Along the B829

Along the B829 Review

From Aberfoyle you can take a trip to see the more enclosed northern portion of Loch Lomond. During the off-season the route has an untamed and windswept air when it extends beyond the shelter of trees. Take the B829 (signposted Inversnaid and Stronachlachar), which runs west from Aberfoyle and offers outstanding views of Ben Lomond, especially in the vicinity of Loch Ard. The next loch, where the road narrows and bends, is dark Loch Chon.

Beyond Loch Chon, the road climbs gently from the plantings to open moor with a breathtaking vista over Loch Arklet to the Arrochar Alps, the name given to the high hills west of Loch Lomond. Hidden from sight in a deep trench, Loch Arklet is dammed to feed Loch Katrine. Go left at the road junction (a right will take you to the village of Stronachlachar) and take the open road along Loch Arklet. These deserted green hills were once the rallying grounds of the Clan Gregor. Near the dam on Loch Arklet, on your right, Garrison Cottage recalls the days when the government had to billet troops here to keep the MacGregors in order. From Loch Arklet the road zigzags down to Inversnaid, with Loch Lomond stretching out of sight above and below.

The only return to Aberfoyle is by retracing the same route. Right at the junction is the hamlet of Stronachlachar, on Loch Katrine, the outermost landing stage for the SS Walter Scott's trips on the loch. Stop while you are there for lunch or coffee and cakes at the Pier Tea Room.