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, the loch offers a lot to do - Discover below the best viewpoints over Loch Lomonds, the best place to visit and more...
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Driving around Loch Lomond - Video
Let's start with a short video in which you can discover the beauty of Loch Lomond Scotland:
Loch Lomond - Best views
You will see many photos and info in this article, but if you just want to know my selection for the best views of Loch, they are:
- Firkin point
- Duncryne (walking required)
- Inveruglas
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.
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 this article are available on both Travel Guide eBooks to help you easily plan your road trip:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
15 Maps, 150+ locations, 170+ photos
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8 Maps, 60 Features locations, 115+ photos
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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:
A practical map with identification of all the places I mention, can be found in my eBooks.
Loch Lomond accommodations
You can find accommodation in Balloch, Balmaha and on the shores of the nearby lochs such as:
- The Ben Vorlich cottage in Tarbet - Check out photos and availability
- The Bricwood guest lodge in Balmaha - Check out photos and availability
- The Stables Luxury cottage in Balloch - Check out photos and availability
- Or check out all the accommodation options around Loch Lomond
Tarbet - famous Loch Lomond village
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 - best Loch Lomond viewpoint
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:
Luss - Loch Lomond beach
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 - another Loch Lomond beach
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 - Place to visit at Loch Lomond
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 - Loch Lomond view from above
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 - Charming place to visit around Loch Lomond
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 - Loch Lomond drive
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 - Loch Lomond views and touristic center
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.
Things to do on Loch Lomond - Cruises
The best activity is to drive all around the Trossachs National Park including the shores of Loch Lomond.
However if you want a break from driving, you can join a Loch Lomond cruise:
- 1h cruise on Loch Lomond from Balloch - Check out details and book
- 2h Loch Lomond cruise from from Balloch - Check out details and book
- 1h cruise of the fjord-like northern part of Loch Lomond from Tarbet - Check out details and book
The area is also great for hiking. For example you can climb Ben Lomond at 974 metres (3,196 ft).
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
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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!
Hi Claire ,
I am planing a visit to Scotland , and I want to mention that your blog and information you provide is outstanding !
I just want to thank you 🙂
Hi Mark
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I am really happy that you are finding my website useful.
I wish you wonderful travels!
Claire