Viewpoint to the upper waterfall

The walk up to this viewpoint near Arrochar is steep enough that you'll feel you've earned the view, but it doesn't take hours - reckon on thirty to forty minutes depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. What you get at the top is a proper look at the upper waterfall, which thunders down the glen with real force, especially after rain. The surrounding woodland gives decent shelter if the weather turns, and the sound of the water carries all the way up.

It's a walk rather than a stroll, so families with young kids might find it a bit much, but anyone aged eight or nine upwards who's happy on a hillside will manage it fine. Older walkers and photographers come for the shot of the water against the hillside - the light works best late morning when it hits the falls properly.

There's no visitor facility or cafe at the top, so bring water and something to eat if you're planning to linger. The walk feels rewarding because you're not just standing at a car park viewpoint; you've walked for it. If you're based at Loch Lomond Holiday Park a couple of miles down the road, this is an easy half-day outing that breaks up a week of lakeside wandering. It pairs well with Forest Holidays Ardgartan too, about five miles away - both sites give you access to this area's best short walks without needing to trek for hours.