Walking Holidays near Loch Lomond
Make time for a proper hill day, a slower woodland walk and an evening back at your cottage. Our three self-catering cottages are in Tarbet, near Arrochar, with Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps to explore during a short walking break.
Two, three or four nights: choose your pace
These are suggested itineraries for an independent walking holiday. Choose the length that fits your group, then check live dates and any minimum-stay requirements. Walks, transport and guiding are not included with the cottage booking.
2 nights: one main walking day
Arrive, unpack and keep the first evening local. Use your full day for The Cobbler if everyone has the fitness, equipment and conditions for it, or choose a shorter forest route. Leave time for breakfast and a brief stroll before travelling home, around your check-out time.
3 nights: a hill day and a recovery day
Give yourself two full days so you can move the hill walk to the better forecast. Use the other day for Tarbet Isle or Ardgartan, a lochside stop and a relaxed meal. This is a useful balance for couples or friends who want walking without a summit every day.
4 nights: room to change the plan
With three full days, experienced walkers can consider a second Arrochar Alps outing. Keep a lower-level day between bigger walks and be ready to swap another hill for local exploring. Mixed-ability groups can share the same cottage while choosing different days out.
Match the walks to your group
The Cobbler: your main hill day
Ben Arthur, usually called The Cobbler, starts from Succoth near Arrochar. Walkhighlands describes an 11 km route taking around 4–6 hours with 920 metres of ascent. Allow more time for breaks and your own pace. Steep, rocky ground makes this a mountain outing; the exposed true summit is a separate scramble and is not necessary for enjoying the walk.
Use our detailed Arrochar walking guide to compare routes, and check the full Cobbler route description before setting out.
Arrochar Alps: another day for experienced hillwalkers
Make the next route a decision for the forecast and how your legs feel. Our Arrochar Alps walking page introduces the mountain base, while the walking guide helps you weigh up stronger hill days. Avoid treating a longer stay as a reason to force a second summit in poor conditions.
Shorter walks for the day between hills
Tarbet Isle Loop is a 1.1 km woodland route, with about 30 minutes suggested by Forestry and Land Scotland. Its moderate grade includes mud and a short steep slope. At Ardgartan, the Riverside Trail is 2.4 km, with around an hour suggested; expect roots, steps and some steep or muddy sections. Shorter does not mean level or accessible to everyone.
For a day away from the trails, browse our Guest Guide for local food and outings. If the dog is joining you, start with our dog-friendly walking ideas.
A cottage to come back to
All three cottages are in the same Tarbet setting. Each sleeps up to six, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, washing machine, parking and WiFi. You can prepare breakfast before a walk, eat together afterwards and settle into one base for the whole break.
- Ben Lomond Cottage — see the property details and photos before choosing your dates.
- Ben Reoch Cottage — compare the layout and facilities for your walking party.
- The Cobbler Cottage — explore the cottage details for your stay near the hills.
Check walking-break dates and prices
The direct-booking page takes you to each cottage’s own live calendar. Enter your arrival date, departure date and party size to see the available options. For dog arrangements, use our dog-friendly cottage guide or ask James before booking.
Before you set off
Plan transport to each walk separately: a stay in Tarbet does not mean every trail begins at the cottage door. Check current parking, public transport and forest access notices. Carry suitable footwear, waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and navigation equipment, and use a mountain forecast for hill days. Winter routes need winter skills and equipment; choose a lower-level alternative when conditions or experience call for it.
Can beginners enjoy a walking break here?
Yes, by building the stay around shorter routes that suit the whole group. Use the route grades and terrain descriptions rather than distance alone. The Cobbler is an optional mountain day, not a requirement of the holiday.
Can we stay for just two nights?
Check your chosen cottage’s live calendar for the dates you want. Availability and stay requirements can vary; James can help if your first choice does not show a suitable option.