Explore The Ardgartan Hotel
Ardgartan lies on the shores of Loch Long and is part of The Argyll Forest Park which stretches from the Holy Loch to the Firth of Clyde, incorporating the Arrochar Alps and the notorious Cobbler.
Explore the beautiful grounds around the hotel which are host to many wild flowers, native creatures and stunning walks. There is plenty to do in the surrounding area which makes the Ardgartan Hotel a perfect spot for touring by coach.
Walk
Enjoy the local surroundings and explore the deep woodland forests with a stroll along Croe Water. Alternatively, there are many way-marked trails to guide keen walkers through the hills, or for the adventurous there are plenty of summits to be conquered within the Arrochar Alps. The most iconic mountain in the area is Ben Arthur, commonly known as the Cobbler, an 882 metre ascent (2,900ft), which rewards walkers with magnificent views overlooking the Firth of Clyde to the south and Ben Lomond to the east.
You can download a copy of some of our favourite walks here.
If you would like some more ideas our favourite website for walking inspiration is WalkHighlands!
Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
Cycle
So much of Scotland is still inaccessible by road but there are many well marked trails around Ardgartan and neighbouring Loch Lomond. Jump on the local bus to Tarbet where cycle hire is available from the pier. Speak to hotel reception for bus and ferry timetables.
Bike hire is available from:
- Cruise Loch Lomond: 01301 702 356 (www.cruiselochlomond.co.uk)
Wildlife
Ardgartan’s grounds are particularly rich in wildlife and the waters outside the hotel are home to seals, porpoise and occasionally bottlenose dolphins. The shoreline and shallow waters are also home to otters and there are often Eider Ducks gathering mussels from the sea beds.
Oyster catchers, gannets, cormorants and ospreys are also regularly spotted. Ospreys nest nearby the hotel and can occasionally be seen patrolling the loch in search of fish.
Pine martens and badgers are also present but rarely seen. Squirrels, however are a common sight, including red, black and grey varieties.
In springtime the woodland is full of birdsong with an influx of summer visitors such as siskins, crossbills, chiff chaffs, willow warblers, tree pipits and spotted fly catchers.
Red, roe and fallow deer are popular in the grounds too which makes Ardgartan the perfect destination for nature lovers!
