Cruach Tairbeirt

Follow the path of 13th century Viking raiders

Trails around the hill above the villages of Arrochar and Tarbet will give you wonderful views of the Arrochar Alps – the impressive mountains clustered round the head of Loch Long.

These pretty woods nestle above the pass through which warlike Norsemen once land-hauled their longships from Loch Long to Loch Lomond. In 1263 a Viking raiding party hauled longships through this part of the forest, hoping to attack settlements on Loch Lomond. However, the trip came to a sticky end in a stormy sea battle at Largs.

Cruach Tairbeirt route card (PDF)

Walking trails

Walking

Arrochar Trail

Linking Arrochar and Tarbet Station, this path passes through attractive birchwoods and provides wonderful views across Loch Long to the Arrochar Alps. 

Uneven gravel path with some short rocky sections. Long steep slopes. Some sections may be muddy.

2 ½ miles / 3.9 km

Allow
1½ hour

Facilities and access

Walking

There are no car parking facilities at this forest. The nearest public toilets are in Tarbet village. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in both Tarbet and Arrochar.

Getting here

The trails can be accessed from the underpass at Arrochar & Tarbet train station. You can also access the west end of the Arrochar Trail from the steps opposite the Arrochar Tea Room

There are no parking facilities here. The nearest public car parks are in Arrochar to the west or Tarbet to the east.

Using SatNav?

G83 7DA is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Trails start from Arrochar & Tarbet railway station, where there is also a bus stop. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

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