Dotted with windswept isles and mountainous peaks, Loch Lomond on Scotland’s Highland border is a place steeped in history and heritage.
Home to mainland Britainâs largest lake, Loch Lomondâs uncooked nature and dramatic mountain slopes imbues its panorama with layers of fiction and fantasy. A beloved vacation spot in Scotlandâs hill-walking tradition, encounter the untamed Highlands and the distant coastlines on foot, exploring 18th-century castles and waterfalls, and craggy peaks rising from western reaches.
At Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, uncover the woodlands of the Golden Eagle, climb the Devilâs stairway in West Highland Way and discover the coastal islets of Inchcailloch â all embellished with picturesque villages and full of wildlife.
1. Discover the treasures of West Highland Way
This linear long-distance route is an actual deal with for lovers of Scottish journey and takes in Milngavie, Balmaha, Rowardennan, Inverarnan, Glen Coe, Fort William and many stopover cities alongside the way in which. History lovers can even be enthralled because the route travels by droversâ roads â medieval rural trails that date again to Jacobite uprisings.
2. Walk by an ocean tunnel on the Sea Life Centre
This âtropical ocean tunnelâ is correct in the center of Balloch. Located inside the Drumkinnon Tower, the Aquarium Restaurant presents expansive underwater views of its 250,000-litre aquarium. The tour consists of seven tropical zones, paired with views of an aquarium that homes greater than 5,000 species of fish from world wide. The aquarium has an remark deck from the place you’ll be able to gaze on the awe-inspiring views of the lochs.
3. Sip whisky in the Loch Lomond Distillery
Perched close to Alexandriaâs stunning countryside, that is an award-winning whisky distillery in Scotland, providing a wide range of tastings and excursions. There is even the choice of a specialist tour, which permits eager lovers to create their distinctive mix and style them on the finish of the go to. Reserve a non-public tour of the distillery and discover the inside workings of Scotlandâs solely manufacturing facility the place they make each grain whisky and malt whisky below the identical roof.
4. Enjoy pony trekking in the Midlands
Horses have performed an influential function in Loch Lomondâs tradition for hundreds of years and had been famously used as struggle horses. Today, there’s a multitude of various horse and pony using experiences that may permit you to uncover the charming moorlands and valleys of the nationwide park. Take newbie classes in Tullichewan Farm or, if you’re extra skilled, experience by Balloch and Drymen, a area famend for its magnificence and dotted with polaroid villages.
5. Fill up on scones on the Coach House Coffee Shop
There is nothing extra quintessentially English than a platter of scones, and Loch Lomond boasts among the greatest locations to indulge in them. Coach House Coffee Shop is famend as considered one of Lussâs hottest cafes that includes a variety of native and Scottish fare. Do not draw back from ordering a platter of their scones with a aspect of jam or whipped cream, and praise them with a healthful cup of tea.
6. Take a tour of the Loch Lomond National Park
Capped off by the Trossachs, the Loch Lomond National Park is an iconic backdrop in the Alexandria skyline. The trekking choices on these 720 sq miles highlands are so difficult as various that aspiring athletes and climbers use them for coaching.
Walk throughout lochs and rivers with one million shades of inexperienced, lower by with waterfalls and Scotlandâs most southerly Munro (a time period used for any of the 277 mountains in Scotland). In {the summertime} marvel on the spectacular wildflowers. In the center of this area is the Loch Lomond itself, emerald waters with vistas of the encompassing Ben Lomond, and the Arrochar Alps.
7. Visit the Island of Inchmurrin
The âHighlanderâ-style seaside vacation has been perfected on Inchmurrin Island, the most important inland island in Britain. Alongside seashore huts and the tall-standing Lennox Castle, you will see quiet seashores and historic ruins for a cultural expertise. Hop on the Burnfoot Jetty at Arden for a 15-minute ferry experience that may take you to the island. Book a keep at considered one of their rustic cottages and dine on among the best native produce with spectacular views over Loch Lomond.
8. Sail aboard the Maid of the Loch
Discover the grandeur of the thriving Scottish countryside scene of the West Dunbartonshire aboard Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomondâs official paddle steamer. Help your self to some conventional tea and home-baked confectionery earlier than collaborating in their onboard actions like audio shows narrating the journey of the steamer. Steamship lovers can even volunteer to be part of the âcrewâ and expertise the restoration marketing campaign that’s at present working to reconstruct the Maid for crusing in the summer season.
9. Marvel at Charles Rennie Mackintoshâs hill home
Rustic, dramatic and up to date all on the similar time, The Hill House attracts inspiration from the historical past and tradition of its Scottish roots. With bespoke interiors and restored structure, the institution discreetly unfold out throughout a proper backyard. This unique hideaway is designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh and its rooms boast of vivid design, cutting-edge expertise, and distinctive trendy facilities.
Due to its restricted accessibility, it is strongly recommended to e-book a tour in advance, the place you’ll be able to be taught concerning the Blackie household, former homeowners of this home masterpiece and how the National Trust for Scotland is making certain its historic preservation.
10. Visit the Falls of Falloch
Nestled close to river Falloch, simply half-hour south-west of Crianlarich, Falls of Falloch is catnip for waterfall chasers. This is a choose-your-own-adventure type of vacation spot with 19 miles of trails: You may trek by the valley of Glen Falloch, make googly eyes on the caged walkway, or gawk on the treetop campsâone close to the A82 and the opposite on the base of the waterfall.
Getting to Loch Lomond
Airport: The nearest airport is Glasgow (GLA) roughly 23 miles from Loch Lomond. Get a ticket for the Scottish Citylink bus from the airport for the quickest commute to your vacation spot.
By Car: If you’re planning to drive to the entryway, observe the A82 by the banks of Loch Lomond from the parkâs entryway marker. With Balloch solely north of the Stoneymollen Roundabout at Balloch towards the northern tip of the loch, drive in direction of Breadalbane and the north district of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
By Rail: ScotRail presents a practice service frequently from Glasgowâs Queen Street Station to Balloch, the central transport cease from the place you’ll be able to simply attain the National Park.
More info: Check out www.lochlomond-trossachs.org for customer info, upcoming occasions, journey inspiration and extra.
