Best 10 Views From The Water
View of Ben Lomond from a speedboat
Great Views from the Water on Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine
There’s something truly magical about experiencing Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine from the water. Whether aboard a Steamer, a ferry, or a speedboat, the ever-changing scenery offers breathtaking views of majestic hills, tranquil islands, and historic landmarks. From iconic sights like Ben Lomond to hidden gems such as Brenachoile Point and Inchcailloch Island, these lochs provide some of the best vantage points for soaking in Scotland’s natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll take you through the 10 best views from the water on Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine, perfect for your next scenic adventure.
Ready to set sail? Let’s explore!
Inchcailloch Ferry: Gateway to a Magical Island Adventure
A visit to Inchcailloch Island, one of Loch Lomond’s most beautiful and serene islands, begins with a short but memorable on-demand ferry ride from Balmaha. This charming wooden boat crossing is part of the island’s magic, offering passengers stunning views of Balmaha Bay, with its calm waters, moored boats, and scenic shoreline framed by wooded hills.
The ferry runs on request, providing a convenient way for visitors to access the island and enjoy its peaceful walking trails, rich wildlife, and historic ruins, including an ancient burial ground. The gentle crossing takes only a few minutes but sets the tone for an unforgettable island adventure.
Whether you’re planning a family picnic or a leisurely nature walk, or want to experience the tranquillity of Loch Lomond from a unique perspective, the Inchcailloch ferry ride is an essential part of the journey. Read more below.
Balmaha Bay, Loch Lomond
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Inchmurrin Island: Loch Lomond’s Largest Island
A visit to Inchmurrin Island, the largest of Loch Lomond’s islands, is a memorable experience, offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and hospitality. The approach to the island is wonderfully scenic, with panoramic views of the surrounding loch and hills creating a spectacular backdrop as you draw closer.
Once on the island, visitors can enjoy the restaurant, bar, and accommodation facilities, making it a great destination for a relaxing meal or an overnight stay. To reach Inchmurrin, a bookable ferry service departs from Arden Roundabout (off the A82), offering a convenient and enjoyable way to cross the water.
Alternatively, for a more adventurous route, consider taking a speed boat tour from Portnellan Farm, which allows you to visit not only Inchmurrin but also other stunning islands on Loch Lomond. These tours offer a thrilling way to explore the loch while enjoying unique views of its many islands, wildlife, and picturesque surroundings.
Inchmurrin Island, Loch Lomond
Ardlui and the Loch Lomond Ferry
At the northern tip of Loch Lomond, the small village of Ardlui offers a unique way to cross the loch via an on-demand ferry, linking the Ardlui Hotel with the West Highland Way walking route on the opposite shore. This convenient service is perfect for hikers needing to continue their journey along the famous trail or for those simply wanting to explore both sides of the loch.
If you’re on the Ardlui side, head to the hotel to register your interest for one of the scheduled crossings. On the West Highland Way side, walkers can raise a buoy marker to signal the ferry for a pickup. Either method ensures you’ll be included in the next scheduled run across the loch.
During the short ferry ride, keep your eyes peeled for some spectacular views of the north end of Loch Lomond, framed by the surrounding mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of some wakeboarding action, as the loch is a popular spot for water sports.
Whether hiking the West Highland Way or visiting the area, the Ardlui ferry adds a fun and scenic twist to your adventure.
Ardlui Hotel, Loch Lomond
Inveruglas, Loch Lomond
At the northern end of Loch Lomond, Inveruglas offers one of the most striking viewpoints in the area – the Inveruglas Pyramid, also known as An Ceann Mòr. This unique art installation is part of the Scottish Scenic Routes initiative, designed to provide an elevated platform for stunning views across Loch Lomond and its surrounding mountains.
Visitors on dry land can climb the pyramid’s steps to enjoy panoramic views down the length of Loch Lomond, with Ben Lomond standing proudly in the distance. The site is also a great starting point for walks in the area and has a well-equipped visitor centre with parking, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the loch by car.
For those exploring Loch Lomond by water, the pyramid is equally impressive from the loch itself. You can glimpse An Ceann Mòr from a Portnellan Speed Boat tour or one of the regular Cruise Loch Lomond cruises, both offering a unique perspective of the iconic structure set against the backdrop of the surrounding Highlands.
Whether you’re admiring it from the water or climbing its steps on land, Inveruglas is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Loch Lomond.
Inveruglas Pyramid - An Ceann Mòr
Ben Lomond (From Maid of the Loch)
Here’s a special perspective – the view of Ben Lomond from a boat, but not just any boat – the iconic Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomond’s historic paddle steamer. This view was captured when she was still in the water at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, before being taken out in 2021 for major repairs as part of her extensive restoration process.
The Maid of the Loch was launched in 1953 and served as a beloved passenger steamer on Loch Lomond until 1981. Since then, efforts have been underway to restore her to full operational glory. While her restoration continues, visitors can explore her on hard hat tours, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into her history and mechanics. And, of course, you’ll be treated to a view of Ben Lomond from her deck – a sight that once welcomed countless passengers as they cruised the loch.
Read more about the Maid of the Loch in our guide linked below, and if you get the chance, we highly recommend taking one of the tours for a close-up look at this remarkable vessel and her story.
Ben Lomond from The Maid of the Loch, Balloch
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The Narrows, Loch Lomond
‘The Narrows’ is the stretch of Loch Lomond that separates the islands of Inchconnachan and Inchtavannach. There is a speed limit through this passage. It is near Aldochlay on the west side of Loch Lomond, making it ideal for kayaking or canoeing. You could also take a trip on a Portnellan Speed Boat Tour. Cruise Loch Lomond and Sweeney’s Cruises Luss to Balmaha water bus services go through this stretch.
Inchtavannach Island, Loch Lomond
Aldochlay, Loch Lomond
As mentioned, Aldochlay is reasonably close to some of the Loch Lomond islands. The tiny hamlet, with pretty cottages, is best viewed from the water. Either on a cruise or a kayak experience.
The picturesque hamlet is situated on the western shore of Loch Lomond, approximately one mile south of Luss in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. This tranquil spot is renowned for its charming cottages adorned with vibrant gardens, especially during the summer, offering a serene retreat for visitors seeking a peaceful experience by the loch.
Aldochlay is also part of the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path, which runs from Balloch to Tarbet, spanning approximately 18 miles. This makes it a pleasant stopover for cyclists traversing the scenic route along the loch’s western edge.
Arden, Loch Lomond
Conic Hill, Loch Lomond
Located near Balmaha, Conic Hill offers one of the most rewarding short hikes in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Known for its spectacular panoramic views, the summit provides a breathtaking vantage point overlooking Loch Lomond and its many islands, perfectly showcasing the Highland Boundary Fault that divides the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland.
There are some excellent views of Conic Hill on water bus services between Balmaha and Luss.
Conic Hill, Loch Lomond
Brenachoile Point, Loch Katrine
We move from the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond to the heart of The Trossachs and beautiful Loch Katrine. Among the many picturesque spots along its shores, Brenachoile Point stands out as a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Whether on foot or cycling, the 4.5-mile (7.25 km) route from Trossachs Pier to Brenachoile Point offers an easy and scenic trail with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Brenachoile Point has become a favourite among visitors for its idyllic picnic setting and its recent fame as a filming location for the hit TV series Outlander. Featured in the Season 2 finale, the point served as the backdrop for a memorable scene set in 1968, adding to its appeal for show fans. Today, it’s one of the must-visit locations for those exploring the loch.
In addition to its scenic charm, the area is rich in cultural history. The landscapes surrounding Loch Katrine inspired Sir Walter Scott’s iconic poem “The Lady of the Lake”, and visitors can delve into the literary and artistic heritage of the region by following the Great Trossachs Art & Literature Trail. Informative panels along the route highlight the connection between the loch and Scotland’s cultural history.
If you’re exploring Loch Katrine by water, you’ll have the chance to view Brenachoile Point from any of the Loch Katrine cruises, which sail close to this scenic spot. Lucky passengers may even catch sight of an osprey fishing or flying overhead, adding a touch of wildlife magic to the experience.
Read more at the link below.
Brenachoile Point, Loch Katrine
Rossdhu House, Loch Lomond
Unless you’re a member of the prestigious Loch Lomond Golf Club, the only way that you’ll get to see the impressive Rossdhu House is by the water. The clubhouse pictured below is the former clan seat of Clan Colquhoun.
As with some other entries, it’s your choice of a speedboat tour, kayak adventure or one of the Cruise Loch Lomond or Sweeney Cruises water bus or cruise services. Click the button below for more information about getting onto the water in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs.
The distinguished Georgian mansion has a rich history intertwined with Clan Colquhoun. Constructed between 1772 and 1774 for Sir James Colquhoun, 1st Baronet, the house likely reflects designs by architect John Baxter, with consultations from Sir John Clerk of Penicuik. The mansion replaced the medieval Rossdhu Castle, remnants of which still stand near the site, including sections of the south wall.
In 1994, Rossdhu House became the clubhouse for the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club. The estate, which spans approximately 660 acres, features a championship golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish and offers amenities such as lodging suites, dining facilities, and a health club.
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Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
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