Gateway to the Highlands

Balloch → Inveraray

From lochside calm to Highland character, this is where the journey begins to slow down

Leaving Balloch, the route gently eases you into the rhythm of the west coast. Loch Lomond’s shoreline gives way to forest roads, open water and long Highland views, with frequent places to stop without ever feeling rushed. By the time Inveraray comes into view — white buildings gathered around Loch Fyne — the transition feels complete. This is a first taste of travelling with intent rather than urgency.

Distance: Approximately 40 miles

Luss Church

A peaceful stone kirk beside Loch Lomond, where simple Gothic lines and centuries of local history set a reflective tone at the southern gateway to the WC300.

Loch Lomond from the high ground

A quiet moment looking north across Scotland’s largest loch, where low winter light meets the first rise of the Highlands.

Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) at sunset

The jagged outline of one of Argyll’s most recognisable peaks, glowing briefly as the sun drops behind the Arrochar Alps.

White-tailed Sea Eagle hunting over open water

Britain’s largest bird of prey in full command, a reminder of the wild landscapes that define this stretch of the route.

Red deer stag in autumn coat

A Highland icon standing alert above the loch, perfectly at home in the open hills between forest and water.

Inveraray Harbour

Still water, working boats and hills rising beyond — a timeless harbour scene at the gateway to Argyll.

Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint

A pause in the journey through Glen Croe, where the road drops away and the Highlands open out in full view.

Things to do

Hot Tottie Saunas

Luss

A lochside sauna experience on the shores of Loch Lomond, with space to slow down, warm up, and (if you fancy it) cool off with a dip in the loch afterwards. Expect big views, fresh air, and a proper feel-good reset.

Sea Life Loch Lomond

Balloch

There is so much to see at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond! Dive in and you’ll discover: Meet April, our rescued Olive Ridley Turtle – and find out more about her journey 5,000 miles to make Loch Lomond her forever home Over 1500 creatures – Take a fascinating journey from the shores of Loch Lomond to the depths of the world’s oceans in 7 themed zones, including our interactive rockpool experience. Tropical Ocean Tunnel – Journey through the Tropical Ocean Tunnel, where you can come face-to-fin with Blacktip sharks, rays and other critters of the seas Otterly adorable – See & learn about our Otter, Cub – watch out, she is cheeky! Asian Short Clawed Otters are the smallest of all species of Otter

Hot Tottie Saunas

Luss

Sea Life Loch Lomond

Balloch

Eat and drink

Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa

Inveraray

A well-established hotel overlooking Loch Fyne, offering comfortable rooms, dining, and spa facilities just outside Inveraray.

The George Hotel

Inveraray

Rooms with baths and log fires, an AA rosetted restaurant, a cocktail bar with live music, a garden bar on Loch Fyne and a historic pub with over 500 whiskies…

Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa

Inveraray

A well-established hotel overlooking Loch Fyne, offering comfortable rooms, dining, and spa facilities just outside Inveraray.

The George Hotel

Inveraray

Rooms with baths and log fires, an AA rosetted restaurant, a cocktail bar with live music, a garden bar on Loch Fyne and a historic pub with over 500 whiskies…

Activities

Luss Distillery

Luss

A striking new spirits destination on the shores of Loch Lomond offering immersive gin and whisky experiences, tastings, tours, a café and curated gift shop in the heart of this scenic village.

Inveraray Jail

Inveraray

A well-preserved 19th-century prison and courthouse offering an engaging insight into crime, punishment and justice in historic Scotland.

Loch Lomond Boat Tours

Balloch

Sail across one of Scotland’s most famous lochs on a relaxed cruise that brings the scale, stories and scenery of Loch Lomond to life.

Loch Lomond Shores

Balloch

A relaxed lochside hub with shops, cafés, walks and boat access.

Luss Distillery

Luss

A striking new spirits destination on the shores of Loch Lomond offering immersive gin and whisky experiences, tastings, tours, a café and curated gift shop in the heart of this scenic village.

Inveraray Jail

Inveraray

A well-preserved 19th-century prison and courthouse offering an engaging insight into crime, punishment and justice in historic Scotland.

Loch Lomond Boat Tours

Balloch

Sail across one of Scotland’s most famous lochs on a relaxed cruise that brings the scale, stories and scenery of Loch Lomond to life.

Loch Lomond Shores

Balloch

A relaxed lochside hub with shops, cafés, walks and boat access.

Scenic Stops

Luss Village & Lochside Walks

Luss

Set on the western shore of Loch Lomond, Luss is a beautifully preserved conservation village with stone cottages, a historic church and easy lochside walks. It’s an ideal early stop on the route, offering a gentle introduction to the landscapes and heritage that define the WC300.

Ardkinglas Woodland Garden

Cairndow

Located on the shores of Loch Fyne near Cairndow, Ardkinglas Woodland Garden offers peaceful walking trails through towering trees, seasonal colour and themed paths suitable for all ages. It’s a calm, nature-led stop that contrasts beautifully with the mountain drama of the surrounding route.

Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint

The Rest and Be Thankful takes its name from an inscription carved here in the 18th century by soldiers who built the military road through the pass — a simple instruction to pause, recover and give thanks after the climb. From the viewpoint, the road drops away into Glen Croe, revealing a powerful Highland landscape shaped by weather, history and hard travel. It remains a natural stopping point today, often made even more inviting by a roadside snack van on busier days, serving burgers, hot drinks and other welcome comforts.

Luss Village & Lochside Walks

Luss

Ardkinglas Woodland Garden

Cairndow

Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint

Serviced Stays

Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa

Inveraray

A well-established hotel overlooking Loch Fyne, offering comfortable rooms, dining, and spa facilities just outside Inveraray.

Village Inn

Arrochar

A relaxed lochside inn offering comfortable accommodation, food, and views across Loch Long.

Loch Lomond Arms Hotel

Luss

A characterful former coaching inn in the heart of Luss, offering comfortable rooms and a well-regarded restaurant close to the southern gateway of Loch Lomond.

The George Hotel

Inveraray

Rooms with baths and log fires, an AA rosetted restaurant, a cocktail bar with live music, a garden bar on Loch Fyne and a historic pub with over 500 whiskies…

Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa

Inveraray

A well-established hotel overlooking Loch Fyne, offering comfortable rooms, dining, and spa facilities just outside Inveraray.

Village Inn

Arrochar

A relaxed lochside inn offering comfortable accommodation, food, and views across Loch Long.

Loch Lomond Arms Hotel

Luss

A characterful former coaching inn in the heart of Luss, offering comfortable rooms and a well-regarded restaurant close to the southern gateway of Loch Lomond.

The George Hotel

Inveraray

Rooms with baths and log fires, an AA rosetted restaurant, a cocktail bar with live music, a garden bar on Loch Fyne and a historic pub with over 500 whiskies…

Self-Contained Stays

Historic places

Old Castle Lachlan

Cairndow

Old Castle Lachlan is a striking 15th-century ruin on the shores of Loch Fyne, once the stronghold of Clan MacLachlan. Reached by a short coastal walk, it offers an atmospheric glimpse into medieval Highland life, with expansive loch views and a strong sense of isolation.

Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell, since the mid-18th century and was designed to project power and stability in the Highlands after the Jacobite era. Its distinctive Gothic-baronial architecture and pale stone towers sit prominently on the shores of Loch Fyne, creating one of Scotland’s most recognisable castle settings. Today it offers a natural pause at the end of the segment, with managed parking, formal gardens to explore and a café on site, making it an easy and rewarding stop before continuing the journey.

Old Castle Lachlan

Cairndow