Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
The gateway between Lowlands and Highlands. 22 islands, a 974m Munro, and a geological fault line. First stop on any road trip north — and worth more than a drive-through.
Best Time
April – October
Recommended Stay
1 – 2 Days
Getting There
45 min from Glasgow
Known For
Gateway to the Highlands
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs became Scotland\'s first national park in 2002, and it\'s the closest one to Glasgow and Edinburgh. That proximity makes it busier than the Cairngorms, but it also makes it the most accessible Highland experience in Scotland. If you\'re driving north from Glasgow, you\'ll pass through it anyway. Don\'t just pass through it.
Best Things to Do
Conic Hill
The best short walk in the park. 2.5km up, 2.5km down, 350m of ascent. From the summit, Loch Lomond stretches out below you with its islands scattered across the water like stepping stones. The Highland Boundary Fault runs right through here — you're standing on the geological line between Highlands and Lowlands. About 2-3 hours round trip.
💡 Park at Balmaha. The car park fills by 10am on weekends. £4 for the day.
Luss Village
The postcard village of Loch Lomond. Stone cottages, a pier, and a beach with views of Ben Lomond. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's worth stopping. Go early or late to avoid the coach tours. The village shop does good ice cream.
💡 Free parking at the visitor centre. 20 minutes of wandering is enough.
Ben Lomond
Scotland's most southerly Munro. The tourist path from Rowardennan is a 12km round trip with a steady 974m of ascent. The views from the top take in the whole of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. A full day walk — allow 5-7 hours.
💡 Start from Rowardennan car park (£5). The path is well-maintained but steep in sections.
Island Cruise
Sweeney's Cruises run 1-hour trips from Balloch that take you around the southern islands. You'll see Inchmurrin (the largest island, with a hotel), Inchcailloch (burial ground and nature reserve), and the fault line. Good way to experience the loch without walking.
💡 £14 adult. Runs year-round. No need to book — just turn up at Balloch pier.
Inchcailloch Island
A tiny island you can reach by a 5-minute ferry from Balmaha (£7 return). Walking trails, a hill with 360° views, and a sense of being somewhere much more remote than you actually are. The name means "Isle of the Old Woman" — a reference to a 7th-century nun who founded a church here.
💡 The ferry runs on demand — call the number on the sign at Balmaha pier. Last return is usually 5pm.
Wild Camping Rules
Loch Lomond has seasonal camping byelaws (March-September) that restrict wild camping in certain zones along the east shore. You need a permit (£4/night) or you must camp in designated campsites. The west shore and islands are less restricted. Check the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park website for current zone maps.