Stopover on way to Oban

Firstly, I'd not tow a caravan along the A82 by Loch Lomond. The road is bendy, narrow in places and with boulders protruding from the cliff. Great fun when you meet a coach or HGV hurtling towards you!

It's obviously your choice but we always use the more major route towards Stirling and then head west via Calender where there are 2 woollen mills with cafes and good car parks on your right on the western outskirts at Kilmahog.  

There is dog walking from the car park in Calender - on your left heading west - but I'm not sure about the viability of taking a caravan in there.

Gill. Yes there are enough laybys for a break along both roads, check out the Power Station visitor centre on Loch Awe, you might be able to pull in there? Otherwise have a look at Visit Scotland and you might find some stopping places with some forestry around etc. Here's the Loch Awe LINK you could do the same for Loch Lomondside. Have a safe journey!

ps I seem to recall that's the Loch Lomond laybys are not so frequent after the Tarbert junction.

Firstly, I'd not tow a caravan along the A82 by Loch Lomond. The road is bendy, narrow in places and with boulders protruding from the cliff. Great fun when you meet a coach or HGV hurtling towards you!

I have towed it several times over the last 15 years. But I do agree that it is not the best of roads despite upgrades on some bends.

TW beat me to it. We also would use the route Stirling / Callender to the A85. Only about 6 miles further and a similar time. The route alongside LL is bad enough solo in a car. The HGV's and Coaches take no prisoners.

That’s great advice thanks guys. I’ll have another look at the route. I had read about the route via Sterling but the poster said it was 30 miles longer. I’ll take your experienced advice here I think.

Gill

We took the route that Steve mentions as recommended at the time by a Scotland resident. We stayed at another fabulous CL near where you are going and took a look at your CL which looked equally good. You might get a few ideas about the journey and what is around from the early part of my blog about our highland trip

https://jennyandjohngocaravanning.wordpress.com/2019/05/24/scottish-highlands/

As far as a break goes, on the A85, get your map out (or whatever you prefer😁) and take a look at a pull in at Kilchurn Castle. It might just be possible to pull over with a caravan at the little cafe and do a leg stretch and cuppa. The Castle itself is simply stunning and worth a visit if you can get there down causeway (on foot). It is sometimes flooded. I have put link to cafe on as you could ring and see if parking is possible with a van on. Either way, it’s a view you will never forget, breathtaking😁

https://www.kilchurncatering.co.uk/

There is also a forest car park showing on A82 between Crianlarich and Tyndrum, off to left heading up to Oban. Again, not sure how big it is for manoeuvring.

Have a lovely time.👍

Totally agree with Tinners, Loch Lomond route is a scary one for towing a van, I always go via Stirling, much more relaxed, too many log lorries on your side of the road on the A82 by Loch Lomond.

It is further, Gill, but I’m not sure by how much. However, the roads are bigger, easier and quicker.👍🏻

Enjoy the trip. You’re heading for a lovely area.

Thanks so much to everyone for your helpful suggestions. TDA the cafe at Kilchurn looks amazing, I will definitely try to stop there. So helpful to provide a link too. Thanks. Jenny, I’ll have a look at your blog too!

Not off until early April, for Easter, but I like to plan ahead!

Thanks again

Gill