One of the most scenic views around Scotland is the infamous Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park area. If you’re in Glasgow for more than a couple of weeks and are looking at what else is there to see around here, travelling to Loch Lomond makes for a great day trip option.
Getting to Loch Lomond
The journey is relatively short and will take you around 50 minutes with a car. You can also hire a taxi from Glasgow to Loch Lomond because local drivers know the area pretty well and will advise you about the local attractions. Of course, you can also reach the area by train, bus or seaplane but the journey won’t be as comfortable and tailored to your wants and needs as when travelling alone.
Getting around Loch Lomond is also easy, especially if you have rented a vehicle. Otherwise, there’s buses, trains and other options to travel in the area.
When to visit Loch Lomond?
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Loch Lomond is between April and October. This is because the weather is warm enough and the days are longer but also because more of the attractions are open. For example, the water-related activities are available during the summertime only. But if your goal is to avoid crowds and get lost in nature when everything is covered in snow, then you will have a great time in winter as well. Not to mention all the winter festivals and Christmas festivities which you’ll be able to experience.
What to do and see in Loch Lomond
It’s quite normal for locals from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling to come here for a weekend retreat and a couple of days of outdoor pursuits. After all, the things you can do here are all outdoor activities. You can go hiking, cycling, kayaking, boating, fishing, camping, climbing, or stargazing. You can also visit historical or cultural attractions, explore local small towns, check some whisky distilleries in the area, challenge yourself in adventure parks, golf with friends, or buy the local produce at farmers’ markets.
There’s a myriad of things you can do and experience in the area, so for the sake of saving your time, we’ll focus only on the main attractions and activities.
Hiking, Cycling, Climbing & Other Outdoor Activities
If you love to indulge in nature then you’ll fall in love with all the possibilities here at Loch Lomond. The most popular Scottish hiking trails run through this area. The long-distance trails include The Three Lochs Way, Rob Roy Way, and West Highland Way. There are also lots of short and moderate paths and country parks for those of you who prefer a lighter experience.
Climbing lovers will find that there’s an abundance of places where you can climb or hike. There are about 21 Munros around Loch Lomond. For hikers, we recommend checking the Ordnance Survey maps that cover the areas of Loch Lomond National Park you want to hike in. Additionally, some trails are available to people with mobility issues or those who want a chill experience.
Adventure Parks and Water Activities
Lots of people visit Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for the water activities. There are dedicated sightseeing boat rides which you can check. The area also offers many opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, sailing and more. Bear in mind that if you plan to go swimming, you’ll have to have the proper gear and a wetsuit because the water is always cold around here.
If you prefer to get your adrenalin levels higher, then there’s a lot of adventure parks in the area. The two most famous ones are TreeZone in Balloch and GoApe in Aberfoyle. Make sure to check the requirements such as age, weight and height before you go.
Villages and Small Towns
There’s always something magical about wandering in small towns and villages. If you think that as well, then you’ll be happy to learn that there are many such locations in Loch Lomond and the area around. Some of the most famous spots include Carrick Castle, Luss, Callander, Balloch, and Killin. Many of these have tourist information offices where you can get yourself a map of the local sightings. Make sure to ask about local events, traditions or festivals, to fully experience the local culture.
Historical Sightings, Cultural Landmarks & Golfing
Although Loch Lomond isn’t the best part of Scotland for historical attractions, there’s still quite a lot to see and learn here. Art and architecture lovers will be over the moon about the Hill House in Helensburgh where they can check some of the work of the famous Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Some other things to see include the Benmore Botanic Garden, Dumbarton Castle, Denny Tank in Dumbarton, the Rob Roy gravestone at the Balquhidder Parish Church and many more.
Loch Lomond is notoriously famous for its golf courses and so is Scotland, really. Some of the clubs around here are private, such as the Loch Lomond Golf Club, but others are accessible to the wider audience.
You can spend days and days around the Loch Lomond area and it’s worth it to travel all the way here from Glasgow if you happen to visit.