Is Arrochar Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Visit
Absolutely, Arrochar is worth visiting. Located in Scotland’s Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, this village offers jaw-dropping scenery and serves as an excellent base to explore Loch Lomond and the Highlands. With useful transport links, Arrochar is less crowded than other parts of the loch, making it ideal if you’re seeking a peaceful trip.
During my stay in Arrochar, I explored the surrounding area without a car, discovering some of the best hiking and biking opportunities in the region. The area boasts well-maintained trails, ranging from gentle walks along the loch to more challenging hikes in the Arrochar Alps.
In addition to the natural beauty, Arrochar offers good facilities and a range of accommodation options. My firsthand experience and insight ensure that this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Arrochar and Loch Lomond.
In a hurry? Is Arrochar worth visiting?
Yes, Arrochar village is worth visiting. It’s a really convenient place to stay in Loch Lomond. The bus and train connections are invaluable if you travel without a car. The views of Loch Long, which Arrochar is situated on, are so stunning that they could bring a tear of joy to your eye.
10 reasons why you should visit Arrochar, Scotland
- Gorgeous scenery.
- Access to great hiking routes.
- Located in the famous Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
- Plenty of places to eat nearby.
- Reasonably priced accommodation.
- Easy to get around.
- Authentic local pub.
- Good transport links.
- Convenient facilities.
- Peace and tranquillity.
Top 7 things to do in and around Arrochar
1. Visit Loch Lomond by speedboat
One of the most exhilarating things to do when you’re in Arrochar is to experience Loch Lomond by speedboat. I can say from personal experience that it’s an absolute must-do.
I set out on my speedboat adventure from the picturesque village of Luss.
The private speedboat tours last 30 minutes and cost from £100 per boat, with a maximum of 10 passengers.
While there isn’t much of a guide to accompany your trip, mostly because it’s hard to hear anything over the roar of the engine at high speeds, the scenery does all the talking. As you zoom across the loch, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, ancient woodlands, and small islands.
The feeling of the wind in your hair and the water spraying up around you as you zip across the loch is something you won’t forget. It’s fast, fun, and a bit furious, giving you a different perspective of Loch Lomond than you get from the shore.
This was one of my favourite activities on my trip to Loch Lomond, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of adventure.
2. Take a trip to the Inversnaid Falls and Loch Katrine
For a more sedate boat ride, head to Tarbet and take the ferry boat over to the Inversnaid Falls. I was totally awed by the power of these falls and the sound of fury as water hurtled down the rocks.
After you’ve tried not to get soaked, take a hike or a bike ride to Loch Katrine (40 minutes by bike). This area is so peaceful I hardly saw any other humans or traffic on my trip.
Once at loch Katrine, treat yourself to a big piece of delicious homemade cake and a cup of hot chocolate at the Pier café. The steamship Sir Walter Scott offers a tour around the loch here. Sadly it wasn’t running when I visited.
For up to date latest Loch Lomond ferry times check the Cruise Loch Lomond website.
3. Visit the village of Luss
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect Scottish village, Luss is it. Often described as “chocolate box pretty,” this village on the western shore of Loch Lomond is a true gem. With its quaint stone cottages, blooming gardens, and stunning lochside views, Luss feels like it’s been taken straight off a postcard.
Luss is incredibly popular with day-trippers, and it’s easy to see why. The village is a favourite spot for those looking to soak in the beauty of Loch Lomond and snap some Instagram-worthy shots. Every corner of Luss seems to be made for photography.
Fans of British TV might recognize Luss from its appearances in the TV series Take the High Road.
If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful morning stroll.
To send mail to an Arrochar address, you can use this handy guide to postcodes in Glasgow.
4. Climb the Arrochar Alps
Climbing the Arrochar Alps is an absolute must-do and one of the top reasons why Arrochar is worth visiting. The crown jewel of these rugged peaks is undoubtedly The Cobbler, a magnificent Scottish mountain that stands proudly at 2,900 feet.
If you’re up for a challenge, set aside a day to tackle this hike, it’s a long day but so rewarding.
The walk begins with a steady ascent, but it’s not long before the path opens up, revealing breathtaking views that stretch across the mountains. As you continue your climb, you’ll pass by rushing streams and be surrounded by the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Despite the time and effort required, reaching the summit of The Cobbler was one of my favourite experiences on my trip to Arrochar. The feeling of accomplishment when you finally stand at the top is unbeatable. It’s the kind of view that leaves you speechless and itching to capture it from every angle.
Speaking of capturing those stunning views, if you’re looking for the perfect captions to go with your summit photos, don’t forget to check out my article on Instagram Hiking Captions.
5. Explore Ardgartan Forest
Ardgartan Forest is a stunning natural escape in Arrochar, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. With marked trails leading to waterfalls, streams, a rope swing over a beach, and countless trees, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
When I visited, the Scottish weather showed its wild side with a downpour, so make sure to pack waterproofs and bring layers. After your adventure, the Ardgartan Forest Holidays campsite offers a café for hot food and drinks, plus a gift shop to stock up on Scottish souvenirs.
6. Dine in a church
For a dining experience in Arrochar like no other, head to Slanj Restaurant in Tarbet, where you can enjoy a meal inside the beautifully restored Ballyhennan Church. This unique setting adds a sense of history to your meal, making it a must-visit spot in the area.
Enjoy a warm welcome as you settle in to taste quality Scottish fare. From hearty dishes featuring local ingredients to classic comfort food, the menu offers a true taste of Scotland.
To make your evening even more memorable, Slanj hosts live music nights on the weekends.
7. See the Harry Potter train
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, catching a glimpse of the iconic West Highland Line train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a magical experience you won’t want to miss. This stunning bridge, made famous by the Hogwarts Express scenes in the movies, has become a global draw for fans of the wizarding world.
You have two options: you can either hop aboard a train yourself at Arrochar & Tarbet and enjoy the scenic ride, or simply find a spot to watch as trains steams across the viaduct in all its glory.
This iconic piece of Harry Potter history in the flesh is a thrill for fans of all ages. So, grab your camera and get ready for a bit of movie magic in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Places to eat in Arrochar
There are several places to eat in Arrochar, including:
- Ben Arthur’s Bothy
- Arrochar Chippy
- Cù Mara Bistro
- The Olive Branch
- Arrochar Tea Room
- The Village Inn
- Slanj, Tarbet (approx. 30-minute walk)
How to get to Arrochar
Getting to Arrochar is easy, with several transport options that offer a scenic journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Glasgow to Arrochar by train
The Arrochar and Tarbet train station is conveniently located on the West Highland Line.
If you’re traveling from Glasgow, you can take an Uber to the station and catch a train directly to Arrochar, with the journey taking around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The train ride itself is a treat, offering picturesque landscapes as you make your way into the Highlands.
Glasgow to Arrochar bus
There’s a regular bus service from Glasgow to Arrochar. I took the bus and found the journey smooth and comfortable. Travel time is 70 minutes.
Two routes stop at Arrochar:
- #926, Glasgow – Campbeltown
- #976, Glasgow – Oban
Check the Scottish Citylink website for timetables.