Alongside Loch Lomond

Milarrochy Bay

If you’re planning to explore the shores of Loch Lomond, this guide has everything you need. Whether you’re seeking an adventure along the bonnie banks by foot, bike, or boat, we’ll show you how to access the different sections of the lochside and share recommendations for places to visit and activities to enjoy.

The guide is divided into three sections: East, South, and West shores of Loch Lomond. Each area offers unique experiences, and we’ve included links to additional articles for more in-depth information, as there’s only so much detail we can pack into one guide. These linked guides are filled with helpful tips to make the most of your visit.

 

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East Loch Lomond

East Loch Lomond

We have a separate guide with all the highlights of East Loch Lomond and another on camping (including a highly recommended camping pitch near Rowardennan.)

West Highland Way

The West Highland Way path goes alongside Loch Lomond from Balmaha up to the northern end of the loch. This path is undoubtedly the best way to experience the eastern shoreline.

It’s around 7 miles from Drymen to Balmaha, over Conic Hill, and another 7 miles onto Rowardennan—a further 7 to Inversnaid and another 7 miles to Inverarran.

Enjoy the entire 96-mile West Highland Way experience, of which the Loch Lomond section will be a highlight, or use our guides to break it down into sections.

East Loch Lomond

Balmaha

An additional car park recently opened at Balmaha provides more spaces, taking pressure off the original council car park. Both are pay and display. To get alongside Loch Lomond, start at the Tom Weir Statue alongside the bay, or for a great little adventure, take the Balmaha Boatyard ferry to Inchcailloch Island.

Milarrochy Bay

Walk along the shoreline path to Milarrochy Bay, and if you’re driving, there is a free car park there. This is an excellent place to bring the family and sit on the beach on a warm day (do go early, as spaces fill quickly when the sun shines). There are toilets here, and it is ideal for launching kayaks, canoes, and SUPs.

Rowardennan

Rowardennan is at the end of the road if driving; it is also the starting point for climbing Ben Lomond, which draws tens of thousands yearly. So, an additional overflow car park introduced recently is most welcome.

Inversnaid

To get to Inversnaid by car, you must take the B829 from Aberfoyle, one of the many excellent scenic roads in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs. You can also get to Inversnaid by foot along the West Highland Way or Great Trossachs Path from Callander. In addition, cruise Loch Lomond has a waterbus service from Tarbet on the opposite side of Loch Lomond.

You will need to travel by foot to explore the shoreline that runs north alongside the eastern shores.

Aber Shore, Gartocharn

South Loch Lomond

You can’t walk alongside the entire southern shoreline; however, there are some excellent spots to get access. A new pathway will go to the beautiful Aber Shore at the RSPB reserve. Our guide to getting to Aber Shore describes a diversion because of a damaged bridge. It is essential not to try to drive down to the shore as there is no parking. Use our guide for instructions.

Motorboat Trips

A mention for Portnellan Farm, a working farm on the southern shores that also offers a tremendous speed boat experience. We used this to see all of Loch Lomond’s islands, even landing on some, also a great way to experience the pretty southern shoreline.

Balloch

Loch Lomond Leisure and Sweeny Cruise Co. run cruise and water bus services from two locations in Balloch. These connect with other villages or provide a circular cruise close to the islands and shoreline.

At Loch Lomond Shores, you can park and enjoy the leisure and retail options. Best of all, you can walk along the lochside, up to the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer, which is currently out of the water, berthed on her slipway for restoration.

Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch

West Loch Lomond

Our A82 Road Trip blog features all the points of interest on the journey between Balloch and Tyndrum. The highlights along the western shores are Duck Bay, a picnic spot with an excellent restaurant and café. Next, Aldochlay has pretty cottages and a great place to take to the water, and Luss has lots of access to the loch, as our comprehensive guide describes.

Cycling alongside Loch Lomond

The West Lomond Cycle Path gets you alongside the loch and is an excellent way to explore the shoreline between Balloch and Tarbet.

Tarbet Cruises

Cruise Loch Lomond is based in Tarbet, and has numerous cruise and water bus options.

Northern part of Loch Lomond

Further north, there is Inveruglas, with a pyramid-shaped viewing platform, and then Ardlui, with a marina and watersports. A ferry connects Ardleish on the other side of the loch.

Inveruglas, Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Highlights

Here’s where we recommend for different activities:

• Cruise departures – Tarbet, Luss, Balloch, Balmaha and Invernsaid (View timetables)

• Camping – Firkin Point on Western Shores (National Park) and East Loch Lomond

• Motorhome Service Point – Tarbet

• Sitting on the beach – Milarrochy Bay, Rowardennan, and Luss

• Places for families – Balmaha, Balloch, and Luss(Including Loch Lomond Faerie Trail)

• Picturesque – Balmaha, Luss, Invernsaid, Inveruglas, Rowardennan and Aldochlay

• Watersports – Loch Lomond Shores, Ardlui and Luss

• Access by train – Balloch, Tarbet and Ardlui

• Bird watching – Aber Shore, Gartocharn, and Invernsaid (RSPB Reserves)

• Hill Climbing – Ben Lomond (Rowardennan), Conic Hill (Balmaha), Beinn Dubh (Luss)

• Launching paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes – Aldochlay and Milarrochy Bay

• Cycling – West Lomond Cycle Path and Drymen to Balloch on NCN7

• Walking – Balmaha, Inversnaid, Aber Shore, and Balloch Castle Country Park

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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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