A Short Walk to Tea

Some Sundays are for long, exploring walks but this week we decided on a more relaxed route to take in the Autumnal scenary and possibly even stop in for some cake. This shorter walk would be great if you don`t feel like going far, or just fancy a leaisurly stroll on a colder day. It starts from the main car park as you enter Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond. This car park is the starting point for ferry trips on the Loch and provides beautiful views across to Ben Lomond.

Exit the car park across from the hotel and continue to the right. Walk along the pavement which crosses several burns. At one point we had to walk on the side of the road as the pavement stopped. The road is a busy one with it being the main route to Fort William so take care! We crossed the road to the left hand side which had more of a path and continued a short stretch until there was a path that led up to the wood.

Across from the path you can see Tarbet Isle and stunning views of Loch Lomond. We stopped here for a bit to admire these views and noticed that there had been a campfire recently. It`s amazing that such a peaceful spot can be found so close to a main road.

Back across the road we followed the trail into the woods. This gentle up and down path led us through ferns and trees, coming out at the Bonnie Braes tearoom. Through the wood you can catch glimpses of the loch and the mountains around.

Reward yourself for being half way through the walk with a nice hot chocolate and a wee nibble at the tearoom! Unfortunately, on the day we went it was closed (but thankfully my mum brought a back up chocolate bar for us!)
On the way back, take the right hand route through the wood which gently climbs. This path takes you through some ferns and provides a nice view of the Loch on the wander back. I do love a circular walk!

This gentle woodland trail is perfect for all weather types and I can imagine it providing beautiful views whatever the season. Also, a warming cup of something nice half way through a trip is a rare treat!

The Facts on this Walk:

• Starting point is from the car park as you enter Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond. Parking is free.
• Nearest public toilets are in the snack shop in the car park, which are also free.
• This walk took around 1hour- 1hr 30mins. May take longer if you order cake.
• Distance is 5km/ 3miles
• Difficult points: Generally easy walk, but I did slip on the grass at the car park so you never know what you`ll find hard... Also, be careful when walking along the road.
• Wear: weather appropriate clothing, may be a bit muddy in the wood.
• Perfect for those who want a gentle walk with rewarding views and a slice of cake!

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!