Inveruglas on the shores of Loch Lomond can be found on the main A82 opposite the Loch Sloy power station.
A pleasant drive it is worth a stop at the visitor car park . In the Summer its possible to take the ferry from here across Loch Lomond to Inversnaid. The ferry service is run by the Inversnaid Hotel and crossings should be arranged by contacting the Hotel.
The car park has a Visitor Centre is also a popular start point for walking the Arrocher Alps especially Ben Vane. Follow the road up past the power station to make the ascent. Also a good starting point for Ben Vorlich.
Worth a visit is the Cafe Lochan at Inveruglas Visitor Centre where you will find quality coffee and home baking.
Not to be confused with Inveruglas on the main land is Inverglas Isle within Loch Lomond. The name Inbhir Dhu(bh)ghlais means “mouth of the black stream”; Inveruglas Isle is therefore, quite literally, the island at the mouth of the black stream.
Inveruglas Isle lies opposite Inversnaid at the North end of the loch. There are ruins of a castle which was once home to the chiefs of the Clan MacFarlane, The castle was destroyed in the seventeenth century by Oliver Cromwell’s Roundhead troops.
The Loch Lomond Holiday Park at Inveruglas offers luxury holiday lodges for rent or for sale and has stunning views over Loch Lomond. Click on the accommodation links for contact details of the park.
Inveruglas: Exploring the Hidden Gem of Scotland
Nestled on the western shores of Loch Lomond, Inveruglas is a charming hamlet well worth discovering. Located near the north end of the loch and within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Inveruglas is easily accessible via the A82 trunk road, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a leisurely retreat. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and array of outdoor activities, there is much to experience and enjoy in this picturesque corner of Scotland.
Inveruglas is perhaps best known for its impressive hydroelectric power scheme and the iconic 8-metre high viewing pyramid, An Ceann Mòr, which was installed in 2015 as part of the Scotland Scenic Routes project. An Ceann Mòr translates to “Large Headland” in Gaelic, and it certainly lives up to its name, offering unrivalled panoramic views across Loch Lomond. Visitors will also appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Loch Lomond itself, as it is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area, making it a popular leisure destination. Immortalised in the song “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond”, this captivating area is one to explore and relish.
Inveruglas History
Historical Significance
Inveruglas, a small hamlet located on the western shore of Loch Lomond within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The area has played host to several important events in Scottish history. The MacFarlane Clan, native to the area, has a notable history, with members opposing Mary Queen of Scots and participating in the Battle of Langside in 1568. Just off the shore of Inveruglas, the uninhabited Inveruglas Isle lies within Loch Lomond, adding to the mystique of the region.
Timeline of Events
- 1568: The MacFarlane Clan demonstrates its gallantry at the Battle of Langside, opposing Mary Queen of Scots.
- 1645: Members of the MacFarlane Clan participate in Montrose’s great victory at Inverlochy.
- 1715 & 1745: The MacFarlane Clan does not appear to have played any significant role in the Jacobite risings.
- 2015: An Ceann Mòr, an 8-metre high pyramid, is installed at Inveruglas as part of the Scotland Scenic Routes project.
Inveruglas Geography
Location
Inveruglas is a small hamlet located on the western shore of Loch Lomond in Scotland. It is situated approximately 14 miles east of Inveraray, and 32 miles northwest of the major city of Glasgow. The hamlet lies within the boundaries of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is connected by the A82 trunk road, which runs between Glasgow and Inverness.
Natural Features
Inveruglas is towards the north end of Loch Lomond, a picturesque freshwater loch that sits within the Scottish Highlands. It is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Trossachs mountain range.
The area is abundant with greenery, and has a rich ecological biodiversity, including a variety of native plant and animal species. This makes Inveruglas an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers who wish to explore the beauty of the Scottish countryside.
One noteworthy feature of Inveruglas is the hydroelectric power scheme, which harnesses the natural energy of Loch Lomond’s water to sustainably generate electricity. Additionally, the installation of An Ceann Mòr, an 8-metre high pyramid-shaped viewing platform, allows visitors to appreciate stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. This structure was installed in 2015 as part of the Scotland Scenic Routes project and translates to “Large Headland” in Gaelic.
Inveruglas Attractions
Cultural Sites
An Ceann Mòr: This 8-metre high pyramid, also known as the Large Headland in Gaelic, was installed in 2015 as part of the Scotland Scenic Routes project. It serves as a special viewing platform allowing visitors to admire the stunning landscape of Loch Lomond and its surrounding area.
Nature Reserves
Inveruglas, Loch Lomond: Located at the north end of Loch Lomond, Inveruglas offers spectacular views of the picturesque lake and its surroundings. The area also houses a hydroelectric power scheme that contributes to the Scottish power grid.
Outdoor Activities
An Ceann Mòr viewpoint: Accessible via a short walk from the parking area, this unique pyramid structure offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it a favourite among tourists visiting Inveruglas.
Ben Vane Mountain: Perfect for hikers, Ben Vane is a popular Munro (a mountain in Scotland over 3,000 feet) that offers challenging terrain and spectacular views. Although considered one of the smaller Munros, it still provides a rewarding outdoor experience for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Travel Information
Transportation
Inveruglas is a hamlet located on the western shore of Loch Lomond in Scotland. It is within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The area is well-connected to major cities through the A82 trunk road, which connects Glasgow to Inverness. Public transport options include buses and trains, with the closest train stations being in Arrochar and Tarbet, just a few miles away.
Accommodation
There are multiple options for overnight stays and short breaks at Inveruglas. Visitors can choose from self-catering cottages, comfortable guesthouses, and hotels nearby. Some popular options in the area include:
- Inveruglas Self-Catering: Ideal for those who prefer a home away from home experience, these self-catering cottages provide a cosy atmosphere and modern amenities.
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: For a more personal touch, there are several small guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in the nearby villages of Arrochar and Tarbet, offering a traditional Scottish welcome.
- Hotels: For a more luxurious stay, travellers can opt for a hotel in the surrounding area. While there is a limited range of hotels in Inveruglas itself, a short drive to nearby towns and villages offers a wider selection.
It is always recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak travel seasons, to ensure your preferred choice is available.
Inveruglas has the following facilities
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