A Woodland Walk from Tarbet

The starting point for this walk was from the restaurant car park behind an old church (now restaurant) in Tarbet. The train station is a 2 minute walk from here, but the restaurant car park is much larger and free so I would recommend it for parking. When setting off we saw a few other walkers getting ready so it looks like this is a popular starting point.

 From here we followed the path to the train station and went through the underpass until we got to the Cruach Loop signpost. If you were to turn left here you could walk to Arrochar, but today we took the right turn. This walk is circular and on the way up we took the path parallel to the railway line. This is an enjoyable route through woodland with low hanging branches and up and down gentle slopes which keep the walk interesting.

 

Following this path we got to a footbridge which we crossed then continued to climb up a steeper slope. This was the hardest part of the walk as the slope ascends quickly as you follow the route of the burn, but at the top of the incline you are rewarded with a picnic table and a spot of rest before crossing another bridge. From across the bridge you could continue right on a smaller path which would lead you to the summit of the small hill Cruach Tairbeirt (but watch your feet as there is a large quagmire on this route). But today, as the weather was gray and we were taking it easy we took the left route from the footbridge and continued on the return route through the woodlands.

The beauty in this walk was the glimpses through the trees of the higher hills around  and the delicate flowers and fungi hiding in the woodland. The gentle, reassuring noise of the burn also adds to the relaxing feel of this route. Altogether at a very realxed pace this route took us around 2 hours and followed mainly well guided clear paths, despite a few diversions for fallen trees. We never saw anyone else on the route this day but I think it would be suitable for most as well as dog walkers. This was our first walk on this side of Loch Lomond but I'm looking forward to discovering some more!

The Facts on this Walk:

• The starting point is the park park behind the old church in Tarbet, or from Tarbet train station.
• Nearest public toilets that we found were in Luss, which are free.
• Walk without Cruach Tairbeirt is around 1hour 30mins- 2hours.
• Difficult points: Cruach Tairbeirt if your so inclined, or the steeper slope after the first footbridge.
• Wear: appropriate footwear as it could be muddy if its been wet.
• Perfect for any walker who wants woodlands with a bit of a view of the surrounding mountains!