Arden Camp Site

Arden is a beautiful traditional Greenfield site owned by Arden Estate and managed by the 1st Helensburgh Scout Group for use by organised youth groups.  It lies on the A82/West Loch Lomond Cycle Path about 2 miles north of Balloch and is close to the Three Lochs /John Muir Way long distance paths. The site consists of a sheltered field just above Loch Lomond with a beach and safe paddling/swimming.  The site has accommodated groups of over 100 but a recommended maximum is nearer 60. The open area is surrounded by woods and dense undergrowth, ideal for backwoods activities. There are fantastic views over the Loch to Ben Lomond.

Facilities are limited. There is a cold water tap, two composting toilets, barbeques and pizza ovens, some pioneering poles and an excellent wood supply. There is a small parking area at the entrance of the site for leaders. Driving on to the site is only permissible for delivering equipment.   Large groups should access the site on foot from the Arden roundabout and hire additional toilet facilities from Loo-King (www.loo-king.co.uk).

Contributions for the maintenance of the site are expected as follows

1.   Members of Scouts and other organised youth groups: £3 per person per night.

2.   A lower rate for the whole site is available for larger groups for periods of 5 days or more. Please contact the manager.

Day/Evening users are expected to contribute a minimum of £10

Follow the Menu to check availability and obtain a Booking Form. Completed booking forms and enquiries should be emailed to the manager Geoff Riddington(geoff1.riddington@gmail.com).

Directions

By Vehicle:

Driving down to the site is only allowed for leaders and equipment delivery. Anybody dropping off, collecting or visiting should park at the public car park at the Arden roundabout on the A82 and proceed to the site on foot (about 10 mins). Do not drive right down to the site unless you have to, as it is single carriageway without a passing place. It can also be extremely difficult to get back on to the A82 because of the traffic flow.

From the south, follow the A82 north from Stoneymollan Roundabout. After Duck Bay but before reaching Arden Roundabout you will see a pair of ornate gates (normally locked) on right. If you need to, go through gates and follow the surfaced track down to a small car park. Alternatively park at the Arden Roundabout and go back on foot to the site (about 10 mins).

From the north, either park at the Arden roundabout or, if you need to, follow the A82 south for about 800m and turn left at the ornate gates.

On Foot:

From Balloch walk to Lomond Shores and through the woodland walk/high ropes area. At the far end, by the loch, cross the fence and continue on by the loch past Cameron House and Duck Bay marina. Carry on along the shore past Lomond Castle and The Cruin restaurant and drop down to the beach by the jetty. Take the path up on to the camp site.

From Arden Roundabout and the public car park follow the minor road south until you reach a sharp left that turns up to Arden House (the mansion). Leave the road and follow the unsurfaced path south past a large log and regain a track. This leads to the site.

Public Transport:

There are buses that stop at the Arden Roundabout from Helensburgh, Luss, Balloch/Alexandria and City Link buses between Glasgow and the West Coast (Campbeltown, Oban, Fort William and Skye). The nearest train station is at Balloch.

The ferry to Inchmurrin runs from Arden and there is a water bus service between Balloch and Luss (and then further north).

The following video provides aerial views of the camp site taken by Rhu Scouts at a Group camp in October 2021.