Inversnaid: Nature, Walking Trails and History

Inversnaid can be understood as a destination through three specific themes: its extensive nature reserve, named walking trails and 18th-century historical remains.

Nature Reserve and Atlantic Oak Woodland

Inversnaid Nature Reserve covers more than 800 hectares and stretches from around sea level to the summit of Beinn a’ Choin, which reaches 770 metres. The elevation refers to the summit; the stated range describes the reserve’s elevation span. RSPB Scotland Inversnaid is an internationally important example of rare Atlantic oak woodland, also known as temperate rainforest. If you want to plan your trip around the landscape, you’ll find both a reserve of considerable size and a rare, clearly defined type of woodland here.

Comparing Walking Trails and Routes

The Great Trossachs Path is 30 miles long and starts or ends in Inversnaid, on Loch Lomond. It connects the Rob Roy Way with the West Highland Way, which passes through Inversnaid; the Great Trossachs Path is also connected to the Three Lochs Way. When planning, it helps to distinguish between the full route and an individual section: a section of the Great Trossachs Path between Inversnaid Pier and the RSPB Inversnaid Visitor Gateway is 1.2 miles (2 km) long. The 30 miles refers to the entire route, while the 1.2 miles refers to the distance between these two points.

The Upland Trail follows a different route. This 1-mile out-and-back walk leads to a reconstructed sheepfold and starts at the Garrison Farm car park. Unlike the Great Trossachs Path section, this route is specifically described as an out-and-back walk. So when comparing distances, keep the type of route in mind as well as the number. Information about the Upland Trail’s length and condition may change; check before setting out.

The Old Military Road is also a named route. The route information is current as of October 2015 and gives a length of 6.2 km: from the car park near Inversnaid, the route runs along Loch Arklet to Stronachlachar Pier. For current planning, take the older information into account and check the route in advance.

Historical Sites in Inversnaid

The Garrison at Inversnaid consists of the remains of the rubble-stone walls of a barracks built in 1718–19. The Garrison Memorial Stone bears witness to Inversnaid’s history as an important 18th-century military settlement. The two sites highlight different aspects of history: The Garrison refers to a specific barracks building, while the Memorial Stone speaks to Inversnaid’s broader military history.

Visitor Information Before You Travel

An accessible toilet is available at the Garrison Farm car park. The RSPB Inversnaid Visitor Gateway provides local information and a public toilet. Check the details for these facilities before you travel.

A water bus operated by Cruise Loch Lomond crosses Loch Lomond to Inversnaid. As the service is subject to a timetable, check departures before your trip. This will help you decide whether a named walking route, the area’s history or the crossing of Loch Lomond is your priority when planning.

Discover more destinations: Bruichladdich, Port Ellen, Arrochar, Connel, Luss, Craignure, Furnace, Rowardennan

For the broader travel overview: Argyll And Bute.