Argyll & Bute, Scotland
Below are some links to various places and
attractions within the area. All these are easily
accessible from Arrochar and Tarbet.
Simply click
on the
name in bold
or the thumbnail picture
to view more information via a link to another site: -
Places To Visit and Things To Do
The Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park embraces diverse landscapes from the high country of Breadalbane to the sea lochs of Argyll. The Highland Boundary Fault cuts through the Park, dividing the gentle Lowlands from the rugged terrain of the Highlands. The Park is divided into four distinct areas: Loch Lomond, The Argyll Forrest, The Trossachs and Breadalbane.
Mansfield
Studios
Boat Trips & Cruises on the Loch can be taken from Tarbet pier 2km from Oakbank House - this is a relaxing way to take in the scenery. Don't forget your camera!
Loch
Lomond Seaplanes - take a flight from
Loch Lomond and take in some unparalleled views of Scotland with your
flight returning over Arrochar and The Cobbler to Tarbet and back to
Culag.
Inveraray
Jail - take a tour of both the old
prison and the new prison; hear about those who were luck enough to
escape from the jail and get to know the 4345 prisoners from their
records.
Inveraray
Castle is situated in the picturesque village of
Inveraray on Loch Fyne. There are many quaint old shops including a
Whisky shop and a Scottish Heather shop.
Luss
(approx 8 miles) Visit the picturesque lochside village of Luss. Take in
the breathtaking views, enjoy the hospitality of the welcoming coffee
shops and treat yourself to some souvenirs. Luss has its own Highland
Games.
Helensburgh
lies approximately 20 miles away and is the home of the famous Hill House
by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Have a wander around the shops, enjoy and
ice-cream and perhaps be lucky enough to see the Waverley paddle steamer
on the Clyde.
Balloch
The village of Balloch is about 20 miles South and
whether you walk, cycle or drive, plenty of refreshment awaits. There
are numerous cafes, restaurants and bars, some have evening
entertainment including the Folk Festival in late July.
Balloch
Castle Country Park has plenty of walks and
stunning gardens with plenty of seating to enjoy the views. The
Balloch Highland Games are held in the park. There is also an
annual rock festival here which attracts the world's finest musicians
and artists.
Loch
Lomond Shores in Balloch has stunning views of Ben
Lomond and the Loch from the southern tip along with a shopping mall,
including Jenners. There is a great visitor centre with local
information and activities with a woodland walk. Loch Lomond aquarium
has recently opened at Drumkinnon Tower with many exhibits including
otters and sharks. Car parking is free and small boats and cycles can be
hired.
The
Whisky Trail - For centuries whisky and the west coast of
Scotland have been synonymous. Scotland's West Coast Whisky Trail – 'The
Whisky Coast' blends incredible Scottish scenery, the finest hotels,
restaurants and visitor attractions with the best single malt whisky for
a truly unforgettable holiday experience. For more information visit http://www.whiskycoast.co.uk/default.htm
ACTIVITIES
Golf
There are many golf courses nearby including The Loch Lomond Golf Club,
the newly created Carrick, Cameron House, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and The
Vale of Leven.
Helensburgh Golf Club is the closest -
Contact: Mr Stark Tel: 01436 675505 - click
HERE
for more information
Walking
There is plenty of opportunity to walk in the surrounding area and a
short drive can open a whole new world. The Cobbler can be accessed from
Oakbank on foot. The base of the walk is about a half mile walk.
Led walks and hikes are available by a
qualified leader.
There are walking routes and cycling routes from
the Ardgarten Visitor Centre -
click HERE for
more information.
Click
HERE for led walks of The Arrochar
Alps.
There is also a swimming pool at
Helensburgh - telephone 01369 701170
Fishing
is a popular pass time for tourists and residents alike. Loch Long,
being a sea loch, offers a variety of catch ranging from Mackerel to
Conger Eel! There are also several local rivers where fishing is
permitted.Fishing boats can be hired from Teighness in Arrochar village or form the camp site at Ardgarten.
CITIES
Glasgow
is around 40 miles away. There are plenty of car parks in the city centre
where you will find every type of shop and designer outlet. There are
many libraries and places of interest. There is also an open top bus
tour. Glasgow is a great day out for all the family.
Edinburgh
is about one and a half hours drive and has stunning architecture and the
famous Edinburgh Castle. There are many great places to eat and things
to see.
Stirling
is just over an hour away and also features the famous Sterling Castle.
Inverness
is a three hour drive. See the beautiful Loch Ness and catch a
glimpse of the monster!
LOCAL HISTORY
The
areas of Arrochar and Tarbet is steeped in local history. Take a look at
the
Local Heritage group website by clicking
HERE - The Arrochar, Tarbet
& Ardlui Heritage Group. You will find hundreds of
old photographs, documents and historical articles plus resident's
memories. It's a wealth of information.
For
information on the Loch Lomond area and beyond please visit the
Undiscovered Scotland web site by clicking here:-
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/arealuss/info.html
If you have an item to add into this list then please email us now.