Ardlui lies at the boundary of the ancient kingdoms of the Brythonic Strathclyde, the Gaels of Dalriada and the Picts as indicated by the Clach na Bhreatuinn meaning the "Stone of the Britons" and other local names that indicate a boundary.

A battle is said to have taken place in this area between the Briton and the Western Scots in the year 717.

This service runs throughout the tourist season for all travellers and for hotel guests for the remainder of the year.

Potential passengers use a signal hoist at Ardleish to beckon the ferry.

[3][4] From 1844 until the mid 1860s steamers called at Ardlui Pier and some continued up the River Falloch to reach Inverarnan at the New Garabal Landing and what is today known as the Drovers Inn via the Inverarnan Canal.