A82 Loch Lomond Road Trip

Ben Lomond and Luss

A Scenic Journey Along Loch Lomond: Top Stops on the A82 Road Trip

It's time for a road trip along one of the UK’s most scenic A Roads, the A82. We’re going on a journey between two gateways to the National Park, following the banks of Loch Lomond from the park’s southern gateway (shown on the map below), just north of the Stoneymollen Roundabout at Balloch, to the northern tip just after Tyndrum.

There is so much to see and do, with plenty of places to stop as the road winds towards Breadalbane, the north region of Loch Lomond, and The Trossachs National Park. This blog follows that road journey (with a tiny detour for a more scenic route south of Luss), highlighting places of interest. We’ll also mention alternative travel options, such as the West Highland Line railway, which runs parallel to much of this road trip. Now, let’s start our A82 adventure!

 

Cameron House Resort

Cameron House Resort is the first major attraction on this scenic drive. Reopened after extensive renovations following a fire, this luxurious resort offers world-class amenities. Cameron House has everything you need for fine dining, spa treatments, or exciting outdoor activities. Indulge in delicious meals at the Boat House Restaurant, which overlooks the marina, The Scots bar, with pictures of famous Scots, and my favourite, The Cameron Grill. There is also a spa and the Carrick Golf Course.

If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, the Loch Lomond Sea Plane offers breathtaking aerial views of the loch. You can book short scenic flights or longer trips covering nearby regions like Oban and Glencoe. It’s a fantastic sensation taking off and landing on Loch Lomond; it’s fascinating that soon after getting some height, you get perspective on the land/water mix when you look out and see the islands and peninsulas of Argyll. Let’s get back on the ground to continue our A82 road trip.

Loch Lomond Sea Plane at Cameron House Hotel

Duck Bay

Duck Bay

A short drive from Cameron House, Duck Bay is a popular visitor stop. Its prime lochside location offers stunning views, and the on-site restaurant is excellent. Of course, there are panoramic views of the loch. There is a large field popular for picnics; be warned that on warm days and holidays, it can get busy here.

The Cruin

Continuing along the road parallel to the A82, you’ll come across the entrance to The Cruin, a charming venue known for hosting weddings and events. Even if you’re not attending a special occasion, it’s worth stopping here to enjoy the tranquil setting and gorgeous views of Inchmurrin, the largest island on Loch Lomond. The Cruin’s restaurant is also open to the public, serving fresh local fare in a cosy atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a more substantial meal, you’ll find something to enjoy while soaking in the beauty of the loch.

Inchmurrin Island

Inchmurrin Island

If you’re interested in exploring the islands, Inchmurrin Island, Loch Lomond’s largest island, is accessible by boat from Arden, where a ferry service operates regularly. Once on the island, you’ll find plenty of walking trails, historical ruins, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Inchmurrin is privately owned, but visitors can explore designated areas and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. If you’re planning a visit, check the ferry schedules and parking information in advance to ensure a smooth trip.

 

Aldochlay

A little further along the A82, take the first turning for Luss and follow the lochside road to Aldochlay, a tiny hamlet known for its picturesque views to several of Loch Lomond’s islands. This spot is particularly popular among kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts, as it offers easy access to islands like Inchtavannach and Inchconnachan. Many visitors enjoy launching their boats from Aldochlay and spending the day exploring the surrounding waters. Keep following the road into Luss, passing on your right the show ground that hosts Luss Highland Games each summer.

Aldochlay

Luss, Loch Lomond

 

Luss

The journey continues to Luss, one of the most beautiful villages in the National Park. Known for its charming stone cottages, colourful flower displays, and vibrant community events, Luss is a must-visit destination. Stroll through the village and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, or head down to Luss Pier, where you can take a boat cruise or admire the views. Families will love the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail, a whimsical walk through the woods with fun surprises. Tickets for the trail are available in the south car park.

Some more recommendations: Luss General Store and Luss Village Shop both have a good range of gifts (including our guide book ‘101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs’! Also, the Lodge on Loch Lomond, an excellent hotel with another panoramic view restaurant, is also a popular wedding venue. Check our updated guide to Luss at the link below.

Loch Lomond Faerie Trail

Luss Pier

Firkin Point, Loch Lomond

Firkin Point

Rejoining the A82 after leaving Luss, the road becomes even more scenic, with Firkin Point being a great place to stop for a break (the parking is free, and there are public toilets). This peaceful spot offers picnic tables, walking paths, and breathtaking loch views, dominated by Ben Lomond across the water. It’s also a popular point for cyclists, as the West Lomond Cycle Path runs through this area.

Firkin Point, Loch Lomond

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Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Tarbet

Further along the road, you’ll arrive at Tarbet, a key junction for exploring the western side of Loch Lomond. The village sits across from Ben Lomond and offers easy access to Arrochar and Loch Long. While in Tarbet, consider booking a Cruise Loch Lomond boat trip to Inversnaid to visit the RSPB Reserve or take a circular cruise to explore the northern highlights of Loch Lomond.

At Tarbet, you can join the A83 for another spectacular road trip over The Rest and Be Thankful and onto Loch Goil and Cowal.

 

Cruise Loch Lomond at Tarbet

An Ceann Mòr, Inveruglas

 

Inveruglas

As you approach Inveruglas, you’ll notice the striking An Ceann Mòr viewpoint, which offers elevated panoramic views of Loch Lomond. This modern architectural structure is perfect for taking photos and enjoying the scenery. Nearby, you’ll find Loch Sloy Power Station, an impressive example of Scotland’s hydroelectric infrastructure. There is a car park (parking charge), with a cafe and toilets.

An Ceann Mòr, Inveruglas

Ardlui, Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Wakeboard at Ardlui

 

Ardlui & Inverarnan

North of Inveruglas lies Ardlui, where you’ll find a hotel, holiday park, and marina. This area is popular for water sports, with Loch Lomond Wakeboard offering lessons and equipment rentals. Just past Ardlui is Pulpit Rock, a historic site with a newly widened viaduct that has dramatically improved traffic flow on this once-congested stretch of road. The landscape becomes more rugged as you continue towards Inverarnan, where the famous Drovers Inn awaits. With over 300 years of history, this inn is said to be one of the most haunted in Britain and is a popular stop for travellers on the West Highland Way. You’ll notice that the train line is close to the loch here; this is the magnificent West Highland Line between Glasgow and Fort William.

The Drover’s Inn, Inverarnnan

Falls of Falloch

 

Falls of Falloch

Look out for the sign for The Falls of Falloch; the car park is just off the A82, relatively tiny, and soon fills up. It's just a short walk to the falls, with another of the Scottish Scenic Routes Viewpoints. This one is different to the one at Inveruglas; it's called The Woven Sound by John Kennedy, who designed this structure to provide an excellent view of the falls without damaging the area's trees and plants. It contains a 19th-century diary entry from Dorothy Wordsworth, who visited the falls.

Woven Sound, Falls of Falloch

 

Crianlarich

You have options at Crianlarich. Continue north and out of the National Park on the A82 towards Glencoe, or head east on the A85. Both are scenic routes, with the A85 keeping you in Breadalbane and taking you towards Rob Roy Country, Killin, Loch Earn and The Trossachs. A recent bypass allows drivers on the A82 to avoid Crianlarich altogether. 

Ben More and its distinctive pyramid shame dominate the view. To climb this Munro, allow a full day and be ready for a strenuous climb. Crianlarich is on the West Highland Way walk; a youth hostel is here. If you're travelling by train, you can change here to head to Oban. 

The Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum

Tyndrum

Whether heading north or south, Tyndrum can come as a surprise after a run of incredible scenery. The Green Welly Stop is famous and one of the places where you can stop getting something to eat and drink. Another is The Real Food Cafe, which I’d recommend

It's now only a short distance before you reach one of the distinctive National Park gateway signs; here, you leave Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. Of course, the Scottish Highlands await with all of their treasures. 

So that's Stoneymollen Roundabout in Balloch just north of Tyndrum, which is a route that connects two gateways to the National Park. It's hard to believe that with all of those landmarks and points of interest, the distance is only 40 miles. Hopefully, you enjoyed the trip and the ten stops along the way. 

The Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum

Thanks for reading

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

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