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Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Take the low road to Loch Lomond's bonnie banks and discover Scotland's first national park with its wooded slopes, shimmering water and high, misty peaks. Loch Lomond itself is the biggest stretch of fresh water in Britain and gives a tantalising taste of the Highlands.
“We drive through from Glasgow all the time. The scenery is spectacular and it takes less than an hour to get there. The view from the top of Ben Lomond is magic.”
Alex, Glasgow
The Loch Lomond song celebrates the mystical beauty of the Loch’s “bonnie, bonnie banks” and wistfully touches on the area’s turbulent history. The ghosts of Romans, Vikings, the clans and Rob Roy all drift through the air and you’ll find islands crowned with ancient ruins, the priory where Mary Queen of Scots hid from Henry VIII and Rob Roy’s grave.
Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch combines a futuristic visitors’ centre with some great shops. Shop for souvenirs and visit stores including Hawkshead, Jenners, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and fine food store Valvona and Crolla. You’ll also find local galleries and craft shops dotting the area. Mansfield Studios overlooking Loch Long is a pottery studio and craft gallery showcasing superb quality ceramics, jewellery, photography, paintings, textiles and other traditional crafts.
In addition to Loch Lomond’s obvious natural attractions there’s plenty to see and do. Take a steamer trip on Loch Katrine where Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake is set, explore the charming village of Luss and explore Inchmahome Priory where Mary Queen of Scots hid before her flight to France.
For more information visit the National Parks website.
Top daytime must-do's | Top night time must-do's |
Scale Ben Lomond, the highest peak in the area. | Explore the quieter eastern shore of Loch Lomond and take the mail-boat cruise to some of the loch’s islands. |
Visit Rob Roy’s grave at Balquhidder. | Take a trip to Luss – one of the prettiest villages in central Scotland. |
Catch the boat to Inchmahome Priory , island sanctuary of Mary Queen of Scots. | Stay in the spectacular turreted youth hostel overlooking Loch Lomond. |
Scotland has one of the world’s finest natural larders. Try tender venison, wild smoked salmon and trout washed down with a warming dram from the Whisky Distillery Loch Lomond . For more information about eating in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and to find the best producers check the Scottish Food Guide .
As you’d expect, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are popular with walkers and hill climbers and the West Highland Way passes through here. Ben Lomond is an exhilarating climb and has fabulous views in clear weather. You can also fish, swim, sail, windsurf and jet ski. And if you’ve come to Scotland for the golf you’ll find several world-famous golf courses here including the Loch Lomond Golf Club , home of the prestigious Scottish Open.
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