As we depart Glasgow we cross the Erskine Bridge and make our way into the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Luss

The picture postcard hamlet of Luss conservation village on Loch Lomond is our first stop on the route. We’ll walk through the village, past the parish kirk (church) which has an interesting history to Luss Pier where we will see beautiful views across Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond on the opposite shore and the tallest mountain in the region.

Falls of Falloch

A short walk along the River Falloch we come to a natural beauty spot at the impressive Falls of Falloch, a 10 meter waterfall that, when in spate, creates an impressive sight (and sound). The ‘Woven Sound’ art installation features an except from Dorothy Wordsworth’s diary from her famous visit to Scotland in 1803.

Kilchurn Castle

Standing at the head of Loch Awe is an imposing castle that fits well into its dramatic surroundings. Kilchurn Castle offers all the hallmarks of a medieval Scottish Castle, with its imposing curtain wall matching the imposing mountains that rise on all sides to make this one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

Built in 1450 by Sir Colin Campbell, first Lord of Glenorchy, Kilchurn was strategically important on an old drovers route between the western highlands and lowland markets. Kilchurn was used as a Government outpost during the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite Rebellions but by 1740 the clan had left to pursue commercial interests in Perthshire and Kilchurn fell into ruin.

Inveraray Castle

Sitting pride of place on the bank of Loch Fyne, Inveraray Castle is one of Scotland’s finest gothic revival buildings. Inveraray is ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll and the chiefs of the Clan Campbell. The 13th Duke of Argyll Torquhil Campbell still lives in a private annex of the castle.

Inveraray Castle is shrouded in myth and legend. The Clan Campbell play a big part in the history of Argyll and you’ll learn about that history during your visit.

Inveraray Town

Next to Inveraray Castle stands a town of the same name. It is unique for the period as it was a ‘planned town’, something that was new in the 18th century. Its unique whitewashed Georgian architecture and sleepy loch side location offering cafes, ice cream parlours and a great whisky shop means Inveraray is a unique spot. Inveraray old town jail is an interesting visitors attraction situated in the town square and locally famous ‘Vital Spark’ Clyde puffer ship is moored in the harbour.

Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint

At the top of Glen Croe is the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint. The old military road runs along the valley floor, built by General Wade after the Jacobite Uprisings to aid military control of the Highlands. Above it are the new road and an imposing range of mountains including The Cobbler, a favourite with mountaineers. We’ll stop here to take in the scenery and learn the history.