There are many things to do in Loch Lomond, and it is a popular weekend destination for locals from Glasgow and Edinburgh in search of nature and outdoor activities. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was Scotland’s first national park, designated in 2002.
The national park contains a diverse geography that includes 21 munros (Scottish mountains), two forest parks, 22 lochs, and over 50 designated special nature conservation sites that are home to a variety of wildlife. Loch Lomond itself is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area.
Visitors can go cruising on a lake in a historic steamship, rent a canoe or kayak, spend a day visiting small villages, see Rob Roy’s gravestone, have fun at an aerial adventure park, or go climbing or biking. If you enjoy hiking, there are a number of short and moderate hiking paths to enjoy here, and a few of Scotland’s popular long distance paths such as the West Highland Way and The Three Lochs Way run through here.
If you are visiting Glasgow or Edinburgh and are looking for scenic landscapes or outdoor adventure, you might consider a day trip to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. We’ll share our top things to do in Loch Lomond and provide tips about visiting the area based on our own visits.
Table of Contents:
Basic Travel Information for Loch Lomond
We’ll share how to get to Loch Lomond, how to get around Loch Lomond, where to stay, when to visit, and where to find further resources on planning your trip.
Getting to Loch Lomond?
Loch Lomond makes an easy day trip or weekend trip from Glasgow (25 miles) or Edinburgh (78 miles). If you are flying into Scotland, Glasgow Airport is the nearest airport with the best connections to Loch Lomond. Rental cars are easy to hire at the airports of Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness.
The area can be reached by car, train (check ScotRail or Trainline for service), bus (check National Express for service), or seaplane (check Loch Lomond Seaplanes services here).
If you don’t have a car and would prefer to have a guided visit, it is also possible to take a bus tour that visits Loch Lomond such as this tour we did from Edinburgh that included a visit to Loch Lomond and two whisky distilleries.
You can see a number of small group tours to Loch Lomond from both Edinburgh and Glasgow by Rabbie’s Tours. There are also other options such as this tour which includes Stirling Castle.
Getting around Loch Lomond?
The easiest way to get around Loch Lomond is by car or bus, although you can also get around the area by train, bike, hiking, waterbus, or boat although you’ll be more limited in where you can visit. Local train services are through ScotRail and there are a number of local bus services. For more info about getting around Loch Lomond see the national park website.
Best Time of Year to Visit Loch Lomond?
It depends on what you want to do in Loch Lomond as there are things to do in the park all year round. However, some of the attractions and businesses are seasonal, especially the water related activities, campsites, and boat cruises. The most popular time to visit is between April and October as there is warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and more attractions are open.
However, if you are seeking solitude, cycling or hiking off-season can be a great time to get out into nature without any crowds and many people love to see the snow-covered landscape in the winter. You’ll find festivals and special events throughout the year and during Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year’s) you’ll find holiday celebrations throughout Scotland.
Where to Stay in Loch Lomond?
To make the most of a trip to Loch Lomond, we would definitely recommend spending a night or two to see the highlights of this area. I would do a little research first to see what you want to do in the park so you can determine the best area to search for lodging.
The most visited parts of the park are probably the south and west, and that section has the highest number of tourist attractions and services, but all areas of the park are worth exploring depending on your interests.
If you only have a day or two, I’d focus on an area or two of the park you want to explore. Some places with more lodging include Callander, Balloch, Luss. If you want to stay south of the park, you could also consider Helensburgh. You could also day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh but we’d recommend spending the night if you have the time.
Accommodation options around Loch Lomond range from small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to campsites and cottages. To search and compare prices for hotel, apartments, and B&B options you can check to see what Loch Lomond lodging is available during your visit.
B&Bs & Hotels in Loch Lomond
We can personally recommend the refined but cozy Loaninghead B&B in Drymen for those looking for a peaceful B&B experience with a great breakfast.
Some other options we suggest checking out are Shandon Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast (cozy farmhouse B&B) in Drymen, Loch Lomond Arms Hotel (traditional village inn) in Luss, Woodvale (well-rated B&B) in Balloch, and Queen of the Loch (hotel with on-site restaurant) in Balloch.
Self-Catering Accommodations Options near Loch Lomond
If you are looking for self-catering options, there are lots of apartments, holiday homes, and private rooms you can book around Loch Lomond.
To get started, we’d recommend checking out holiday homes on Booking as well as Plum Guide, Vrbo and Snaptrip which between them offer a variety of apartments, homes, and private rooms to get started on your search.
A couple of options, both in Drymen, are Loaninghead Holidays (cozy well-furnished holiday cottages located next to the recommended Loaninghead B&B) and Luxury Lodges which are luxury self-catering cottages with private hot tubs.
Luxury Accommodation within Loch Lomond National Park
Many of the self-catering spots and nicer B&Bs are listed as luxury properties such as Luxury Lodges mentioned earlier. For those looking for a bit more luxury and a resort style experience, I’d recommend checking out the 4-star MacDonald Forest Hills Hotel in Aberfoyle and the 5-star Cameron House in Alexandria.
Both of these hotels offer a swimming pool, on-site restaurants and bar, recreational facilities, a fitness center, and a spa.
Loch Lomond Hostels
There are a few hostel options around Loch Lomond. The Rowardennan Youth Hostel in Rowardennan is a well-rated budget spot offering dormitory style accommodation.
Camping at Loch Lomond
For those planning to camp, there are plenty of areas you can do so within the park and nearby. You can check on camping regulations and book available pitches and RV spots here within the national park, or check out one of these camping and campervan sites.
You can go wild camping in many areas of the park but not all so do check the wild camping regulations as there have been increased regulation recently because of irresponsible campers.
You also may need to obtain a permit to camp (regardless of the type of camping) in certain areas of the park, depending on the time of year.
If you are planning on renting a campervan, we recommend using Motorhome Republic. They compare prices across the major rental firms in the UK to find the best price for you. You can book your campervan for the UK through them here.
Where to Find out more information about Loch Lomond?
For more information about the area, we recommend checking out the Love Loch Lomond website, the local destination organization, as well as the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park website.
If you are planning to combine a visit to both Glasgow and Loch Lomond you can check out Laurence’s post about a 2 day visit to both Glasgow and Loch Lomond as well as the Pack More In website, which has lots of practical information and tips for visiting both places in a short amount of time (e.g., a weekend). We also have a guide to more day trips from Glasgow for further inspiration.
Once in the area, we also recommend checking out one of the local visitor centers which are located in several towns throughout the area to pick up brochures and maps, as well as ask about local sites and events.
10 Things to do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond first became a popular tourist destination after being featured in Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake and even Queen Victoria would make a stop here. This area continued to gain in popularity for its natural beauty, becoming the first national park established in Scotland. There are a lot of things to do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and the surrounding area around the park.
Loch Lomond is a popular spot for nature lovers and is a popular weekend escape for locals from Glasgow, Stirling, and Edinburgh for a couple of days of outdoor pursuits.The top things to do in the area involve outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, stargazing, climbing, camping, and cycling. But there are also other things to do such as challenging yourself at adventure parks, visiting historical and cultural attractions, exploring small towns, whisky distillery tours, golfing, and buying local produce at farmers’ markets.
The area also offers plenty of family-friendly activities with nature parks, an aquarium, canoeing, mini golf courses, aerial courses at adventure parks, guided family activities, and more to keep both children and parents entertained.
Hiking, Climbing, & Cycling
Whether you are looking for a pleasant lochside stroll or a strenuous multi-day hike, you’ll likely find a trail or path of interest at Loch Lomond. Many of Scotland’s most popular hiking trails run through this area, including the long-distance trails West Highland Way, Rob Roy Way, and The Three Lochs Way.
There are also a number of short and moderate hiking paths to enjoy here which include country parks (e.g., Balloch Castle and Mugdock Country Parks), old railway lines, lochside paths (e.g.,Clyde Sea Lochs Trail), and forest treks. I’d check at the local tourism information offices or with your lodging for the best paths near you.
For those looking for hilly forest paths, we can recommend Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in the southeast part of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National park which offers some wonderful scenery and views. If you are exploring the west side of the national park, you can alternatively visit Argyll Forest Park which also offers some lovely woodland scenery.
For those interested in climbing or bouldering, you can also find sites that are well-suited to climbing in Loch Lomond. There are 21 munros (hills or mountains over 3,000 feet high) within the park, and Loch Lomond is a popular spot for munro baggers (those trying to summit all the munros in Scotland) with several relatively easy to hike ones here for the less hardy adventurers.
For those planning to do a lot of hiking or any long-distance hiking, we’d recommend getting a good hiking map. We personally recommend the Ordinance Survey maps for the area(s) of Loch Lomond National Park you plan to go hiking. There are OS 1: 50,000 scale Landranger maps (good for those planning to stick to established hikes and paths) as well as the OS 1:25,000 scale Explorer Maps for those wanting to explore beyond the paths.
For those with limited mobility who want to explore some of the trails, you can check out these trails and towns that have all-ability paths and trails.
Cyclists and mountain bikers also have a lot of options around Loch Lomond. There are a number of cycle routes around Loch Lomond, and you can choose from easy, mostly flat paths to more difficult mountain bike trails. One of the more popular bike paths is the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path which is suitable for leisure cyclists and families.
If you are not bringing your own bike, you can rent bikes from several places in the area including Katrine Wheelz, Go Country, Loch Lomond Leisure, and Wheels Cycling Centre. Some of these companies also offer guided cycling and mountain biking tours.
You can also combine a day of biking and boating as many of the sightseeing cruises on Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine allow bikes and some even come with a bike rental option as part of the price.
Sightseeing Boat Cruise
One of the most popular activities for first time visitors to Loch Lomond is to explore the area with a sightseeing boat cruise. Although there are a number of lochs in the area, the two most popular for boat cruises are Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine.
For Loch Lomond, the family-run Sweeney’s Cruises have been offering sightseeing cruises of Loch Lomond for over 100 years, and they also offer a seasonal daily waterbus service and private boat charters. There is also the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer, built in 1953, that is being renovated by the Loch Lomond Steamship Service and is hoped to operate cruises again soon.
You also have several options on Loch Katrine, including the famous historical steamship Sir Walter Scott built in 1900 and the cruiser Lady of the Lake.
As a fan of Sir Walter Scott, I couldn’t visit the area within doing a trip aboard the steamship Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine, a setting for his narrative poem Lady of the Lake. No matter what cruise you do, you’ll get some nice views around the loch and most offer commentary in English and serve refreshments on board.
We cruised Loch Katrine on a chilly morning and we were happy to sit with our hot chocolate and enjoy the cruise. This was followed by a simple hot lunch at the The Steamship Cafe which is located next to the pier. Many cruises also offer the ability to take your own bike aboard or hire a bike so you can return by bike or do some biking before returning to the boat.
Water Activities
Loch Lomond & The Trossoachs National Park contains 22 lochs and 39 miles of coastline around three Clyde sea lochs so it should be no surprise that many people visit this area for a bit of time on or near the water. In addition to the sightseeing boat rides mentioned earlier, the area offers the opportunity for boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, paddleboarding, seaplane rides, and even river sledging.
If you plan to go swimming, you’ll need a wetsuit and appropriate gear as the water is never really warm! In the area, it is easy to rent boats, wetsuits, lifejackets, canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks, such as from Loch Lomond Leisure or In Your Element. Both of the above companies also offer guided water adventure activities such as kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, and river sledging.
If you are planning to fish, you’ll need an angling permit (check out info for angling guidelines and permissions) and for guided fishing tours (gear included) check out the Lomond Angler.
Adventure Parks
If you love adventure parks, then you’ll be happy to know that you’ll have your choice of adventures parks in this area. The two main ones are GoApe in Aberfoyle and TreeZone in Balloch. Both offer treetop aerial courses that are appropriate for older children and adults, but do check age, weight, and height requirements before you go.
Laurence did the course at TreeZone and had a great time despite rain, and found the course to be both challenging and to have a great easy-to-use safety system.
If you go to Treezone, you’ll park at Loch Lomond Shores, where you’ll also find a SEA LIFE aquarium, a birds of prey center, boat hire services, picnic area, and the Loch Lomond Shores shopping center.
It is an easy place to spend an afternoon, and is an ideal spot to stop for families. For miniature golf, you may want to stop at Jurassic Parrr in Clydebank.
Enjoy the Small Towns and Villages
If you enjoy wandering through small towns and villages, there are many to choose from scattered throughout the Loch Lomond area. Some of our favorites to explore are Callander, Luss, Balloch, Killin, and Carrick Castle. You should stop and explore a few and find your own favorites.
Many towns have small tourist information offices where you can pick up a map and explore the local historic sites, walking paths, and attractions.
A favorite for many visitors is Luss, which is a scenic conservation village located along the shore of Loch Lomond. It has picturesque village houses, a sandy shoreline, cobbled streets, and several small shops. It is a pretty village and fun to explore, especially on a sunny day, but it can get busy as many bus tours stop here.
During your stay, I’d ask about any local events or festivals which are always fun to attend. If you enjoy farmer’s markets, you might want to plan a stop at the popular local Farmer’s Market at Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch, which takes places each month on the first and third Sunday. You can find fresh produce, meats, seafood, bread, sweets, soaps, and other local products at the market.
Stay in a Cozy B&B, Cabin, or Campsite
Loch Lomond is a perfect place to spend a night or two away with your family or significant other in a cozy B&B, cabin, or farm stay. We personally stayed at the small and cozy Loaninghead B&B, where we had a wonderful room with a king-sized bed, views of the hills and cows, and an amazing cooked to order breakfast served on fine china!
To search and compare prices for hotel & B&B options you can see what Loch Lomond lodging is available during your visit. You can also find a lot of self-catering lodges and cabins throughout the area. Camping and Rving are also popular options. You can go wild camping or book a pitch (be sure to check out the local laws) within the national park or check out one of these camping and campervan sites.
Go Golfing
Scotland is the home of golf and you’ll find a number of golf courses located near Loch Lomond. A couple are private clubs like Loch Lomond Golf Club and you have to be a member or be invited by one to play the course, but most are open to the public and offer reasonable rates and scenic courses.
Those looking for a bit of pampering might consider playing the championship standard Carrick Golf Course and staying in the nearby Cameron House Resort & Spa. No matter which courses you are interested in playing be sure to pre-book your tee times before your visit.
Seek out Nature
Loch Lomond is one of the top destinations for nature and wildlife in Scotland. Hiking, cycling, horse trails, and nature trails are plentiful throughout the Loch Lomond area and nature lovers should have no difficulty seeking out some great nature spots. The park includes such a variety of habitats—forest, meadows, wetlands, sea lochs, etc.—that it supports a wide variety of plants and animals.
The area has plenty to offer for wildlife lovers including the possibility to see otters, red deer, porpoises, red squirrels, pine martens, and loads of bird species from birds of prey like golden eagles to seabirds such as gannets. You can find a number of nature trails within the forests and parks, and the RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Scotland has a Nature Hub at Loch Lomond between Balloch and Drymen which is a special area of wildlife conservation. The RSPB is a great resource to contact for wildlife information in Scotland.
For those seeking woodland areas, we recommend checking out either Queen Elizabeth Forest Park or Argyll Forest Park. There are several waterfalls around Loch Lomond, including the Falls of Dochart, Inversnaid Falls, Bracklinn Falls, and Falls of Falloch, and waterfall lovers can have fun seeking these out, with access varying from easy walks to more strenuous hikes. A popular scenic spot for fans of the TV show Outlander is Devil’s Pulpit, a gorge in Finnich Glen south of Drymen. If you want to visit Finnich Glen, you can follow these instructions on how to find the Devil’s Pulpit.
Scotland also has some of the largest areas of dark sky in Europe, and there are several spots within the Loch Lomond national park which are especially great for stargazing on a clear night. In the winter, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights!
Historical & Cultural Sites
Scotland is full of historical and cultural sites, and Loch Lomond is no exception. You can find a bit of everything from prehistoric cairns and stone circles to ruined castles to a masterpiece home of 20th-century Scottish design. Although it is not the best area of the country for culture lovers, there are some interesting thing to discover here. You can find interesting stories and history in each of the villages. For instance, the village of Tyndrum is built over the battlefield where Clan MacDougall defeated Robert the Bruce and also has an association with Rob Roy MacGregor.
Those interested in Rob Roy may want to stop to see his gravestone at the Balquhidder Parish Church. There are a number of heritage trails you can follow at several of the towns, including Killin, Luss, and Callander which include interpretation panels. Art and literature lovers may want to explore The Great Trossachs Art & Literature Trail which highlights the artists and writers, such as Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth, who visited and drew inspiration from this area.
Those interested in prehistoric to medieval history can find ruins and remnants throughout the area, such as the Auchenlaich Cairn, a neolithic chambered cairn, near Callander, the Kinnell stone circle in Killin, and the ruins of Strathfillan Priory in Kirkton, between Crianlarich and Tyndrum.
You can visit small museums such as Denny Tank in Dumbarton, where you can learn about shipbuilding and see the world’s first commercial ship model experiment tank.
Architecture and art lovers will want to make a stop at Hill House in Helensburgh to visit one of the domestic masterpieces from Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Visitors may want to visit Dumbarton Castle, which is now a ruined castle but the park contains a Georgian governor’s house with artefacts, 18th-century artillery fortifications, and scenic views of Ben Lomond. Similarly, Balloch Castle Country Park is a former 19th century private estate where visitors can discover a variety of gardens and parkland and see the castle (although the interior is not open to the public).
Garden lovers exploring the western side of the park might want to make a visit to the Benmore Botanic Garden and those interested in old churches may want to make a stop at the nearby St Munn’s Church and Argyll Mausoleum in Kilmun.
Distillery & Brewery Tours
Most visitors stop for a whisky tasting and/or tour at some point during their first trip to Scotland, and this area can be a perfect place to do just that. You’ll be able to taste local whisky at just about any pub or bar in Loch Lomond and most bartenders should be able to offer some advice and guidance if you are new to whisky. But you can also head to one of the local distilleries if you want to see how it is made.
None of these are actually located within the national park, but all are a short distance away depending on which part of Loch Lomond you are visiting. The three closest that offer public tours are Glengoyne near the village of Strathblane, Auchentoshan in Clydebank, and Deanston in Doune. All of them offer whisky tours, tastings, and the opportunity to buy whisky to take home with you.
If you prefer beer to whisky, you might want to try a beer or cider from Balmaha Brewing Co. brewed at the Oak Tree Inn or beer from the family-run Loch Lomond Brewery which you’ll find served and for sale throughout the area. Loch Lomond Brewery offer a variety of beers and can sometimes give brewery tours if you contact them in advance.
So there is our list of things to do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park! Have you visited Loch Lomond? If so, do you have any places you’d add to this list? If you haven’t visited yet, would you add Loch Lomond to your Scotland itinerary? As always, feel free to ask us any questions you may have about things to do in Loch Lomond or anywhere else in Scotland!
**Disclosure: Although we’ve visited Loch Lomond a few times now, on our most recent visit we partnered with Love Loch Lomond who helped us plan the logistics of our trip to Loch Lomond, and who also covered our accommodation, some of our meals, and entry into local attractions in order for us to share our experiences as travel writers. However, as always, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. You can read more in our Ethics Code about how we accept work.**
Sveta Post author
Such a wonderful description!! We are planning to visit to Loch Lomond and we are going to stay there for two days at Gowannlea Guest House and then we are going back to Edinburgh.
Could you recommend us what are the better sights to visit ?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Sveta,
Sounds great and glad you will have the chance to visit Loch Lomond and Edinburgh. For things to do in Loch Lomond, we cover all the top sights and attractions in our article. The big focus is really the lochs themselves and outdoor things like hiking, boating, and cycling.
If you have any specific questions or have specific interests, happy to provide futher advice.
Best,
Jessica
Colin Kint Post author
Finally, I’ve got what I was searching for. It was a complete guide to travel loch Lomond. I’m planning on a tour with my family. Please note that I have 2 kids aged 2 and 4, my wife, and my elderly parents.
When it comes to going for a tour, the first thing that comes into my mind is the room. as my parents are old, they need better comfort. I was searching for a hotel near Trossachs national park to stay 3 days (at least). As you mentioned the room and food opportunities, I’m eager to know the medical benefits (if emergency) in the B&B. Can you please let me know so that I can start packing?
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Colin,
I think if you are parents are looking for a place to stay with more comfort and more amenities, you might consider the Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel. The hotel has a lot of amenities for the area, including a spa, and the hotel also has a 24-hour front desk that is staffed so that if there was an emergency, they could help you contact medical services right away. The hotel is located in Aberfoyle in the south eastern part of the park and there are several things to do in and around that part of the park.
The 5-star Cameron House is the other more luxury hotel in Loch Lomond but I believe it is currently closed until 2021.
In terms of medical services within the park, I am not an expert on that. But there are some clinics and at least one medical centre, but I think for hospitals, I think they would need to take someone outside the park. The closest major hospitals would probably be around Stirling and Glasgow.
Wishing you and your parents a wonderful trip to Loch Lomond!
Best,
Jessica
Anita Post author
Hi, my friend and I are planning to visit the area at the end of February and were wondering if you had any recommendations for things to do in winter? Also do you think it would be feasible to drive there ourselves (in terms of road conditions in winter) or would we need to have experience driving through snow/icy roads? Really appreciate your help!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anita,
Yes, unfortunately, some of the attractions and activities we recommend at Loch Lomond are not open in winter or are not as pleasant in the winter months. This is especially so for the boat and water based activities. But there is still a lot you can do within the park. Here are some suggestions:
-Hiking is one of the most popular things to do within the park and so I’d definitely still recommend these as long as you are prepared for the weather and potential rain. Same with cycling.
-There are still some local farmer’s markets and there is shopping at Loch Lomond Shores which also regularly hosts events.
-It is a good place to go wildlife spotting and deer are common as well as winter birds and I’d consider a stop at the Loch Lomond RSPB Nature Hub. The geese can often been seen at sunrise taking off from the lake in large flocks.
-Visit the historical villages like Luss. Also, I think most of the historical and cultural sites we list (e.g. Rob Roy grave, stone circles, Denny Tank museum, castle ruins), except for the botanical gardens, are viewable year round. Just be sure to check visiting dates/hours for any indoor attractions.
-I think the Treezone (aerial adventure park and courses) is open on weekends and certain days over the winter months. I think there are also golf courses in the park that are open year round.
-Stargazing is great in the winter on clear evenings.
-The regular boat cruises on Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond are not running in the winter but it looks like there is one regular winter cruise on the MV Lady of the Lake on Loch Katrine. You can see cruise schedule here.
Although snow/ice is definitely possible in February (and throughout the winter months), the roads are generally fine in this part of Scotland in the winter and roads are regularly gritted as needed and any snow on the roads tends to be cleared really quickly. But of course, we also recommend checking road and weather reports during your trip. So I think you can definitely drive although you do have other options of course if you prefer not to do so.
If you prefer not to drive, I’d recommend joining a tour as the public transport is not super easy to get around unlesss there is a bus/train to the specific town/area you want to visit. Rabbie’s is our recommend tour provider in Scotland and they have several tours that include a visit to Loch Lomond, which you can see here. Unfortunately, though, some of these tours don’t run in the winter.
Hope that helps and wishing you a great visit to Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park!
Best,
Jessica
Anita Post author
Thanks heaps for your reply, it’s very useful for us. I’m glad to hear that we are able to drive and that some things are still open. I think we will try fit in some hikes if possible.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anita, You’re very welcome. Hiking can be fun in the winter as long as the weather isn’t too bad and you are well-prepared with good waterproof shoes and gear. A good place to start your trip might be to make a stop at the visitor centre in Balloch as they will know for sure what is open and happening during the dates of your visit and can also recommend which trails might be best for hiking at that particular time. Wishing you a great trip, Jessica
Tracy Post author
Hi! I love the article. There is so much wonderful advice! We will be travelling from Edinburgh to Oban and would love to know what you think is the best drive based on “views” with maybe a spot of hiking on the way through. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Tracy
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Tracy,
You have a few options, the most direct route is north through Stirling and then across to Oban on the A84 and A85, which provides some time in the eastern and northern parts of Loch Lomond & the Trossahs National Park. You can of course stop for a hiking trail within Loch Lomond – one idea might be this hike to Bracklinn Falls from Callender. This route also gives you the chance to stop at a number of attractions along this route, including three River Forth bridges at Queensferry, the Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Duone Castle, Bannockburn, etc – obviously you would not have time for all these but you can pick a couple to stop at along the way.
Another route, which would take a bit longer but provides a route right up the center of Loch Lomond National park is to head across to Glasgow and then head north on the A82 through the heart of the park and then take the A85 to Oban. This route gives you more chances to explore Loch Lomond itself (you can take a boat cruise if you want) and to visit Luss village. You can easily stop at a hiking trail within the park, there are many. Along this route, you could also add Queensferry bridges, Linlithgow Palace, the Kelpies, House for an Art Lover, or other attractions in Glasgow, etc. to this route with only a short detour.
I think either of the above are great options, just depends on how much time and what you are most interested in seeing. If you are primarily wanting to explore Loch Lomond, the second option up through the park might provide more classic views and it takes you along Loch Lomond itself.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
David Cameron Post author
One article and every detail I need is here. Superb work. The views look amazing, and those waterfalls look absolutely gorgeous. 2020 holiday trip has been decided thanks to you guys 🙂
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi David, Glad this was helping in planning your trip to Loch Lomond. Just let us know if you have any questions as your trip gets closer. Best, Jessica
Jill Post author
Scotland is so beautiful! I spent a day in Loch Lomond many years ago on my first trip to Scotland and I have fond memories of my visit there.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jill! Glad you have some nice memories in this part of Scotland. Yes, we have really been spending some time exploring Scotland’s national parks over the past 2 years! Loch Lomond is really beautiful and we also love the Cairngorms National Park which also has some real beautiful areas and also a lot of wildlife. Laurence also likes it because you can ski there in the winter 😉 ~ Jessica
Patrick Post author
Hello, cool article. Funny Question, we are going to be visiting friends in Luss for the Highland games in July. My wife and kids wanted to go see some highland cattle. Can you please tell me where they are in the park? On the brochure it shows them. Thanks so much!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Patrick, Highland cattle are scattered here and there in fields throughout Scotland so you’ll likely see them as you are driving around Loch Lomond National Park. There are several locations you might see them around Loch Lomond, but they obviously move around, go into barns, and change fields fairly often so there is no single place you can alway see them. But we have always seen at least a few from the road when traveling in the area, so I would just look for them in the fields outside of the towns and you have a very high chance of seeing them. If you are looking for a place to stay, I believe the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel in Luss keeps a few in a field next to the hotel. Enjoy the Highland Games in Luss and your time in Loch Lomond! Best, Jessica
Denise Post author
HI, thanks for the information. I am planning to travel in April and stay some days in the park. Was thinking about renting a motorhome. How are the facilities for motorhome in the part? Is it a good option.? How many days would you recommend. I am travelling with my husband and a daughter – 14 years old and a son – 12 years old. We like hiking and biking.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Denise, I have not personally been to Loch Lomond in a caravan or motorhome, but camping and caravanning in the park is very popular in the warmer months, and many sites provide good facilities. Here is a list of caravan & camp sites within the park that should help you find and book a place that best suits your needs. Note that in some areas of the park between March and September each year, camping/caravanning is only permitted in campsites or in camping permit areas. But that should not affect you as you plan to rent a proper caravan site. I’d rent the smallest size caravan that you need as with hilly narrow places in Scotland, having a smaller vehicle makes them easier and safer to navigate.
I think that a camping or caravanning trip to this area is a great idea, especially if your family enjoys outdoor activities as there is loads to do for an active family (e.g., hiking, biking, boating). Your kids may enjoy one of the zip lining and adventure parks as well. In terms of how much time to spend, you can see a lot in 2-3 days, but could easily extend this to a week or more if you want to do a lot of hiking & biking and see various areas of the park. I’d recommend if you are spending more than 3 days to set up in two different caravan sites so you see more of the park. Perhaps setting up in the eastern side of the park for 2-3 days and then setting up in the western part of the park for 2-3 days.
Enjoy your trip to Loch Lomond!
Jessica
Denise Post author
Hi Jessica
Thanks for your answer. Would April be a good time to go? I am worried about the rain
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Denise, I think April is a good month as the days will be longer by then. But if you have flexibility I would suggest May if that is possible just because the weather does tend to be a tad better and the seasonal businesses should all be open by then in the Loch Lomond area. But I am sure you will enjoy either month. In terms of rain, well, it rains throughout the year in Scotland so you may have rain during any month so I would just come prepared with waterproof layers, ponchos, waterproof hiking backpack covers, and waterproof shoes so that you can go hiking/biking in any weather. It rarely rains hard enough to really keep you inside so if you are dressed for the weather, you should be fine! Best, Jessica
Denise Post author
Fantastic, Thanks a lot!
Rob+Ann Post author
The landscape is just stunning! It’s great that there’s much to do and see, but honestly…we’d stand there gobsmacked at the scenery! As always, great photographs. Loch Lomond, and Scotland in general, has been on our bucket list for far too long. Thanks for the great ideas to get us moving!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Rob & Ann, Yes, Loch Lomond (and Scotland in general) has some beautiful rural scenery! Hope you get a chance to visit soon!! Jessica
Michelle Post author
I’ve been to Loch Lomond before, purely by accident – we were driving from Edinburgh up to Braemar and along the way we passed by this beautiful loch. It had no signage and there was nobody around, so we just took a couple of pictures and left, but later on, after looking at a map we concluded that it was Loch Lomond. (It was March, I think, so that might explain why it was deserted!)
I had no idea there was so much to do there! I’d definitely be up for some hiking and horseriding. Looks like a return visit is in order. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Michelle, Yes, Scotland outside of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, & the Isle of Skye tends to be pretty sleepy from about November to April, except for holidays. But I am guessing that perhaps you stopped at a loch in or near the National Park but perhaps not Loch Lomond. It is well signed and also most of the parking lots have signs as well and some even have tourist information centers, so it may have been a nearby loch as there are 22 of them just within the National Park! But who knows 😉 Hope you get a chance to return! Best, Jessica
Michelle Post author
Aahh that makes so much sense! You’re probably right, haha. Will have to check out the real Loch Lomond next time I’m in Scotland! 🙂
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Michelle, Yes, it is hard to know which loch you were at, it could have been Loch Lomond. Scotland has so many! But hope you get a chance to return to experience even more of Scotland’s beautiful lochs!! 😉 Jessica
Lara Dunning Post author
Thank you for such a thorough post with lots of tips about exploring this National Park. Scotland is high on my list, and I love National Parks, so I so appreciate learning about this part of Scotland. Gorgeous photos!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lara, Yes, hope you get a chance to visit Scotland soon, I think it was just voted the most beautiful country by Rough Guide readers. Loch Lomond is a great area if you enjoy hiking and national parks! Best, Jessica
Rhonda Albom Post author
I traveled through the area on a gorgeous summer day in 2012 ( a veritable heatwave in the upper 20’s). The area is so lush and green (couldn’t miss the highland cattle).
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Rhonda, Yes it is a beautiful area and lush (thanks to our rainy weather!) – especially gorgeous on a sunny day like the one you described! Best, Jessica
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute Post author
Loch Lomond is beautiful. I don’t think I have any Scottish roots, but the the area is so fascinating. Stone circles, distilleries, lambs, gorgeous waterfalls, and Rob Roy’s grave? I’m there! Thanks for linking in this week!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Jim, Yes, there is plenty to keep travelers busy around Loch Lomond. It is a very popular spot for those looking for hiking, boating, and cycling, but it offers much more like the prehistoric sites, farms, waterfalls, shopping, villages, and historical sites! Hope you get a chance to visit on you next trip to Scotland! Best, Jessica
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels Post author
Loch Lomond looks like an amazing National Park, and a great place to spend a weekend! I’d like to seek out nature (and get some great shots like you did) and visit some of the historical and cultural sites. I love visiting ruins! I’d also love to see some of those cows. I haven’t seen cows like that in real life. They’re pretty adorable!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Bryna, Yes, I don’t think many people even know Scotland has national parks as they are fairly new. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, the first, was only established as a national park in 2002. If you enjoy national parks and outdoor activities, you may also want to visit Cairngorms National Park a bit further north. You can find Highland cattle scattered all over Scotland, especially in the middle and northern parts of the country, so you’re likely to see them if you venture outside the cities. We actually just saw some yesterday in France 😉 Best, Jessica
Julie Post author
I would absolutely add Loch Lomond to my Scotland itinerary! Scotland is definitely on my bucket list but this makes me want to get there ASAP. Saving for later!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Julie, Yes, Loch Lomond is a great place in Scotland to get out into nature and onto the lochs. Jessica
Anda Post author
Another great guide with lots of detailed information about Loch Lomond. Your beautiful pictures surely make this place look very appealing. Breweries and Distilleries don’t interest me too much, but photographing waterfalls like that would. I have a lot of your posts bookmarked for future reference., so I’m going to save this one too. I’m hoping to make it to Scotland next spring.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anda, There are a lot of things to do in Loch Lomond, especially if you like being outdoors: hiking, biking, golfing, birdwatching, photography, boating, fishing etc. It is also great for nature photography as you said. If you come to Scotland, do let us know!! Best, Jessica
California Globetrotter Post author
Oooh I’m in love with everything in this post!! From the plethora of lochs, to the cute cows, distilleries and beautiful hotels!! I wouldn’t mind spending a few days here!!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lolo, Yes, it is a pretty and (can be) peaceful place, especially if you head out hiking. It was nice to see the baby lambs in the fields and Highland cattle around the lake – we stayed at a B&B on a farm so it was a nice bucolic trip 😉 Best, Jessica
Tomas Post author
Thanks for sharing this post because, only seeing your pictures make me go there right now, and then the adventure park and brewery. So I’ll pin it for later 😉
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Tomas, Yes, you could easily plan a day or weekend trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh to do a lake cruise around Loch Lomond or Loch Katrine, followed by the adventure park for the treetop course and zipline followed by some relaxing beers 😉 Best, Jessica
Hilary Post author
Your photos are absolutely stunning, and really do the area justice! We’ve visited Scotland twice as a family and there is never enough time to see and do everything!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Hilary, Yes, we have lived in Scotland for almost 2 years now and we still have a number of places we want to visit. I guess any place is like that. Hope you get a chance to come back and explore thoroughly as there are many things to do in Loch Lomond! Best, Jessica
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields Post author
We often combine travelling with cycling. I love the idea of cycling around Loch Lomond. I didn’t know you could do that. Thanks – I might add it to the holiday to-do list.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Lyn, Yep, there are cycle paths all over the national park and around Loch Lomond as well as the Clyde sea lochs trail. You can also use the boat tours or water taxis to get across the lochs, as most allow bikes and you can also rent bikes from several places in the area. A great destination for both hiking and cycling! Best, Jessica
Anisa Post author
I had to cut Loch Lomond out of our Scotland itinerary because we just didn’t have enough time. I hope to make it there on my next trip, it just looks lovely. I would like to take one of the sightseeing boats and also do some hiking.
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Anisa, Sorry you were not able to visit Loch Lomond on your visit to Scotland, but hopefully you can visit on a return trip. There is a lot to see is Scotland so I understand. It is a fantastic place for hiking and we definitely recommend one of the boat trips, we really enjoyed our cruise on the Sir Walter Scott but you have a lot of choices for either Loch Lomond or Loch Katrine! Best, Jessica
Seana Turner Post author
I”m not much of an adventure park person, but the breweries and nature hiking look good to me! My husband would be all about the golfing. Great photos of the waterfalls, by the way. My brother in law (who loves nature photography) is giving these photos the thumbs up!
Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author
Hi Seana, Hiking and visiting a brewery is definitely a good way to spend some time around Loch Lomond. There are loads of hiking trails for people of all levels and through a variety of landscapes. If your husband likes golfing, he’s definitely enjoy a trip to Scotland, the home of golf. Glad your brother-in-law enjoyed our photos, we had some gray days on our last visit to Loch Lomond but landscape photography is Laurence’s favorite type of photography as a travel photographer 😉 Jessica