Garelochhead

Garelochhead

Garelochhead lies, as the name suggests, at the head of Gare Loch (Gareloch). There was virtually nothing here until the advent of the steamer age in the 1820s. Garelochhead initially developed to cater for visiting steamer passengers, with as many as six steamers calling here each day during the summer by 1850.  The railway arrived in 1894, en route from Glasgow to Crianlarich and Fort William. The railway added a new dimension to Garelochhead, bringing wealthy residents with the means to commute to Glasgow on a daily basis. It rapidly developed as a popular yachting base as well as a resort.

Garelochhead from above

There is a whole range of shops catering for all grocery needs as well as a wide variety of gifts. The village boasts a lovely cafe, a choice of hostelries, hairdressers and the usual services including garage and take-aways.

A stroll in beautiful Bendarroch Park or along the shore pathway at the head of the loch are well worthwhile .Then there is the pretty village church, a listed building built in 1838 and the oldest still functional church building in the area, and just around the head of the loch the memorial to the pious Isabella Campbell, daughter of Donald Campbell, ensign in the West Coast Indian Regiment. Isabella's sister Mary was believed to have the gift of tongues.

Photographs

1.© John McLeish, Clarkston  http://www.ianmcleish.fotopic.net

2.© Kevin Moore

3.© Seapigeon http://www.flickr.com/photos/seapigeon/

4.© Alexander  Mcrobbie-Munro www.mcrobbiemedia.co.uk