Thursday, 21 March 2024
Ardgartan
Latest forest information
Open water
- This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.
About
Endless trails through an area of vast natural beauty
Where the lively Croe Water washes the foot of the Cobbler is a dramatic landscape that has attracted travellers for centuries. Make your own journey along the tree-lined river as it tumbles towards Loch Long. Salmon swim in its waters, while otters play where it meets the loch. Each spring, the Croe Water’s banks are draped with swathes of bluebells.
Walking trails
Riverside Trail
A delightful stroll through the beech and oak woodland alongside the sparkling Croe Water.
Firm gravel surface with some grassy and uneven sections. Includes some exposed tree roots and very muddy sections. Two short steep slopes, a bridge and some broad steps.
Allow 1 hour
Watch for red squirrels scampering among the trees and listen for the many species of birds that live in the forest. Otters live here too: you might see their footprints or tail marks on the sandy shore, or if you're very lucky catch sight of one in the river’s large pools.
Activities
Explore further
The network of trails here is very popular with bikers looking for fun cross-country rides. They're good to walk along too. For an interesting route between two forests, try the link route between here and Arrochar forest.
Facilities and access
There are public toilets at Ardgartan. There are shops and cafes in Arrochar village, a few miles to the east.
If you’d like more time here, why not book a holiday cabin with Forest Holidays.
Stay the Night
We are trialling an extension of Stay the Night to run over winter this year. This means motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained and have their own toilet facilities will be able to stay overnight at this car park.
There is a £7 charge to Stay the Night at all participating car parks. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at each car park.
To help plan your stay, please see the details below:
- Height barrier – No
- Motorhome capacity of car park – 3
- Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – No
- Parking notes – Park in rear car park (across bridge then on right side) to enable easier exit. Please leave a 4m gap between other motorhomes and ensure access to the forest road is unrestricted.
Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.
Car parking information
There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.
Getting here
Ardgartan car park lies on the south side of the A83 between Loch Long and the Rest and Be Thankful, 3 miles west of Arrochar.
If coming from the direction of Arrochar, ignore the 'Forest Holidays' turning; Ardgartan is ½ mile beyond this.
Using SatNav?
G83 7AS is the nearest postcode, about 1 mile along the road towards Inveraray.
Public transport
Buses heading from Glasgow to Inveraray and beyond can stop next to the entrance to Ardgartan. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
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