Arrochar
Arrochar is a historic village in Argyll and Bute, on the north tip of Loch Long. The 'Arrochar Alps' are a great area for hillwalkers. Often referred to as the Gateway to the Cowal and the south-west of Scotland, Arrochar has seen many battles between the clans and the Vikings in the past.
Arrochar, the gateway to the Cowal Peninsula sits at the head of Loch Long on the main A83, only a few miles west of Tarbert and the shores of Loch Lomond. It's a small, unremarkable place but the setting is dramatic, with The Cobbler mountain towering overhead. Sitting at the most northerly of the lochs that stretch North from Glasgow, Arrochar was a popular holiday destination for Glaswegians who could visit the village on steamers and so the "alps" around Arrochar became popular as climbing and walking destinations, a popularity that continues today.
The Old Kirk is a peaceful old ruin although being on the main road to the North the village can suffer from an influx of bikers stopping off on their drive north. The lochside pier used to be used for Royal Navy torpedo testing until 1986 since when it has been disused.
Local Arrochar Phone code: +44 (0) 1301
Eating Out
There are plenty of hotels and B&Bs, including The Village Inn, (3 star and receives very good reviews Tel. +44 (0) 1301 702279, Fax. 702458) which also serves decent grub; and the very friendly Lochside Guest House, (no online booking as far as we know, Tel/Fax. 01301 702279) which also serves food and located very close to the village's main pub.
If you are travelling through: stop at the Pit Stop Diner with the motorcyclists or take a wee drink at the village pub.
Useful Websites
Region
ArgyllTravel Directions to Arrochar
Scottish Citylink buses between Glasgow and Oban stop off at Arrochar (1 hr 10 mins to Glasgow; 1 hr 40 mins to Oban), 3 daily in each direction (twice on Sunday). Arrochar shares a train station with Tarbet, on the main west coast line. Trains heading north to Oban (1 hr 45 mins) or Fort William (2 hrs 30 mins) or south to Glasgow (1 hr 15 mins) stop 3-4 times daily.
Local Sights & Activities for Arrochar
The adventure sports enthusiasts cannot afford to miss out the hiking trails of Arrochar Alps and the mountain climbing options at the 881 m tall Highland Mountain Ben Arthur also known as the ‘Cobbler’. It is also famous for the yacht races and a Powerboat Grand Prix that brings together many yachters from all over the country. A popular tourist resort among walkers, hikers and climbers, Arrochar has various places to eat and stay at reasonable prices. Arrochar is bestowed with bountiful natural beauty and is surrounded by lochs, mountains and valleys and is equally well known for its wildlife and fishing options.
Arrochar Hotels & Accommodation
Hotels in the area include:
- Arrochar Hotel (2 star, about mile from centre)
- Ashfield Bed & Breakfast (3 star - gets the best reviews locally
- Fascadail Guest house (4 star)
- Rowantree Cottage B & B (no rating)
- Attic Apartment (4 star)
Arrochar Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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West Cottage in Arrochar Alps near Loch Lomond- Sleeps 4
Small stone cottage near to Arrochar in Loch Lomond National park. 2 bedrooms sleeps 4 in rural setting in Loch Lomond National Park. Open Fire. 2 Pets Welcome. No wifi -
The Wee Annexe in Tarbet - Sleeps 2
Small annexe attached to the owner's home, near Tarbet in Arrochar Alps and near Loch Lomond. Sleeps two people. -
Ben Lomond, Tarbet, sleeps 4
Situated within a private estate of 10 acres with resident deer, squirrels and much avian interest, in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, this detached holiday cottage boasts stunnin... -
The Cobbler's Retreat, nr Arrochar, Sleeps 8
Situated within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, this traditional crofters cottage has been extended to provide spacious, modern holiday accommodation while retaining many original features suc...