique to the Loch Lomond area. The close proximity to the loch makes it a great place for fishermen and it is definitely on the list of all outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area.

Just 24 miles from Arrochar, you can see the Inverary Castle. This is the home of the Duke of Argyll, who is the only person in Scotland with permission to raise a private army. The Inverary Jail will give you a glimpse of what it was like to be a prisoner in 19^th century Scotland.

For accommodations in Arrochar, you can camp at the Ardgarten Caravan and Campsite, but there are also hotels in the village. Stay in a Scottish Victorian home surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens. You can rent the full house for a group or just have a room for the night. Arrochar is the jumping off point for exploring the Loch Lomond area and the Troassachs National Park.

Whether you decide to visit in summer or winter, the scenery of Arrochar will thrill you to the core.