Loch Long
A 20-mile sea loch that ends at Arrochar, under the Arrochar Alps
Verdict
Go if you want a sea loch with mountains straight above it, easy to reach by train or car from Arrochar.
Skip if you want a ticketed attraction. This guide covers the loch from Arrochar, where our facts are verified, not all 20 miles of it.
- Length from the Firth of Clyde
- 20 miles
- Glenloin car park, Arrochar, per hour
- £1.20/h
- Glenloin car park, all day
- £10.30
- Train from Glasgow Queen Street to Arrochar
- 1h 20m
The short answer
Loch Long is a sea loch that extends 20 miles from the Firth of Clyde to Arrochar at its head, in the west of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Most visitors meet it at Arrochar, where the Arrochar Alps rise behind the shore. Because it is salt water, the wildlife is coastal: the National Park lists grey seals, porpoises and dolphins. The Glenloin car park charges £1.20 per hour or £10.30 for the day, and the train from Glasgow takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Browse things to do across the park for other days out.
What you get
Arrochar at the head of the loch
The Arrochar village guide covers the village at the head of the loch. The Loch Long Hotel stands on the banks of the loch under the Arrochar Alps, with a restaurant and bar serving food daily, and the Arrochar Hotel is on the loch too. Sleeping in Arrochar compares them, and pubs and tearooms in Arrochar covers lunch.
Wildlife
The National Park lists grey seals, porpoises and dolphins in the loch, plus gannets and eider ducks. Golden eagles may be seen soaring over the hills around Arrochar, a chance rather than a promise. Bring binoculars and stay patient.
On and in the water
The National Park mentions diving among wrecks and kayaking. Fishing in the loch is for sea species such as cod, whiting, plaice and mackerel. We did not verify launch points, tides or any permit rules, so check before you set out.
The mountains above
The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime rise above the head of the loch. For a walking day, a day on The Cobbler has the route. The Three Lochs Way also passes the head of the loch between Garelochhead and Arrochar, 18.2 km on the mapped route; the Three Lochs Way guide covers all four sections.
The Vikings
Loch Long means Ship Lake in Gaelic. In 1263 Vikings dragged their boats about 2 miles overland from Arrochar to Tarbet to raid settlements on Loch Lomond, before their defeat at the Battle of Largs.
Gardens and glens further down
The National Park links Loch Long with Argyll Forest Park, Puck’s Glen and Benmore Botanic Garden. We did not verify drive times or opening hours, so check each before you plan a day around them.
On to the next stop
Tarbet is on the neck of land between Loch Long and Loch Lomond, and a stop in Tarbet is the natural next place to look. Further up Loch Lomond, on to Inveruglas has the viewpoint and cafe.
How long to allow
These are planning estimates built from the checked facts. They are not timed visits.
| Time you have | What fits | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| One hour | The shore at Arrochar and a coffee. | Glenloin is pay and display from 9am to 6pm every day. |
| Half a day | A shoreline walk, lunch in Arrochar and a look for seals. | Wildlife is never guaranteed. |
| A full day | The Cobbler on foot, with the loch below. | Check the walk guide for time and difficulty. |
| A wet day | Hotel lunch in Arrochar and the view from the shore. | We have no verified indoor attractions. |
Costs and hours
- Glenloin car park
- £1.20 per hour or £10.30 per day (2026/27).
- Parking hours
- Pay and display, every day, 9am to 6pm.
- Train
- About 1 hour 20 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street, up to 7 trains a day in the listing we saw.
- Fishing
- Sea species. Rules and launch points not verified.
- Entry
- No entry fee is listed for the loch.
Getting there and parking
Most visitors park in Arrochar. Arrochar parking: prices and busy times has the full guide to the village’s car parks.
Glenloin car park, Arrochar
- Operator
- Argyll and Bute Council, pay and display
- Postcode
- G83 7AL
- Spaces
- 58
- Tariff
- £1.20 per hour; £10.30 per day
- Overnight
- Pay and display every day, 9am to 6pm. Overnight and motorhome parking not allowed.
Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Car-free
ScotRail’s West Highland line stops at Arrochar & Tarbet, about 1 hour 20 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street. Citylink buses between Glasgow and Oban call at Arrochar, and bus 302 runs from Helensburgh to Carrick Castle via Arrochar. Check the timetables on Traveline Scotland, and the walk from the station to the shore on a map.
Is it for me?
| If you are | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Walkers | Good | The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime are directly above the head of the loch. |
| Wildlife watchers | Good | Seals, porpoises and dolphins are listed, though sightings are never guaranteed. |
| Visitors without a car | Good | The West Highland line and Citylink buses serve Arrochar. |
| Families | Mixed | The shore is easy, but we found no ticketed family attraction. |
| Anglers and kayakers | Check | Sea fishing and kayaking are listed, but we have no verified launch or permit details. |
| Wheelchairs and buggies | Check | We have no verified details on shore paths. |
Questions people ask
Are there dolphins in Loch Long?
Yes, the National Park lists dolphins and porpoises among the marine wildlife, along with grey seals. Sightings are never guaranteed.
What is Loch Long famous for?
An opinion: its setting under the Arrochar Alps and the Viking story. In 1263 Vikings are said to have dragged boats about 2 miles overland from Arrochar to Tarbet.
Is Loch Long connected to the sea?
Yes. It is a sea loch extending 20 miles from the Firth of Clyde, so its water is salt.
Where is Loch Long?
In the west of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with Arrochar at its head.
How long is Loch Long?
Loch Long extends 20 miles from the Firth of Clyde.
Is the Loch Long Hotel on the loch?
Yes. The hotel says it is on the banks of Loch Long under the Arrochar Alps, in Arrochar (G83 7AA). It has 82 en-suite bedrooms and serves food daily. Phone 01301 702434.
Can you get to Loch Long by train?
Yes, on the West Highland line to Arrochar & Tarbet, about 1 hour 20 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street.
Where do I park at Loch Long?
The Glenloin car park in Arrochar (G83 7AL) is pay and display at £1.20 per hour or £10.30 per day, with 58 spaces.