Best of East Loch Lomond
East Loch Lomond Experiences
Here are 20 experiences to enjoy in East Loch Lomond, from its gateway at Drymen to Rowardennan, home of Ben Lomond. For most examples, there are longer and more detailed guides linked.
1) Drymen Village Square
Drymen Village Square
This pretty square is at the heart of the village. Drymen is bustling from Easter to October, with walkers of the West Highland Way, John Muir Way and Rob Roy Way. There is also a heritage trail, with leaflets available from local shops and cafes.
2) The Clachan
The Clachan Inn, Drymen
Enjoy good food at the recently extended pub on Drymen Village Square. The Clachan is Scotland’s oldest licensed pub; its first landlady was the youngest sister of legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.
3) NCN 7 Cycle Paths
NCN 7 Cycle Paths
NCN 7, Lochs & Glens North cycle route gives you the options to cycle to Balloch or Aberfoyle. See the information board in the square for more details of cycling and walking routes.
4) Long Distance Walks
West Highland Way
Drymen is a typical first night stop on the West Highland Way trail from Milngavie to Fort William. The Rob Roy Way is a newer trail that goes to Pitlochry and starts at Village Square. The John Muir Way passes close to the village.
5) Milton of Buchanan
Milton of Buchanan
The picturesque church of the small hamlet Milton of Buchanan is on the road between Drymen and Balmaha. It features in our guide to some of the village churches in the National Park.
6) Loch Lomond Waterfront
Loch Lomond Waterfront
Just before Balmaha is Loch Lomond Waterfront Lodges, which offer 5-star facilities, including hot tubs and great views in all directions, this is also a popular place to get married.
7) Balmaha National Park Visitor Centre
National Park Visitor Centre, Balmaha
Find out about the Highland Boundary Line that crosses Loch Lomond close to Balmaha in the National Park Visitor Centre. Due to the pandemic, the Visitor Centre is closed, although toilets are open. We will update this guide when things change.
8) Millennium Trail
Balmaha Millennium Trail
A pleasant walk through the forest with good views of the nearby islands in Loch Lomond, the route has an illustrated map in the car park at Balmaha. Look out for red squirrels on your walk, as their numbers are increasing again.
9) Conic Hill
Conic Hill
You are quickly rewarded for your climb with some stunning views of Loch Lomond. This is a busy and very popular walk, leading from the back of Balmaha’s public car park.
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10) The Oak Tree Inn
The Oak Tree Inn
Twice voted the best pub in Scotland, this family-run business serves excellent Scottish food and drink. There is also accommodation, a village shop and a coffee shop.
11) St Mocha Coffee Shop
St Mocha Coffee Shop, Balmaha
St Mocha Coffee Shop opened in 2014 and serving ethically sourced artisan coffee roasted on-site by their Loch Lomond Coffee Co.
12) Tom Weir Statue
Tom Weir Statue, Balmaha
By Balmaha Bay, a statue celebrates the life of Scottish mountaineer and broadcaster Tom Weir. For many years Tom brought the outdoors of Scotland to TV viewers in Scotland's towns and cities, with an authentic passion that inspired many Scots to get out of their armchairs and experience the Scottish Highlands for themselves.
13) Balmaha Bay
Balmaha Bay
Balmaha Bay is of the most picturesque views in Loch Lomond. Read more about the village in the updated guide linked below.
14) Balmaha Boatyard
Balmaha Boatyard
Wooden boats from Balmaha Boatyard have been serving the small populations of Loch Lomond’s islands for generations. Now they mainly run an on-demand passenger ferry to nearby Inchcailloch Island.
15) Balmaha Cruises
Cruise Loch Lomond
Visit Luss on the western shores of Loch Lomond, or take a cruise around the islands. Cruise Loch Lomond and Sweeney’s Cruises both run several services in the season.
16) Milarrochy Bay
Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond
Milarrochy Bay's beach is where you will find the famous and much-photographed lone tree. Read more about the bay in the guide below.
17) Sallochy
Sallochy Campsite, Loch Lomond
There is a camping management zone in operation from March to October, along the east of Loch Lomond and elsewhere in the National Park. Sallochy is an official campsite between Balmaha and Rowardennan. Read more about camping in East Loch Lomond at the guide below.
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18) Rowardennan
Rowardennan
The end of the road is at Rowardennan, but the car park gets very busy as there are so many places to walk and explore from here. We have a complete guide to Rowardennan at the link below.
19) Rowardennan Memorial
The area around Ben Lomond, including the mountain itself, commemorates those who lost their lives in the two world wars. The focal point for this is a memorial that is close to the car park.
20) Climb Ben Lomond
Finally, climb Scotland’s most southerly Munro - Ben Lomond. The route starts close to the car park at Rowardennan.
Thanks for reading, this is one of the most beautiful sections of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, so many wonderful places to visit.
Plan Your Visit
If you plan to visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, consider ordering our book ‘101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs’, a photo guidebook of things to do and places to explore. Click here to purchase.
About...
This guide and accompanying photographs are by Paul Saunders for See Loch Lomond. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and beyond. If you found the guide useful please let us know in the comments section below.
Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.