Things to do & see
Providing Everything You Need
OVERVIEW OF THE AREA
Auchengower Park is located on the shores of Loch Long, about 3 miles north of the village of Kilcreggan and just south of the Royal Navy's RNAD Coulport. Situated high above the loch there is no traffic noise; not that there is any traffic on the road. From time to time a passing warship or submarine creates excitement. For essential supplies the village of Cove, about a 5 minute drive away, has a couple of shops. A 25 minute drive will take you to Helensburgh which has everything you need.
NEARBY...
HELENSBURGH
The graceful holiday town of Helensburgh was named after the wife of Sir James Colquhoun, who founded the town at the end of the 18th century. Handsome buildings, wide elegant tree-lined streets, long promenade and attractive parks and gardens create a pleasantly distinguished atmosphere.
The town is easy to get to from Elelven Mansion View, just a 30 minute drive away. It is a gateway to many outdoor activities including the Argyll Kayak Trail, Wild about Argyll Cycling Trail as well as the walking trails including the John Muir Way and the Three Lochs Way which takes in Loch Lomond, The Gareloch and Loch Long. If travelling by car make sure you explore the Clyde Sea Lochs Trail, taking you into the heart of coastal communities to the south west of Loch Lomond.
Wander the town’s many independent shops from local art and handmade jewellery, before savouring the delights of award-winning restaurants and cafes. Impressive formal gardens can be enjoyed at Hermitage Park near the centre of the town which is ideal for a picnic or explore Geilston Gardens nearby - the kids will love the ‘Hobbit Hole’ play area and floral mini-maze.
In upper Helensburgh, developed by wealthy Victorian Glasgow merchants, is Hill House, now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. This exquisite building, complete with original furnishings, is renowned as the finest domestic masterpiece of the internationally famous Scots architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Other famous local connections include Henry Bell, originator of the steamship and John Logie Baird, the inventor of television.
PEATON HILL
If it is dry why not head to Peaton Hill Conservation Reserve (What3Words: rather.stocky.daredevil) for a nice walk with spectacular 360 degree views of the Rosneath peninsula? From the top you can see Loch Long, Gare Loch and the Firth of Clyde. Ships and submarines of major Royal Navy bases can be seen in both lochs.
BALLOCH
Balloch, on the foot of Loch Lomond, is only a half hour or so drive away. There are loads to do and see from there - Balloch visitor centre is on post code G83 8SS (What3Words: engineers.miss.exist)
The name 'Balloch' comes from the Gaelic word bal (baile or ball) which means village or hamlet, so Balloch translates as “village on the loch”, i.e. the nearby Loch Lomond.
The main street runs through the village and there’s a supermarket, gift shops, Post Office, pharmacy, hotels, B&Bs and ample cafes, bars and restaurants. For inspiration and ideas pop into the VisitScotland iCentre (opposite the railway station). Balloch is historically famous for being an important gateway for boats entering Loch Lomond during the 1800s.
TARBET
Tarbet is a small village situated on the west shores of Loch Lomond, at the junction of the A82 and A83. This small neck of land separates Loch Lomond from the sea and Loch Long.
The pier at Tarbet provides a perfect boarding point to loch cruises and waterbus services, the former having been plying Loch Lomond since Victorian times. Cruises take visitors north to explore the quieter stretches of the loch and south to explore the lochs’ islands. Waterbus services link Tarbet to Inversnaid and Rowardennan on the eastern shores, providing access to climbing Ben Lomond, walking sections of the West Highland Way, visiting RSPB Inversnaid and more.
The name of the village comes from the Gaelic for ‘isthmus’, which is a small strip of land separating two larger pieces.
ARROCHAR
Arrochar is a rural settlement located at the head of Loch Long and nestled amongst the high mountains of the Arrochar Alps. The village is popular with mountaineers due to its excellent road and rail links and close proximity to the Arrochar Alps.
It is one of the main access points to Argyll Forest Park, which stretches from the western shores of Loch Lomond south as far as Holy Loch. The village is set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery on the Cowal Peninsula and is a convenient base for exploring the northern section of the Forest Park.
The Scottish Gaelic of Arrochar is An t–Àrchar or An Tairbeart Iar.