Loch Lomond West - Luss & Tarbet

Essential Intel

Major works are going on in this area, including upgraded paths, parking, accessible facilities, sustainable travel features and improvements around the cafe and toilets. Some areas remain fenced off or restricted while this work takes place, and the National Park expects it to be completed by late summer 2026.

Take care crossing roads, especially the road by the Tarbet Hotel which can be very busy. The route also includes unfenced edges on the pier and a section through woods that could be slippery when wet. If you spot the area marked 'Danger of death', do not climb up high there.

Navigating The Route

This is a cycling Treasure Hunt around Loch Lomond West, Luss and Tarbet, with Explorers following clues around Tarbet and Luss to work out where a crofter's hidden fortune is buried on a deserted island in Loch Lomond.

The quest covers 8 scenic miles south to Luss along the A82, with a short walk around Tarbet for Clues 01 to 07 and a longer walk around Luss for Clues 08 to 21. Allow 3+ hours to complete the adventure.

You'll begin at the car park signposted loch cruises, just off the A82 opposite the Tarbet Hotel, solve your first clue by the cafe area by the loch side, then use the excellent off-road cycle path between Tarbet and Luss. Much of the route is well away from traffic, with some lovely stretches close to the loch, before you continue your search through Luss village, the churchyard, the pier area and village streets.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The cycle path between Tarbet and Luss is all on tarmac and the route is mostly flat, but there are sections on pavement, pavements and roads in the villages, a wooded section to Fairy Bridge which could be slippery when wet, and loch-side sections by the pier with unfenced edges.

Getting There

By car: Start your quest at the car park signposted loch cruises, just off the A82 opposite the Tarbet Hotel (G83 7DG). Your first clue is by the cafe area by the loch side.

When you reach Luss, park up in the main pay & display car park next to the visitor centre (G83 8PA). Your first couple of clues in this location can be found near this car park.

By public transport: Make your way to the car park signposted loch cruises, just off the A82 opposite the Tarbet Hotel, to begin the quest by the cafe area by the loch side.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort-stop intel for Explorers: there are toilets in the car park at Tarbet and toilets in the car park in Luss.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the adventure. 🐾

The route includes pavements and roads in the villages, road crossings, wooded sections that could be slippery when wet, loch-side stretches and unfenced edges on the pier, so keep canine companions close around traffic, water and busier areas.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting beside Loch Lomond calls for proper provisions.

There is a cafe in the car park at Tarbet, a tearoom in the village, and shops in Luss to pick up provisions. There are also plenty of picturesque picnic spots to choose from along the way.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Luss Pier

The Trail takes you to the pier in Luss, where you can walk to the end for the view and see the memorial plaques placed there. Treat it as an optional scenic extra, and take care by the unfenced edges while your crew enjoy the loch-side lookout.

Fairy Bridge

A wooded path leads down to Fairy Bridge, adding a magical-sounding stop to the treasure hunt. The bridge was built in 2005, and the woodland section could be slippery when wet, so tread carefully if conditions are damp.

Luss Churchyard and Church

The route enters the churchyard by the second gate and keeps to the path. Explorers with an eye for historic detail can look out for the skull and crossbones on the wall, a surgeon's name nearby, a wall plaque recording who rebuilt the church, and a carved quote from 1 Corinthians XV 20.

Luss Village Centre and Play Park

Luss gives your crew plenty of reasons to slow down once the clues have been tackled. The route passes Luss General Stores, a play park on the left, the welcome board, the general store area, village streets around the church and general store, and a number of shops for provisions.

Three Lochs Way Heritage Point

The route passes a heritage point connected with the Three Lochs Way, and the map shows a former Torpedo Testing Station. It is a small extra piece of local interest to spot as your Explorers cross off locations and keep the hidden fortune firmly in their sights.