The best things to do at Loch Lomond

2. Discover the best walks at Loch Lomond

Easy Walks at Loch Lomond for Families

Here are my favourite short walks around Loch Lomond.

• The Falls of Falloch – A 20-minute walk off the A82. A great spot for a wander or picnic, but beware of poor parking and litter on busy days.
• Firkin Point – A picnic area with a 6-mile lochside path suitable for all abilities.
• Duncryne Hill (The Dumpling) – A short 40-minute climb from Gartocharn with a brilliant view over Loch Lomond.

My favourite hillwalks at Loch Lomond

Whilst the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond are spectacular, to see its true beauty you need to get up high. With 41 mountains over 2000ft, the area is a hill walker’s paradise.

Important safety note:
If you haven’t hill walked before, or are visiting in winter, please consider whether you have the correct gear and weather conditions. Check MWIS (West Highland forecast) and read up on hillwalking in Scotland before heading out.

• Ben Lomond – One of Scotland’s most popular Munros, with over 30,000 people climbing it each year. Expect a 4–6 hour hike. Parking at Rowardennan (£3/day). Very busy in summer.
• Conic Hill – Rising just 350m above Loch Lomond, Conic Hill gives one of the best views in Scotland, achieved with relatively little effort.
• Beinn Dubh (Luss) – Climb the Black Mountain above Luss to spot the islands of Inchlonaig and Inchtavanach.
• Ben Vorlich – Towering above the north end of Loch Lomond, this dramatic Munro dominates the Arrochar Alps.

Long Distance Trails at Loch Lomond

Six of Scotland’s Great Trails pass through the area and are ideal for day walks or multi-day backpacking trips.

• West Highland Way – The famous 96-mile route from Glasgow to Fort William passes along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond.
• The Great Trossachs Path – A 30-mile route from Inversnaid to Callander via Loch Katrine.
• The Loch Lomond and Cowal Way – A 57-mile trail from Portavadie on Loch Fyne to Inveruglas.
• The Three Lochs Way – A 34-mile route linking Loch Long, Gare Loch, and Loch Lomond via historic military roads.

3. Explore Loch Lomond by bike

Whether you like to cycle up mountains or prefer something more leisurely, Loch Lomond offers excellent cycling.

• West Loch Lomond Cycle Path – A 17-mile route suitable for all ages, linking Balloch, Duck Bay, Luss, Inverbeg, and Tarbet.
• National Cycle Route 7 – The Lochs & Glens North section runs from Balloch to Lochearnhead along an almost entirely traffic-free tarmac path.

If you fancy hiring a bike, there are plenty of options listed on the National Park website.

4. Explore the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve

Covering much of the south of Loch Lomond, the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve includes the RSPB Loch Lomond Reserve, home to ospreys, and the wooded island of Inchcailloch.

To reach the reserve’s islands, catch the Loch Lomond Water Bus.

5. Visit Inchcailloch Island

Otherwise known as the ‘island of the old women’, Inchcailloch was once home to a nunnery founded by St Kentigerna and later became the burial ground of Clan MacGregor.

Now part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve, the island is accessible by water bus from Luss and Balmaha, with additional on-demand services from Balmaha boatyard.

A circular path leads around the island and up to a viewpoint with beautiful views across the loch. Camping is permitted with a permit, and the campsite is open from 1 March to 30 September.

6. Get out on the water on a cruise

A cruise is a relaxed way to experience Loch Lomond from the water.

Options include Cruise Loch Lomond, Sweeney’s Cruises, and the seasonal water buses that link villages and walking routes around the loch.

7. Explore Loch Lomond’s islands by kayak or paddleboard

Loch Lomond has over 30 islands, making it ideal for paddling.

Popular routes include:

• Balmaha → Inchcailloch → Inchlonaig
• Luss → Inchconnachan (famous for its wallabies)
• Firkin Point along the quieter western shore

Best for: experienced paddlers and slow exploration
Good to know: Conditions can change quickly — always check wind forecasts before launching

8. Still visit Loch Lomond in the rain

• Loch Lomond isn’t just a fair-weather destination.
• Loch Lomond Shores (Balloch) – Visit the Sealife Centre, browse the shops, and warm up in the cafés.
• Luss Distillery – Opened in autumn 2025, this waterfront distillery and visitor centre showcases Loch Lomond whisky and Ben Lomond Gin.

9. Visit the villages around the loch

Several small villages around Loch Lomond are well worth exploring.

Drymen – A traditional village and a key stop on the West Highland Way

Luss – Stone cottages, pier walks, and classic loch views

Balmaha – Gateway to Conic Hill, with a great pub, boat trips, and island ferries. Read more – things to do at Balmaha.

10. Go swimming in Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond isn’t just for paddling or boating — it’s one of Scotland’s best places for wild swimming, especially in sheltered bays.

Good swim spots include:

• Balmaha Bay – Sandy entry and gradual depth
• Firkin Point – Quieter with less boat traffic
• Duck Bay – Calm water early in the morning

Best for: confident open-water swimmers
Safety note: Cold-water shock is real — acclimatise slowly and never swim alone

Where to Stay in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Camping & Wild Camping

Wild camping is restricted from March to September and requires a permit (£3 per night). From October to February, wild camping is permitted in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. .

Camping & Glamping

Beinglas Farm, Loch Katrine Eco Camp, Sallochy Campsite, and Comrie Croft all offer well-located options.

Hotels & Lodges

• Loch Lomond Waterfront (Balmaha) – Luxury five-star lodges and chalets with loch views
• Inn on Loch Lomond (Inverbeg) – Budget-friendly and well located
• Lodge on the Loch Lomond (Luss) – Stylish lochside hotel with spa and restaurant

Eating & Drinking Around Loch Lomond

There are plenty of cafés, pubs, bakeries, and classic stops around the loch, including The Oak Tree Inn and The Drovers Inn.

Getting to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is only 30 minutes north of Glasgow and around 1 hour 20 minutes from Edinburgh.

By Train

Direct trains run from Glasgow to Balloch, with West Highland Line services stopping at Arrochar, Tarbet, and Ardlui.

By Bus

Citylink services to Fort William (914) and Skye (915) stop at Balloch, Duck Bay, Luss, Inverbeg, and Tarbet. Local buses link Balloch with Luss, Drymen, Balmaha, and surrounding villages.

By Water Bus

In summer, water buses operate on Loch Lomond, connecting villages, walking routes, and transport links.

This guide is designed to help you explore Loch Lomond beyond a day trip, whether you’re hiking Munros, visiting islands, cycling lochside paths, or sheltering from the rain.

Kate – Love from Scotland x