Best huts around Garelochhead are situated in the Scottish Argyllshire, providing access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This region is characterized by its lochs, mountains, and extensive trails, making it suitable for outdoor activities. The area offers a range of accommodations, including traditional bothies, hostels, and bunkhouses, which serve as bases for exploration. These structures allow visitors to experience the natural landscape of the West of Scotland.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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Popular around Garelochhead
I also looked at it from the inside, best to watch my video of the West Highland Way. I show everything there.
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There also to more pavilions/buildings/shelters nearby and a nice bench with a spectacular views, it is worth it to explore them all and all the beautiful trees and plants.
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Sees a good, inexpensive alternative to the much more expensive Rowardennan Hotel. Unfortunately, the youth hostel had already closed in the second half of October. Very nice rangers who even did some shopping for us for our next WHW stage. Thank you!
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Owner. Forestry Commission. Access. Mark Cottage (also known as Mark Ferry) is situated on the Ardgartan peninsula on the shores of Loch Long. Normal access is by forest track from the A83 Arrochar to Inverary road at Forest Enterprise Information Centre NN 269 037 to a car park at Coilessan Glen NN 258 012 where there is a locked gate from where any further vehicle access is prohibited. Foot or cycle access only is permitted from this point to the bothy. (approx 7.5 Kms) Beware of fire risk in area surrounding the bothy. source: https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/southwest-highlands-islands/mark-cottage/
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Nice wee pit stop. Be considerate to bothy users and don’t leave any rubbish.
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A great Bothy with elevated sleeping area, picnic bench and a fire - what more could you want!
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While traditional, remote huts are less common directly in Garelochhead, the area offers a variety of comfortable self-catering accommodations that provide a 'hut-like' escape. These include charming cottages, lodges, and glamping pods, often equipped with modern comforts like fully equipped kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, and sometimes even hot tubs. They blend a natural escape with luxurious touches, ideal for exploring the Scottish Argyllshire and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Yes, for those seeking a more rustic experience, the Rowchoish Bothy is an unmanaged hut maintained for hikers and mountaineers. It offers basic shelter with room for several people and an open fireplace. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles when using bothies.
The Rowardennan Youth Hostel is a great family-friendly option, beautifully situated on the edge of a bay right on Loch Lomond. It offers facilities like showers, toilets, a kitchen, and a large lounge with lake views. The Chilean Viewpoint Refuge is also noted as family-friendly, offering a pleasant spot in the forest with views.
Many accommodations in and around Garelochhead offer stunning scenery, including breathtaking views of the Gare Loch, surrounding mountains, and proximity to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. For example, the Rowardennan Youth Hostel boasts beautiful lake views, and the Chilean Viewpoint Refuge provides spectacular forest and landscape views.
The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking, biking, hiking, and exploring coastal, country, and forest trails. Popular activities include 'Munro-bagging' (climbing mountains over 3,000 feet) and golfing. For specific routes, check out the hiking trails around Garelochhead, MTB trails, or cycling routes.
Yes, the region offers a range of hiking trails. For example, you can find moderate routes like the 'Beinn Chaorach loop from The Strone' or 'View from The Strone loop from The Strone'. More challenging options include the 'Ardgartan Peninsula Circuit' or 'Donich Falls – Lochgoilhead Village loop from Coilessan Glen Car Park'. You can explore these and more in the hiking guide for Garelochhead.
The area is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for hiking and outdoor activities, while autumn brings stunning foliage. Even in colder months, bothies like Rowchoish Bothy with its fireplace can be cozy, and many modern cabins provide heating for a comfortable winter escape. Consider your preferred activities when choosing your season.
The Rowardennan Youth Hostel is a well-equipped facility. Guests can use showers, toilets, a kitchen, and a large, beautiful lounge with a lake view. There is also a small campground behind the house whose users can access these amenities. Note that internet connection might be limited to dining areas.
Garelochhead village itself has easy train access to Oban, Glasgow, and Fort William, which can serve as a starting point for reaching nearby accommodations. However, some more remote locations, like the Mark Cottage Bothy, may require foot or cycle access after a certain point, with vehicle access prohibited beyond designated car parks.
Garelochhead village offers local shops and pubs for supplies and dining. The Rowardennan Youth Hostel also has a cafe on-site. For more remote bothies, it's advisable to bring all necessary provisions with you.
The Ben Lomond Bunkhouse is a good, inexpensive alternative to more costly accommodations in the area. It's known for its helpful staff, making it a practical choice for hikers and travelers looking for a budget-friendly stay.


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