At Tarbet, on West Loch Lomond Cycle Path

One of our most popular guides is the A82 Road Trip, which takes in the numerous points of interest close to the busy road that runs alongside the western shores of Loch Lomond. Still, the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path gets you even closer to the bonnie banks, and in this guide, we'll describe the cycling route and give you an idea of what to expect. Note the bike pictured above is an electric one, this path is suitable for non-electric bikes as well and is mainly flat and smooth.

What to expect from West Loch Lomond Cycle Path

Let's start with the good and the bad of the West Lomond Cycle Path. First the good:

You are close to the loch, enjoying good views across to the islands of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond on the eastern shores.
The path is mostly smooth and flat, so suitable for all levels of fitness
There are interesting places to stop along the route.
You can travel to or from the start or finish using train services.

Now the not so good:

You are often close to the busy and noisy A82
The bushes close to the path are overgrown in places and narrow the pathway
There is sadly often litter on the ground, thrown from passing cars.
The train stations at either end are not on the same train line

More on all these points in the guide, I have cycled it many times and always enjoy the path. However, we always aim to give you an honest assessment, so you know what to expect, good and bad.

How to find the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path

The path is 28km / 17miles, connecting Balloch and Tarbet. Of course, you can cycle in either direction. However, this guide is using Balloch to Tarbet (south to north) direction to describe the route. We have many guides about Balloch, including visiting the village, Maid of the Loch and its Country Park, the only one in the National Park. NCN7 Lochs and Glens Way also pass the start of the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path, and you can go in the direction of Glasgow or Drymen.

The map above shows the start of the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path, which you can see leading north of the car park between VisitScotland’s iCentre and Sweeney’s Cruises. Follow this path alongside the River Leven. Take care as this path (like other parts of the route) can be busy with joggers, people walking, other cyclists etc.

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Maid of the Loch, Balloch

At the end of the path is Loch Lomond Shores, dismount and walk through the outdoor paved area with shops and leisure attractions, or cycle on the road around the complex. Before you move on, turn right and go towards the Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway, to visit the Maid of the Loch which is berthed next to the slipway.

The Maid of the Loch is Loch Lomond's last paddle-steamer, currently being restored by many committed volunteers. We know the charity well and have worked with them over the years; it is incredible the time and effort they have put into rescuing and restoring the Steamship. Visit their website to find out how you can support their great work.

During my August 2021 cycle of the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path, I was able to get up close as she was entirely out of the water, pulled up to the winch house, which provided an imposing view of this historic Steamship. The Maid looks just as good in the water at her berth. Check their website for events and opportunities to go onboard.

Loch Lomond Shores

Follow the path that passes the Bird of Prey Centre and Tree Top Adventures to the top end of Loch Lomond Shores car park. Then take a right, note you're now on a road, albeit a relatively quiet one. This road runs parallel to the A82 and is now used by traffic going to Cameron House Hotel.

At the end of the road, a pathway runs next to the A82. This is one of the places where the path is narrow and not helped by often overgrown bushes that narrow the path which is fine until you meet another cyclist. Follow this path until you see the main Cameron House entrance and the lochside road to Duck Bay.

Note: Loch Lomond Leisure, based on the beach at Loch Lomond Shores offer bike rental.

Duck Bay

The recently refurbished Duck Bay Hotel is looking good, with some excellent outdoor facilities and seating. Stop and get ice cream, or admire the first glimpses of Loch Lomond from the cycle path. Once you are ready continue north at the end of this road you rejoin the pathway, initially back alongside the A82.

Arden Roundabout

The map below shows the Arden Roundabout along the A82. North it’s onto Tarbet, left to Helensburgh. Here you have two options, both of which are fine. Either stay on the path that mostly runs alongside the A82 or take the alternative route detailed below which will take you away from the A82. Having done both my preference is for the one below.

As the pathway reaches the roundabout turn right onto the minor road that leads off of it. A wooden pointer sign will show the route of the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path. This is also the road to the ferry that connects with Inchmurrin Island, (Loch Lomond’s largest island with hotel and self-catering) and you will see a car park for it. Keep going until the end of the road where you see the compound for the island ferry port and take a left there onto a pathway through woods.

Cameron Golf Club & Spa

The route now goes through the Cameron Club, golf and spa, part of the Cameron Hotel Resort. Cycle over a boardwalk and then on paths next to the green, with golfers putting. Finally, cross a bridge where soon after there is a small children's bug garden.

Follow the path alongside the road that leads to the main building. Go past the spa, shop and clubhouse building and look out for the cycle path signs. The signs will lead you through the car park of an accommodation building, where on the other side there is a rougher track to follow. Stay on that track and climb a hill, with views to your right over the golf course and loch. Don't take the smooth path option. Keep going straight until, eventually, the path rejoins the A82. Before leaving the open space turn around for an excellent view of Loch Lomond from the top of this small hill.

Aldochlay

The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path leaves the A82 and gets closer to the loch side, running alongside the prestigious Loch Lomond Golf Course (you can glimpse the pristine green over the wall.)

You'll join a minor road and follow it all the way past Luss, it’s not too busy but is a winding country road and cars do tend to go quite fast so take care. First up there is pretty Aldochlay with its brightly coloured cottages and views to nearby Inchtavannach Island. There is a lay-by here, and I am keen to park and then kayak from this spot; ironically, each time I cycle past, there is a space, but there is never one when I have my kayak!

Aldochlay, on West Loch Lomond Cycle Path

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Luss

Luss is around halfway on the West Loch Lomond Cycle path, between Balloch and Tarbet. There is much to do here, which you can read about in our complete guide to the beautiful conservation village. By the way, Cycle Luss hire bikes, including electric bikes.

Take a right at the Loch Lomond Arms to visit the village and pier. Keep going to stay on the cycle route. Enter the car park for the Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel and follow the path alongside the car park to remain on the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path.

Firkin Point

Between Luss and Tarbet, the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path is mainly right up against the banks of Loch Lomond, sometimes the A82 is also very close, but in places, you go away from the road. The bushes get overgrown at times, but it is very passable.

There are laybys along the path and occasional camping pitches, including at Firkin Point. It's just under 3 miles until Tarbet.

Tarbet

Tarbet has a large sloping green down to the busy pier with cruise boats coming and going. There is a cafe and toilets in the car park. Arrochar and Tarbet's train station is about a 5-10 minute cycle away. There are eight trains a day between Glasgow Queen Street and Arrochar and Tarbet. Note that Arrochar & Tarbet is on a different train line to Balloch's trains, change at Dumbarton Central to get back to Balloch. However, if you wanted to do so, you could get on a train to Balloch from Glasgow Queen Street, cycle the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path and return to Glasgow Queen Street from Arrochar and Tarbet.

I hope you have found this guide useful; please leave any comments below, sharing your experiences cycling the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path. There are some incredible views of the loch, its islands, and Ben Lomond, plus some great places to stop. Note that there is a range of different types of route signs along the path to look out for; hopefully, they and these instructions keep you right.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.

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