10 Loch Lomond Walks with Views

Drymen Viewpoint

Here is a list of 10 beautiful walks that provide different views of Loch Lomond. They range from gentle and short walks to more strenuous hill climbs and a Munro. If you’re looking for a walk with a wonderful view then there’s something here for everyone.

Drymen Viewpoint 

We start in the village of Drymen, East Loch Lomond, an excellent place for walking and cycling. Although a few miles from the lochside, there is a viewpoint opposite the Buchanan Arms Hotel; it's around 5 minutes to get her from Drymen Square. A few steps at the start and a gentle slope up to the viewpoint. This photograph (above) was taken at sunset, towards Loch Lomond in the distance. Read more in our guide to Drymen.  

Conic Hill

Allow around 90 minutes for a walk from Balmaha to the high point of Conic Hill, for great views across Loch Lomond and some of its islands. Conic Hill is one of the most popular walks in Scotland, so expect it to be busy. It's a steep but rewarding climb, starting in the forest and then up a series of steps before the views open up. Read more in our guides to Conic Hill and Balmaha. 

Conic Hill

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Craigie Fort, Balmaha

Craigie Fort

An alternative or additional option at Balmaha is the Millennium Trail, which you will find at the back of the car park. It's the opposite direction of the West Highland Way to Conic Hill, an enjoyable path where you may see a Red Squirrel if you're fortunate. The last part of the walk is a short, sharp climb to reach a rocky summit with views of nearby Inchcailloch Island. We walk here during our photography training courses. Read more in our guide of Balmaha. Allow around 30-60 minutes. 

Dumpling / Duncryne Hill 

A terrific walk and a favourite of Tom Weir, who for many years lived nearby. The hill is by Gartocharn (with instructions at our guide.) After a short climb, you can enjoy stunning views up Loch Lomond from this southern view. Ben Lomond can be seen in the distance. Read our guide to climbing ‘The Dumpling’ Duncryne Hill and also read Tom Weir’s Loch Lomond.

Duncryne Hill, The Dumpling

Beinn Dubh, Luss

Beinn Dubh

The second most challenging peak on our list, although you don't have to climb too far to get some great views of Luss village where the walk starts, together with Ben Lomond and the cluster of nearby Loch Lomond islands. However, keep climbing the 642metres, and you won't be disappointed. 

Inchcailloch Island

Our lists always seem to find a way of including this magical Loch Lomond Island. You can reach Inchcailloch by ferry from Balmaha Boatyard or Cruise Loch Lomond from Luss. At the island summit, enjoy excellent 360 views, including Ben Lomond, Conic Hill and islands. The walk itself is less than an hour. Read our guide to the island and this walk.

Inchcailloch Island, Loch Lomond

RSPB Inversnaid

It's back onto the West Highland Way path for our next walk and viewpoint. From Inversnaid Car Park, head north along the West Highland Way, turning onto the RSPB trail path, which is well signed. The view after the climb is across the loch to Inveruglas and the Loch Sloy Power Station, along with the Arrochar Alps. Read our guides to Arklet Falls/RSPB walk and Inversnaid. Allow a couple of hours for this walk. 

RSPB Trail, Inversnaid

Aber Shore, Gartocharn

Aber Shore

This time it's the other RSPB Loch Lomond for a walk along Aber Shore, which is now connected by a trail from the reserve. The quiet shoreline at Gartocharn is flat and easy to walk, and you can get up to the mouth of River Endrick. Read our guides to Aber Shore, Gartocharn and RSPB Loch Lomond. Allow up to two hours for this walk.

West Highland Way Path 

From Balmaha until the northern tip of Loch Lomond, you can walk alongside or close to the bonnie banks using the stunning West Highland Way path. The shoreline is beautiful, with sandy beaches and pretty views, in total 20 miles. Read through our guides that split the path into sections, with information on what to expect along the route. They are:

• Balmaha to Rowardennan - just under 7 miles

• Rowardennan to Inversnaid - 7 miles

• Inversnaid to Inverarnan - 7 miles

Ben Lomond

Of course, the ultimate walk and a view of Loch Lomond is the climb up Ben Lomond, Scotland's most southerly Munro. You could arrive using a train and water bus from Tarbet or drive to Rowardennan. This climb is unsurprisingly very popular, so arrive early for your walk, taking around 5 hours. Read our Climb Ben Lomond guide.

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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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