Tarbet Pier
Tarbet, Arrochar G63 0AL
Tarbet Pier is a scenic, bustling visitor destination located on the western shores of Loch Lomond within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Situated at the strategic junction of the A82 and A83, it serves as the ultimate gateway to the West Highlands, famously looking across the water to the towering peak of Ben Lomond. Historically a Victorian-era boarding point, the site has recently undergone a major £2.1 million low-carbon regeneration project. This upgrade transformed the pier into an eco-friendly travel hub featuring native woodland planting, an upgraded active travel/cycle station, and modernized visitor facilities.
Motorhome & Campervan Stopovers
Tarbet Pier is highly popular with road trippers, but strict management rules are enforced by the National Park Authority to prevent overcrowding.
Permits & Fees: Overnight parking is only permitted between 9:00 pm and 8:00 am. You must pre-book a National Park overnight permit online for £4.50 (or purchase at the machine after 7:00 pm). Standard daytime Pay & Display rates apply outside these hours (up to £4.00–£7.00 all day).
Site Rules: Sleeping in your vehicle outside the two designated bays is strictly forbidden and monitored by park rangers. Generators are banned.
Alternative Nearby Stopovers: If the two bays are occupied, you can park overnight at Kirk O' The Lochs (pre-booked bays up the road), the Loch Long Car Park in Arrochar, or the Loch Lomond Holiday Park.
On-Site Facilities
The pier features a dedicated service area that passing motorhomes can use even if they aren't staying overnight.
Waste Disposal: Features a drive-over grey water waste grate and a chemical toilet (black water) disposal point supported by a donation box.
Fresh Water: Drinking water is available from an outdoor tap. Note: The tap often lacks a screw thread, so keeping a watering can handy is recommended for refills.
Public Toilets: Completely refurbished under the low-carbon scheme, including a 24-hour accessible Changing Places toilet block.
Cycle Hub: Covered cycle parking, an e-bike charging infrastructure, and a basic bike repair station.
Dining Options
Bonnie & Ben Takeaway Café - Situated directly at the pier car park and operated by Cruise Loch Lomond. It serves artisan coffee, breakfast rolls, paninis, homemade soup, and ice cream during daytime hours.
Kirk O' The Lochs Restaurant - Located a short walk away in a beautifully converted 18th-century church. It offers a spectacular beer garden and an authentic Scottish menu featuring local favourites like steak & sausage pie and traditional Macsween haggis, neeps, & tatties.
Tarbet Hotel - Located right at the village junction, featuring a traditional dining room and bar providing hearty meals and occasional evening entertainment.
Local Information & Things to Do
The name Tarbet stems from the Scottish Gaelic tairbeart, meaning "isthmus"—a reference to the narrow strip of land separating the fresh water of Loch Lomond from the salt water of Loch Long.
Loch Cruises: Tarbet Pier is the primary base for Cruise Loch Lomond. You can take a 60-minute circular heritage cruise or catch a seasonal waterbus across the loch to Inversnaid or Rowardennan.
Hiking & Walking: The waterbus gives pedestrian access to the quiet eastern shore, making it easy to hike up the famous Ben Lomond Munro or walk sections of the West Highland Way. Locally, you can walk the Tarbet Isle Loop, an easy, waymarked 0.75-mile forest track with lovely loch views.
West Highland Line: The Arrochar & Tarbet train station is a 10-minute walk from the pier. It connects Glasgow to Mallaig along a route frequently voted one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.
