10 Loch Lomond Highlights
The Best of Loch Lomond
Here are ten things to enjoy on a visit to Loch Lomond. Of course, this highlight list could be much longer, as there are so many things to enjoy, but hopefully, there is something here for everyone.
Click on the links for more detailed guides on this website or for external sites. In the Loch Lomond section of this website, you will find many additional guides to help you plan a trip to Loch Lomond. Note the ten aren’t ranked.
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.
1) Visit a Lochside Village
A list of Loch Lomond Highlights has to include the beautiful villages of Balmaha on the eastern shores and Luss on the west. They both have good places to eat, drink and shop for gifts and souvenirs. We have updated guides for both and other nearby Loch Lomond villages.
2) Cycle alongside Loch Lomond
The West Lomond Cycle Path goes from Loch Lomond Shores and through Duck Bay, Carrick Golf Club, Aldochlay, Luss, Firkin Point to Tarbet. The path keeps you off the main road, although you are close to the A82 at times. You are very close to the loch with some great views out to Ben Lomond.
3) Cruise on Loch Lomond
Two cruise companies are operating on Loch Lomond, Cruise Loch Lomond, based in Tarbet and Sweeney's Cruises in Balloch. Enjoy commentary and discover more about Loch Lomond as you cruise past the islands and landmarks. The links to their website will allow you to check the latest timetables and waterbus services.
4) Walk along the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way paths are not exclusively for those folk walking the 96-mile long-distance route. Walk the sections that are, for many, the highlight of their West Highland Way experience. Our guides describe each section, and we highly recommend walking up Conic Hill and then on any of the parts of the mainly lochside path between Balmaha and Inverarnan.
5) Play Golf at Loch Lomond
The Carrick Golf Club on the western side of Loch Lomond comes with a stunning backdrop, with views across Loch Lomond and the islands. It is part of the Cameron House Resort; there are two courses Carrick and Wee Demon. Close by is the highly prestigious and exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club that you need to be a member of to play.
6) Loch Lomond Faerie Trail
Children will love the Faerie Trail, a wonderful family attraction to enjoy in Luss. Look for the silver Loch Lomond Adventures caravan in the new car park, where you will be able to buy tickets and a guide to the Faerie Trail.
7) Visit a Loch Lomond Island
The most visited islands on Loch Lomond are Inchmurrin, with a hotel and restaurant reached by on-demand ferry. To get to Inchcailloch Island, take a Cruise Loch Lomond boat from Luss. For something special, I highly recommend a Portnellan Farm (near Gartocharn) speedboat trip. Chris from the farm will take you around and onto the islands. We have guides to this experience with both the southern and northern islands on Loch Lomond; we also have a list of all the Loch Lomond islands.
8) Climb Ben Lomond
It has to be done, a climb to the summit of the most southerly Munro in Scotland. We have a complete guide to help you plan your Ben Lomond experience. For similar views, but with less climbing, consider Conic Hill. If you plan to climb Ben Lomond, go early as the car park can quickly fill.
9) Visit RSPB Loch Lomond Reserves
Close to the shores of Loch Lomond are two RSPB reserves at Gartocharn and Inversnaid. Gartocharn has trails, a visitor centre and a great viewpoint shelter looking towards Ben Lomond. There are plans to connect with a footpath to Aber Shore, which is also part of the reserve. At Inversnaid, there are some excellent trails and viewpoints. For both, you will be able to see the boards updated with the latest sightings.
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10) Picnic At a Loch Lomond Bay
There are many excellent bays and points to enjoy a picnic by the 'Bonnie Banks'. On the western shores, there is Duck Bay, Firkin Point and Inveruglas, whilst on the eastern shores, there is Milarrochy Bay.
There are the ten highlights for starters to get you walking, climbing, visiting, cruising, picnicking, golfing and cycling. Enjoy your Loch Lomond experience; where to start? Let us know in the comments your favourite Loch Lomond place and activity.
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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Buy our guidebook, 101 Things to Do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, packed with attractions, views, and activities to enjoy.