Inversnaid and Rob Roy's Cave

 

Inversnaid is situated on a much quieter bank of Loch Lomond, near to the top of the Loch on the East Side. To get there we drove from Aberfoyle which took around 30minutes as the road is single track with regular passing places. It was a beautiful day, with dramatic clouds and heat still in the air. The road passes a few smaller lochs on the way as well as farmer's fields filled with horses and Highland cows.

At Inversnaid there is a large hotel with a few rowing boats tied up on the Loch. To the left of the car park there is a waterfall and some picnic benches looking out over the water. There is also a restaurant in the hotel if the walk makes you peckish. The way to Rob Roy's cave starts from the right hand side of the car park and takes in part of the West Highland Way (WHW). We followed the single path through some woodland until we shortly got to a metal boathouse with a small peebly beach. There were  some remains of a fire when we got there and I imagine it being a good stop for a BBQ on a lazy, warm day.

We continued the route to the back of the boathouse and up a grassy path. Along from this we followed the RSPB trail, rather than the WHW. If you were looking for an easier route follow the West Highland Way sign. The RSPB trail involves a bit more of a climb up a steep grassy hill and through some very tall ferns, which made me feel 6 years old again, but once at the top there are some lovely views over the Loch and of the surrounding hills.

The path continues down the hill and we kept heading right, to the North of Loch Lomond. The path becomes more rocky at this point before getting to the wooden signpost for Rob Roy's Cave. Here the rocks become boulders and my hands got involved in the scrambling. I'll be honest, we didn't actually make it right to the cave but we did see the white painted word "CAVE" on one of the rocks! Getting to the cave involves climbing over a few large rocks and we decided it would be nicer to sit by the water and take in the view (while having a well deserved chocolate based snack). It was really peaceful and except from the odd boat passing it felt like we were alone on the banks of the Loch. On the way back we took the lower woodland route to make the walk more circular. Despite not being a long walk I felt refreshed on getting back to the car. I think this is a good walk for everyone and a nice way to see Loch Lomond without the tourists of Balmaha and Conic Hill.

 The Facts on walking to Rob Roy's Cave:

• Starting point is at Inversnaid car park.
• Closest free toilets we went to were in Aberfoyle, but I'm sure Inversnaid hotel have some too.
• Walk is around 2 miles and takes about 1hr 20mins if leisurely strolling.
• Difficult points- steep grassy climb after the RSPB sign and scrambling to the cave after the Rob Roy Cave signpost.
• Wear- Waterproof clothes if it is wet and shoes you can scramble and climb in. Clothes you don't mind getting muddy.
• Perfect for anyone who enjoys woodland walks, Loch Lomond, scrambling to caves and a bit of Scottish history.