Visiting Loch Lomond

The Trossachs of Scotland is an area of exceptional beauty. Established in 2002 as the first National Park in Scotland, Loch Lomond falls on a geographical fault line. It’s a natural gateway separating the lowlands and the rugged mountainous landscape of the Scottish Highlands.  Loch Lomond is central to the National Park, it is a must-visit destination popular for walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers and tourists.

With millions of visitors each year and being easily accessible, it is no question to why this is one of Scotlands’ most visited destinations.

Loch Lomond was formed between 10,000 – 20,000 years go during the period of the last ice age. The rock type differs from the north to the south of the Loch. This gives an explanation to the difference in shape during the glacial movement; narrow at the north and widespread to the south. By surface area, Loch Lomond is the largest in the Loch in the UK covering 71km2 and a length of 36km (23 miles).

Geography aside, Loch Lomond is featured in popular culture through the song which has since been covered by a number of artists. The most famous version by the Scottish rock band Runrig and commonly played at Scottish dances known as Ceilidhs.

“Oh, ye’ll tak the high road, and I’ll tak the low road,

And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye;

But me and my true love will never meet again

On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.”

Walking

There is an abundance of walks suitable for all ages and abilities surrounding Loch Lomond. Visit Loch Lomond and follow forestry trails through the pines and oaks on the lowland trails. Keeping close to the eastern loch shorelines, walk on the Bonnie Bonnie Banks in the footsteps of the hundred-plus people who complete the West Highland Way each year. For those looking for higher and more challenging walks, there are a number of substantial peaks; Conic Hill and Ben Lomond being most popular. Ben Lomond is Scotlands’ most southerly Munro. At a height of 974m and one of most accessible for those looking to tick off and bag one of the 252 Munros of Scotland.

Walk the West Highland Way on a guided or self-guided holiday.

Historical Sites

There are some historical sites of interest in the Loch Lomond National Park. Take a walk and discover the secrets of Rob Roys Cave.  Situated up from Inversnaid on the eastern shoreline, it requires a short walk, and some careful footing to get down to the cave. Rob Roy MacGregor, famous in Scottish folklore is said to have hidden here during his raid on the Duke of Montrose.  You could also go see Rob Roy’s Grave in Balquhidder and it’s worth going for a wander to the nearby glen to see where Rob Roy executed most of his raids. If you find yourself at the northern edge of the park, pop past Killin to visit the standing stones. 

Learn more about Rob Roy here.

Food & Drink

There are ample options for food surrounding the loch with a number of quality restaurants and homey tea rooms offering the best in local produce. However, nothing beats picking a quiet spot along the shoreline and setting up your very own five-star picnic location, listening to the lapping of the loch and taking in the views of the rolling hills and rugged mountains. Scotland is world-famous for its whisky and Loch Lomond is home to both the Glengoyne Distillery and Loch Lomond Distillery. Both are noteworthy of a visit and gives the opportunity to try a wee dram – or many a dram!

Check out our West Highland Way Food Guide for some Loch Lomond suggestions…

Explore the Islands

Loch Lomond has 22 islands and 27 islets. Some of the islands are said to be crannogs; artificial dwellings dating back to the prehistoric periods. Most, if not all are accessible by boat as part of a day trip; canoe, kayak or stand up paddle-board. Look out for Inchlonaig, the island of Yew trees. Yews were planted under the instruction of Robert the Bruce, in order to grow wood for bows. Spot wallabies free-roaming on Inchconnachan island, which were brought to the island in the 1920s. Inchgalbraith is one of the former crannogs, although little physical evidence remains of the crannog – visitors can see the ruins of a medieval castle.

Find out everything there is to know about the park and it’s islands here.