Close to Glasgow and Edinburgh, Loch Lomond Scotland is part of the Trossachs National park, a favorite region for locals to relax and connect with nature. With a large base and a narrow top, discover all the best stops around Loch Lomond to admire its beauty.
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Touring Loch Lomond Scotland - Video
Let's start with a short video in which you can discover the beauty of Loch Lomond Scotland:
INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Loch Lomond Scotland
Located North of Glasgow, Loch Lomond Scotland is a freshwater inland loch, the largest by surface area. Since 2002, it is part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to Loch Lomond
- Loch Lomond from Glasgow: Balloch at the South End of Loch Lomond is only a 45 min drive - Tarbet further North is a 1h drive
- Loch Lomond from Edinburgh: 2h drive
- Loch Lomond from Portree ile of Skye: 4h30 drive
- Loch Lomond can be visited on a one day Trip from Edinburgh
- The maps and GPS coordinates of all the locations in the article are available on both Travel Guide eBooks: The Road Trip Guide Scotland and The Road Trip guide: Edinburgh to Skye
Visiting Loch Lomond Scotland
- There are many things to do at Loch Lomond with boat tours, walks, bird watching, munro bagging...
- There is no road going all around Loch Lomond. The West shore is easily accessible with a main road along it. The east coast is accessible by smaller road and detours, boat or walking.
- Plenty of accommodation at Loch Lomond exist but it fills up fast as it is a favorite spot for locals. I stayed at Loch Long nearby (check out my Scotland accommodation article) or you could consider glamping on Loch Lomond like Kelly and Sean did
Loch Lomond Map
Here is the google map for you to have a look at its location and shape:
Tarbet
Located on the North West shore of Loch Lomond, Tarbet is a small village at the junction of roads A82 and A83. It offers a large grassy area, great for picnic. Its pier is a popular boarding point for cruises on Loch Lomond.
Firkin Point
Firkin point was my favorite spot to walk on the shore of Loch Lomond Scotland. The views are great and busses are not allowed so you are not surrounded by hundreds of people.
Located South of Tarbet, it has toilet and picnic facilities and provide access to a nice walking path along one fo the loch's head.
It is also the place where I found my favorite tree in Scotland LOL:
All those stops, along with many other beautiful places, are included in my eBook: The Road Trip Guide - Scotland.
It is a practical tool to plan your trip with maps, photos, planning tips, GPS coordinates...
Luss
Midway between Balloch and Tarbet, Luss is the most popular place to stop on the shore of Loch Lomond. It is full of busses and tourists and you will have to queue to get access to the toilets.
The views is a little different because Luss is located in front of one of Loch Lomond's main island: Inchlonaig. Luss has been a seettlement since medieval times.
Duck Bay
Just North of Balloch,Duck Bay is one of you first opportunity to get closer to the water of Loch Lomond. From there you can see quite far towards the North.
Balloch Castle
On the South East tip of Loch Lomond is the Balloch Castle. On higher ground, it offers views of Loch Lomond. when I was visiting only the park was accessible as restoration was happening on the castle.
Duncryne Walk
East of Balloch is Duncryne. A small isolated hill can be climbed to get good views of the lochs and it south islands. The hill is protected and there is only one entrance on Duncryne Road.
It takes 30min to get up there and back. Wear good shoes, especially after rain.
Sadly on the day I hiked up Duncryne, the sky had low clouds and the view was a bit blocked... But it is probably one of the best Loch Lomond views.
Balmaha
Balmaha is another touristic stop on Loch Lomond, because of the visitor center with information about the Loch and the National Park. It has been a settlement for thousands of years.
It gives a very different feel of Loch Lomond as it is enclose with the islands. It is a great place for bird watching or to start a hike along the East shore of Loch Lomond.
From there you can take a boat to the island of Inchcailloch for great views of the Loch.
If you need to warm up, inn the village there is a small Coffee Shop with a great vibe, St Mocha.
North of Tarbet
I prefer the North of Loch Lomond: the body of water gets narrower making the scenery more dramatic. But it is not always easy to stop there:
Inveruglas
Inveruglas is the main stop on the North shore of Loch Lomond Scotland.
You an climb the modern structure to better views or explore the short trails around.
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.
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I asked a question re the Scotland guide e book, but have not has a reply?
Is it transferable between my computers please?
If I buy it can I put it on my home computer and my wife’s laptop so it can be taken to Scotland Please?
Hi Peter
I checked my inbox and my spam but did not receive your message. Sorry.
As indicated on the explanation pages, the ebooks are PDFs. So yes, you can transfer 🙂
I wish you a wonderful trip!