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There is a very high risk of wildfire in the south and west of Scotland from 24 to 25 April. Please plan ahead and check online before visiting.

Rest and Be Thankful

Where we are

Latest forest information

Please be aware that during times when the main A83 route is closed and the Old Military Road Diversion route is operational, the Rest & Be Thankful Car park will be closed to the public. This is to allow safe movement of traffic .

About

One of Scotland's classic views

Just a viewpoint – but what a view! The road has climbed to 800 feet here as it crosses the mountains between Loch Long and Loch Fyne. For part of the way, it follows the line of the military road built in 1753: the soldiers who built it gave the pass its name.

There’s a marker stone recording the history of the pass at the bottom of the car park, just where the old road comes in.

Facilities and access

Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Mountain access
Mountain access

Regardless of the time of year, you'll likely find a popular catering van serving snacks and drinks at the car park. The nearest public toilets are down the glen at the entrance to our Ardgartan trails.

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.

More about parking

Getting here

This is an easy place to spot. The large car park is at the top of a long glen as the A83 rises west from Arrochar and Loch Long.

Using SatNav?

G83 7AS is the nearest postcode, a little way down the hill towards Arrochar.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 2)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Mountains behind trees in the fog

A scenic stop off on the iconic Rest and Be Thankful

Facilities and activities
Parking icon
Parking
Mountain access
Mountain access
Picnic area
Picnic area
Icon showing a campervan on green background
Stay the Night
Distance from 'Rest and Be Thankful': 2.25 miles
Aerial view of motorway from high up in forest, Ardgartan, Argyll Forest Park

Endless trails through an area of vast natural beauty

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Toilets
Toilets
Parking icon
Parking
Cycling
Cycling
Icon showing a campervan on green background
Stay the Night
Distance from 'Rest and Be Thankful': 2.71 miles
Landscape view over the tops of conifer trees to a narrow loch with steep sided and wooded slopes under a blue and cloudy sky.

Start your hillwalk up The Arrochar Alps

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Mountain access
Mountain access
Distance from 'Rest and Be Thankful': 2.93 miles