trip to loch lomond from glasgow

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Loch Lomond from Glasgow in 6 Best Road Trip Stops

Scotland’s landscapes are a famous mixture of rugged hills, serene lochs, and picturesque villages, and there’s no better way to experience this beauty than with a road trip to Loch Lomond from Glasgow. I did this trip as part of a longer one to and from the Outer Hebrides – it was lush!

This journey, spanning from the bustling capital city to the serene beauty of Balloch Castle Country Park, the quaint village of Luss, the Inveruglas Visitor Centre, and the haven of Tarbet. Each stop on the way to and around the calming shores of Loch Lomond promises a wonderful mix of history and natural wonders. Get your favourite snacks and a driving playlist ready for this scenic drive, as I guide you through my five road trip stops from Glasgow to Loch Lomond.

What to see on a drive to Loch Lomond from Glasgow

Cities, castles, lochs and villages, the half hour journey between Glasgow and Loch Lomond is worth taking a day to explore.

Start your journey in Glasgow, the dynamic and lively city. There are a plethora of things you can see and do in Glasgow but this is just the first stop on your road trip.

I’d pick your favourite out of the following suggestions:

• Visit the Glasgow Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that dates back to the 12th century.
• Explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to an extensive collection of art and artefacts.
• Or The Riverside Museum, located on the banks of the River Clyde, showcases the city’s transportation history.

You could also take a stroll through George Square, the city’s main public square surrounded by impressive Victorian buildings. Here you can admire the architecture of the University of Glasgow, founded in 1451.

You could indulge in some shopping on Buchanan Street here – known for its high-end shops and boutiques.

For now let’s continue with our journey to Loch Lomond from Glasgow with 5 road trip stops.

2. Balloch Castle Country Park

Head northwest from Glasgow towards Balloch Castle Country Park, situated at the southern end of Loch Lomond. The park offers a stunning backdrop with views of the Loch and the surrounding Trossachs National Park.

Balloch Castle Country Park stands as a wonderful example of Scotland’s natural beauty, an oasis on the edge of Loch Lomond. It is incredible how you are just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city of Glasgow and yet can so quickly be in the gorgeous countryside.

Driving down the long and winding roads is an adventure in itself and a chance to take in the magnificent scenery.

The centrepiece of the park, Balloch Castle, is a 19th-century mansion not to be missed. Surrounded by manicured gardens and lush greenery, the castle is home to various tales of Scottish aristocratic life. Visitors can tour the castle and appreciate the fascinating architecture and grandeur of both the building and the decadent rooms inside.

The park itself sprawls over 200 acres. Walkable trails lead through woodlands and open spaces, providing for a gorgeous leisurely stroll or, for the more adventurous, an invigorating hike. Breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs National Park await you and are glorious all year round with their ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons.

Families can enjoy picnics on the lawns at Balloch Castle, while adventure seekers can enjoy the more strenuous hikes to viewpoints that show off the Loch in all its glory. Birdwatchers will be treated to a wide variety of different species to admire, and history lovers can learn the backstory to the grounds through informational displays scattered throughout the park. If you really want to push the boat out then take a boat ride from the park’s shores and appreciate the Loch’s vastness.

Balloch Castle Country Park is easily accessible, making it an ideal day-trip destination from Glasgow. Ample parking, well-maintained paths, and facilities make this an easy to manage road trip stop on your way to Loch Lomond from Glasgow. 

3. Luss Village

Further up on the western bank of Loch Lomond, Luss Village is a picture-perfect destination that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard for Scottish heritage. Steeped in history, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and cobblestone streets, the village is renowned for its 18th century chocolate-box stone cottages with colourful flower gardens. The village’s origins can be traced to mediaeval times, and its architecture reflects the character of times gone by, making wandering through Luss feel like stepping into a storybook. 

The Luss Parish Church, built in 1875, stands as a testament to Scottish craftsmanship, with its distinctive steeple overlooking the Loch. Visitors can explore the churchyard which is home to many ancient gravestones which is an example of the many generations who have lived here.

Luss Pier offers an ideal vantage point to take in the expansive Loch, the largest inland body of water in Great Britain, and the surrounding hills. You may even see some of the aforementioned boats gently bobbing in the water.

Whilst Luss is tranquil it also offers a range of outdoor activities. Whether it’s a scenic cruise or a kayaking excursion, there’s lots of ways to connect with the Loch in a variety of exciting ways. There’s even a sandy beach if you’d prefer to take things a little easier.

For those with a penchant for enchantment, Luss is the starting point for the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail. This family-friendly adventure takes you through woodlands adorned with whimsical sculptures, interactive displays, and a touch of magic. It’s an engaging way to explore the natural surroundings while sparking the imagination of visitors of all ages.

Alternatively, Luss village has some gorgeous shops offering local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Scottish treats. You can stop for coffee or pick up some mementos of your stop in Luss. Now let’s carry on with our ilLUSStrious journey from Loch Lomond from Glasgow in 5 road trip stops.

4. Inveruglas Visitor Centre

Sitting on the western shores of the gorgeous Loch Lomond, the Inveruglas Visitor Centre is a wonderful place to stop to take in this Scottish treasure. Positioned against a backdrop of rolling hills and pristine waters, this centre serves not only as an informative hub but also as a vantage point at which visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of Loch Lomond. One of the main draws of the Inveruglas Visitor Centre is the impressive panoramic views so make sure you’ve got your camera ready.

Inside the visitor centre, educational exhibits provide insights into the diverse plant and animal life that call the region home, the ecosystem of the area and the ecological significance of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts will find Inveruglas to be a haven for capturing the essence of Loch Lomond. The play of light on the water, the lush greenery, and the ever-changing skies provide endless opportunities for stunning photographs, making this a great destination for those seeking to document their Scottish journey to Loch Lomond from Glasgow with 5 road trip stops.

Nestled between the majestic Ben Lomond and the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, the village of Tarbet is a hidden gem along the western edge of Scotland. Steeped in natural beauty and surrounded by lush landscapes, Tarbet offers a peaceful retreat for travellers seeking a blend of serenity and Scottish charm.

Tarbet, meaning ‘isthmus’ in Scottish Gaelic, is aptly named for its location on a narrow strip of land between Loch Lomond and Loch Long. The village provides yet more impressive views of the expansive Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills.

The Arrochar Trail on Cruach Tairbeirt hill offers woodland walks with amazing views of Loch Long and the Arrochar Alps. You can access the trail from the underpass at Arrochar and Tarbet Train Station. The village of Tarbet also can provide you with a ride on the West Highland Line , voted one of the top rail journeys in the world.

Unlike busier tourist destinations, Tarbet maintains a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere. The unhurried pace allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area, making it an ideal spot to relax.

Tarbet offers the potential for outdoor adventures, with opportunities for hiking, boating, and exploring the nearby Trossachs National Park. Ben Lomond, one of Scotland’s Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet), challenges hikers with its trails but rewards them with beautiful summit views.

The village has lots of warm and welcoming B&Bs if you decide to stay over. It’s great for its proximity to Loch Lomond making it a convenient starting point for boat cruises, beginning a hike, discovering historic landmarks such as Arrochar Parish Church, and appreciating the wildlife of the area.

Tarbet is conveniently located along the A82 road, making it a very accessible stop on your journey from Glasgow to Loch Lomond by car. Tarbet is a haven of mother nature and the presence of Ben Lomond only adds to the idyllic journey to Loch Lomond from Glasgow in 5 road trip stops, making your Scottish getaway extra special!

6. Loch Lomond

You’ve made it!

Congratulations – you’re in Loch Lomond. You can now make the most of all the outdoors pursuits the lake has to offer. Enjoy!

Road trip from Loch Lomond to Glasgow

From the hustle and bustle of Glasgow to the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, this road trip is sure to make memories of the stunning Scottish landscape. Whether that be exploring Glasgow’s more urban architecture, the beauty of Balloch Castle Country Park, the timelessness of Luss, the panoramic views from Inveruglas, and the meditative Tarbet, there is so much that will stay with you long after you leave these glorious vistas.

Rugged beauty is Scotland’s forte, and driving to Loch Lomond from Glasgow with 5 road trip stops will allow you you take in as much of it as possible.

READ MORE: 4 Best Outdoor Activities in Scotland to Enjoy at Anytime of the Year

Loch Lomond from Glasgow 5 road trip stops

• Balloch Castle Country Park
• Luss Village
• Inveruglas Visitor Centre

Is Loch Lomond worth a visit?

Absolutely, Loch Lomond is well worth a visit. It’s one of Scotland’s most picturesque places to see. The loch itself is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area, and it’s surrounded by rolling hills, villages, and a rich variety of wildlife. Whether you’re keen on hiking, boating, or simply soaking in the serene landscapes, Loch Lomond has a lot of activities too.

What is the nearest town to Loch Lomond?

The nearest town to Loch Lomond is Balloch. Situated at the southern tip of the loch, Balloch is a gateway to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This quaint town offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and accommodation, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.

Balloch also boasts attractions like the Loch Lomond Shores, a visitor centre with shopping and dining options, and the Balloch Castle Country Park, offering stunning views of the loch.

How long does it take to drive to Loch Lomond from Glasgow?

The drive from Glasgow to Loch Lomond is quite straightforward and takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The most common route is via the A82, which is a scenic drive offering glimpses of the beautiful Scottish countryside. This makes Loch Lomond an easily accessible destination for a day trip. However, I highly recommend you take the day to see all the places listed above.

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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Planning a Loch Lomond Day Trip from Glasgow & Edinburgh

Last Updated on January 22, 2024

by Daniella Lynn Theis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a Loch Lomond day trip from Glasgow (or even Edinburgh) is an excellent way to see one of Scotland’s most beautiful natural areas even if you’re slightly short on time.

“By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes, where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond” –  these are the opening words of an old Scottish folk song. It is said that one of the captured soldiers of bonnie Prince Charlie already spoke of the beauty of Loch Lomond in a letter to his sweetheart back in 1745 and it was on his words the song was based.

The song has been covered by AC/DC as well as Scottish band Runrig, and thousands of visitors head to Loch Lomond’s shores each year. If you too are planning your own visit to Loch Lomond, then you have definitely made the right choice.

Like all the national parks in the UK, entry to Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is free, and it is easily accessible by car or public transport from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

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Getting from Glasgow to Loch Lomond

There are several ways to get to the loch no matter if you have a car available or not and should you not want to plan your own itinerary, you can always choose to embark on a day tour.

By Organised Tour

While it is possible to organise your own itinerary and go from Glasgow to Loch Lomond independently, some organised tours offer a great way to see the loch’s beauty alongside a knowledgeable guide.

Tours leave from central locations within the city and mean you do not have to worry about public transport times.

This day tour or this day tour gives you the chance to visit the Trossachs National Park, enjoy a 1-hour cruise across Loch Lomond as well as taking you to Stirling Castle  – one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland – to finish off your day. You can also have a similar experience on a private tour.

This other fun-filled tour starts at Stirling castle and then takes you around several sites of the loch via mini-coach before giving you a glimpse of what it feels like walking the West Highland Way – one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking routes – before a finale pit-stop at the world-known Distillery of Glengoyne.

Taking the train is definitely a great way to get to the loch quickly. Two direct trains run from the centre of Glasgow to different parts of the loch.

One of them runs to Balloch – at the south end of the loch – while the other runs to Arrochar & Tarbet – more on the north end of the loch. Both train stations are reasonably close to the loch, and you will not have to walk more than 15 minutes to reach the shores of Loch Lomond.

Both trains run from Glasgow Queen Street station. The Balloch service runs twice every hour throughout the day up until about 11pm, and you can reach the shores of Loch Lomond in under an hour.

Balloch is the final destination of the line, so there is no need to worry about missing your stop. This service offers a very cheap way to commute from Glasgow to Loch Lomond. Click here to view schedules .

The train going to Arrochar & Tarbet is part of the West Highland railway line and does not run as frequently as the train to Balloch, but it is worth noting that this route is considered one of the most scenic train routes in the country.

The service runs about every two hours, and the journey time to Arrochar & Tarbet is a little longer than the one to Balloch. However, within a bit over an hour, you will be at the loch’s north shores, so it is still a great way to get from Glasgow to Loch Lomond.

The station at Arrochar & Tarbet is about a 15-minute walk away from the shores. The last train returning to Glasgow from this station is around 10 pm and it is cheaper to book a return ticket rather than two single tickets. Click here to view schedules .

Glasgow’s Buchanan bus station is right in the centre of Glasgow, and two Citylink bus routes cross the National Park and Loch Lomond.

While the train does offer a very comfortable way to get to Loch Lomond, going by bus will give you a wider variety of stops and places to visit during your day in Loch Lomond.

Whichever service you choose, be sure to say to your driver where you are planning to get off, as otherwise, they might not always stop unless passengers are waiting to board at the stop.

The service going to Fort William and Skye from Glasgow has stops at Balloch, Duck Bay Beach, Luss, Inverbeg, Tarbet and Inveruglas; all of which are close to Loch Lomond.

The other route going to Oban/Campbeltown has stops at Arrochar and Ardgartan. Just like the other bus, it does continue to other stops in the national park, such as ‘Rest and be Thankful’, but these do not offer direct access to Loch Lomond.

This service also runs several times a day, approximately every two to three hours but the last service running from Glasgow is at about 6pm. Click here to view schedules .

Getting from Glasgow to Loch Lomond by car is relatively easy. The city has several links to the motorway, and depending on the traffic you can get to Balloch in as little as half an hour.

From Glasgow, you would take the M8 and then change to the M898 to the Erskine Bridge, then take the A82 into the National Park.

If you are planning to go further north than Balloch, then the route is the same; you just keep going on the A82 taking you to other destinations such as Tarbet. The drive along the loch is lovely, and you will already be able to soak up a lot of Loch Lomond’s beauty on your journey along the shores.

However, be aware: While the M8 is a multiple carriageway, the A82 is not and once you are past Dumbarton it could be that you will have to queue behind lorries, buses and behind other drivers. On a sunny day, Loch Lomond is not just popular with tourists but is also visited by many locals.

The route along the loch is quite narrow and overtaking is not recommended unless the area is designated as such. Best is to check for any roadworks or delays on Traffic Scotland’s web page.

If you’re looking to rent a car, then it’s best to browse options on Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices across many major car hire companies.

It’s also worth considering taking out an excess insurance policy from iCarHireInsurance to ensure you don’t need to pay any deductible if making a claim.

Getting from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Due to Loch Lomond being in such close proximity to Glasgow, planning a day trip from Glasgow is a bit more straightforward and involves less travel time, but this should most definitely not dishearten you from planning your Edinburgh to Loch Lomond day trip.

While it does take longer to get there overall, Loch Lomond is still easily accessible from Edinburgh by either public transport, tour or car.

These tours offer a great way to enjoy your day from a comfortable minibus or another form of transport with a fun-packed itinerary and a knowledgeable guide.

This great tour from Edinburgh offers you the chance to visit the Trossachs National Park with a small tour group via Stirling Castle and Glengoyne Distillery.

It includes live commentary on board the bus, as well as the option to choose between a boat ride on the loch or a beautiful walk along its shores. If you’re not interested in visit the distillery, you can also choose this day tour.

If you’re going to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh, you will have to go via Glasgow. There are no direct trains from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond, but trains are running from Edinburgh’s main train stations to Glasgow Queen Street all day – most of the time there are several trains within the hour, so you will not find it hard to find one to match your schedule.

Once in Glasgow, you can choose either of the services mentioned above. Overall you will be able to reach Loch Lomond from Edinburgh within 2.5 hours or less. Click here to view schedules .

As with trains, you will have to change at Glasgow’s Buchanan bus station to board your bus to Loch Lomond. Buses from Edinburgh’s bus station run to Glasgow every 15 to 30 minutes, and you will likely only have to walk a few steps to board your connecting bus.

Traffic can differ depending on what time of day you chose to travel, and it is important to note that you might spend about three to four hours travelling.

However, the buses do offer a cheaper alternative to the trains, you can click here to view the schedules .

If you choose to go by car, you will not find it hard. Edinburgh offers a great connection to Scotland’s motorways, and you can reach the loch within about 90 minutes.

There are two main routes you can choose from here: Either you go via Glasgow or via Stirling. Both ways are easy enough to follow and will get you there around the same time.

Loch Lomond Day Trip Itinerary

You can either start your day in Balloch or in Arrochar & Tarbet. Both are very convenient to get to and have visitor centres to set you up for a good start to your day. This itinerary could easily be done vice versa.

Balloch is at the south shore of Loch Lomond. It has some great cafes, pubs and restaurants should you wish to enjoy a meal or early lunch before you start exploring.

The south shores will give you a taste of what beautiful scenery is to come, and there is a VisitScotland Information centre conveniently located directly opposite the train station in the centre of Balloch.

Through the centre, you will have access to local maps of Loch Lomond as well as be able to pick up a timetable for the Loch Lomond Waterbus and Ferry Services.

If you are looking to start your day with a little walk, you can walk along Balloch Castle Country Park at the eastern end of the village. The castle these days is actually a building constructed at the beginning of the 19 th century, but the grounds used to have another castle that was built around 1300.

It will not be hard to guess why the location was chosen for either building: The views of Loch Lomond are spectacular, and the area of the castle towards the loch does create some majestic ambience. The walk will take approximately 90 minutes and is moderately easy as long as you are wearing a good pair of shoes.

You can also hire bikes and boats from the beach at Loch Lomond Shores or take a cruise on the loch from the pontoon and maybe find some mythical kelpies lurking in the depths of the waters.

Other options are to visit the Loch Lomond Bird Prey Sanctuary located in Balloch or, should the Scottish weather be that tiny bit to ‘dreich’ for outdoor activities, you could visit Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium.

Your next stop should be the village of Luss which is halfway between Balloch and Arrochar & Tarbet. It is quite small, but it is stunning! The village itself is a conservation village, and its old cobblestone buildings make you feel like you step back in time.

If you started your day by taking the train or bus to Balloch, you could easily take a bus up to Luss. Timetables will be available from the visitor centre. If you are looking for a more immersive experience on your day trip to Loch Lomond, then it is also possible to catch a water taxi to Luss Pier.

Once there, the village has access to several great walks that will help you explore the village and the beautiful area surrounding it.

These can differ in length, and it is entirely up to you whether you want to dedicate yourself to a 30-minute walk through the village or embark on the 90-minute heritage trail.

One thing not to be missed, however, are the views of Ben Lomond that you can get from Luss Pier. Walk along, and I am sure you will stand in awe.

If you are looking to have a bite to eat or a ‘cuppa’ to warm up, then Luss has a variety of shops and places to eat and drink.

Arrochar & Tarbet

Tarbet is actually the one out of the two villages that is closer to Loch Lomond while Arrochar is closer to Loch Long.

Arrochar & Tarbet train station is on the West Highland Railway line, and you can walk from there to Tarbet quite easily. The bus will likely drop you off at the ‘centre’ of Tarbet before either taking the turn towards Campbelltown or Fort William. If you are arriving by car, you will get to Tarbet by just following the A82 from Balloch and Luss.

Depending on your time budget and the time of year, the pier at Tarbet provides access to the loch, and a variety of cruise options are available.

From Tarbet, you can walk the Tarbet Isle Walk. It is only 1.2 miles or 2km long and a relatively easy circuit. You will cross through pine woods and oak woodland with excellent views over Loch Lomond and Tarbet.

A footpath links Tarbet to Arrochar, and the distance is approximately 1.5 miles. It is definitely worth taking a walk towards Arrochar as it will actually allow you to cross the narrow path between Loch Lomond and Loch Long offering you spectacular views of another beautiful loch in Scotland so you can tick two off of the list.

There is a visitor centre and a little tea room in Tarbet should you need to warm up after a long day of adventures and hillwalking. If you’re looking for a great place for lunch or dinner, both The Slanj (located close to the train station) and Cù Mara Bistro in Arrochar are excellent options.

Have more Time?

If you have more than one day in Loch Lomond, here are some suggestions for the best things to do.

Venture across the Loch to Balmaha

Balmaha is a small village on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. It has a visitor centre, local amenities and some stunning nature walks . One thing definitely worth doing is the climb up Conic Hill . The hill is only approximately 400 metres high, but the climb is quite steep, so be aware! However, the views will make you forget any troubles you had during the climb.

It is from Balmaha you can also visit the small island of Inchcailloch. Balmaha’s bay provides the closest starting point for any crossing to the island.

Boats run from Luss to Balmaha, but it is worth noting that they do not run all year round. It is best to visit an information centre at Balloch or Arrochar and Tarbet for up to date timetables and information if you are planning to get to Balmaha by boat.

There is a bus service between Balloch and Balmaha runs throughout the day, so it is possible to get there by other means of public transport.

If you are going by car, Balmaha can be reached by driving from Balloch to Drymen village. In Drymen village, turn left on to B837 for Balmaha.

Explore other parts of Trossachs National Park

It is a lovely place, and you will not be disappointed if you choose to stray from Loch Lomond even further into the depths of the park. If you take the bus or drive towards Campbelltown, you will pass the famous spot ‘Rest and be thankful’ – and thankful you will be!

The view comprises a mountain pass ahead of you from which you can see the windy road ahead for miles. Other great bits of the park include Callander, an old town from which you can choose to partake several walks or Killin.

Take in more of Scotland’s beauty outside the park

The A82 continues on towards the West Highlands and will take you to Glencoe . I don’t think there will ever be a time in my life where I do not find Glencoe beautiful. I will marvel and be melancholy at the green mountains, the incredible glens, the waterfalls and summits all my life.

If you want to see Scotland’s outstanding beauty, then Glencoe should be on your list if you have the time. Should you not have a car you do not need to worry: The West Highland railway runs through Glencoe, and you can even listen to an audio tour created by Scottish Natural Heritage.

If you want to use Loch Lomond as a base to explore the Scottish Highlands, this is an excellent option.

They created a free app that provides an audio guide to several scenic train routes in Scotland. If you are going by bus, towards Fort William, the coach might not stop, but you will be able to enjoy the views nonetheless.

Another great place is the seaside town Oban – the self-proclaimed ‘seafood capital of Scotland.’ To be fair, I did have the best fish and chips I ever had in my life there, hands down. So potentially this is true. Oban always has something going on, and you will be able to partake in boat trips, visit museums or soak in some local musical talent at one of the pubs.

Oban can easily be reached by car or public transport. If you board the West Highland Railway at Arrochar and Tarbet, it will take you straight there, and buses run to Oban from several stops along the loch.

Where to Stay in Loch Lomond

Global B&B  – A charming bed and breakfast located in the village of Luss, this is an excellent, quaint place to rest your head when visiting Loch Lomond. They have a handful of lovely, comfortable and clean rooms available and a great breakfast is included each morning.

The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel  – If you’re on the hunt for a bit more luxury on your trip to Loch Lomond, then you can’t go wrong with this plush hotel. They have a range of luxe and stunning rooms available and there is also a great restaurant and bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other options in Loch Lomond!

Going on a Loch Lomond day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh is an excellent and easy way to enjoy the beautiful Scottish countryside while not venturing too far from the city.

Are you visiting Loch Lomond? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!

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About Daniella Lynn Theis

Daniella is a writer for The World Was Here First. Based in in Glasgow, Scotland, she has lived in several different countries and is always on the hunt for adventures, trying to find even the most hidden secrets for any destination. In her spare time, she loves photography and finding new eateries and things to do in or around Glasgow.

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Loch Lomond Day Trip from Glasgow

Scotland abounds with beautiful nature, so picking one place to visit can be quite challenging! 

However, if you only have a short time to explore, Loch Lomond is an eminently doable day trip, as well as an enchanting destination that is sure to delight you.  

Only located about an hour from Glasgow , Loch Lomond offers serene views, nice hiking at a variety of activity levels, and a lovely escape from city life. 

While the loch is part of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park , it is super easy to just visit the loch by itself, even if you do not make it to the rest of the national park. 

Named after nearby mountain Ben Lomond , Loch Lomond has loads of history. The surrounding area has been the site of battles, and a refuge for many Scottish rebels. Learning about the history really adds to the visit and colors the framework of this place in a very special way.

Getting There

Table of Contents

While those seeking to explore the wider national park area may find it easiest to drive, it’s totally doable to see the loch itself as well as a variety of walking paths and even a castle by taking public transport. 

If you’re coming from Glasgow, it’s very easy to navigate. Simply take the train from the Glasgow Queen Street Station to Balloch , the end of the train line. It should only take about 45 minutes, and the trains run pretty frequently as well.

Note that we thought that there would be more connections within the Trossachs by bus– while they do exist, they are quite few and far between, and not really doable for a day trip. If you want to do other popular hikes other than the loop around the loch itself or a boat ride, you may need a car. 

Things to Do on a Loch Lomond Day Trip

Hiking or nature strolls:.

There are several hiking trails around the loch worth visiting.  Once you arrive in Balloch, check out the tourist information center across the street from the train stop. Balloch is quite small, but as it acts as the gateway to the southern part of the loch, and there are very knowledgeable folks working at the center that can recommend hikes and activities, as well as give you some maps and other goodies.  

An easy walking loop takes you along the water to the Balloch Castle overlooking the loch, and then back through the walled garden. This was an enjoyable 45 minute-ish walk that offered beautiful views of the loch and the wooded surrounding area. We found that the trail was clearly marked, and it’s easy to see why it’s a popular option.  

If you want to take the bus a bit further up the lake (and the route schedule fits with your time constraints), the tourism office really recommended Balmaha .  

From here, you have several options for admiring the surrounding nature: if you are feeling a bit adventurous, hiking up Conic Hill is super recommended, but takes about 2 hours or a bit more. If you are more interested in staying at a lower altitude, taking a boat out to Inchcailloch Island  is a great option as well. 

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Montserrat day trip from barcelona, a weekend in glasgow, a weekend in edinburgh, take a boat ride.

For those who want to go out on the loch itself, taking one of the many boat rides onto the water is a really memorable and enjoyable experience. There are a few options and price ranges, but we chose to go on the hour-long boat ride to Inchmurrin Island and back. You can get tickets at a little gazebo near where the boats dock. 

As you go, you’ll be able to see the entrance to the Highlands, as Loch Lomond acts as the dividing area between the Lowlands and Highlands. 

Along the way, you see a few historic houses that are built on the water, and there’s a presentation about the history of the homes and the area in general, of course done in an ultra-charming Scottish accent. Cameron House in particular was neat to pass by. We recommend sitting on the left side of the boat for the best views of the houses. 

Be sure to pack some layers, as there is quite a windchill once you get on the water! There was also a freak rainstorm in the middle of our ride despite otherwise sunny skies, so a rain layer is also a good thing to bring along. 

Ultimately, we absolutely loved visiting Loch Lomond, but it really just scratched the surface of the amazing nature that Scotland possesses. It’s a great option for those in a pinch time-wise, as it’s so easily accessible from Glasgow. While beautiful, it really only served to spark our desire to visit the Highlands even more! 

As we’ve mentioned in our Glasgow and Edinburgh travel guides, we are absolutely smitten with Scotland and really eager to go back to visit. If you’re planning a trip of your own (which you absolutely should!) feel free to save our guides on Pinterest here or by clicking on the photos below! 

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Loch Lomond National Park & Stirling Castle

1 day tour from glasgow.

On this tour you’ll have time to visit grand Stirling Castle one of the most important castles in Scottish history.

Explore the Highland village of Luss and enjoy the natural beauty of Loch Lomond with a cruise on the Queen of Scotland’s lochs.

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Small Group Tours Max 16 Persons

Tour Duration 09:15 – 17:45

Tour Itinerary

Tour information, tour route map.

Just 40 minutes from Glasgow and we’re at the picturesque Highland village of Luss which lies on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. There has been a settlement here for over a thousand years at least. We know the Vikings passed through Luss in 1263 plundering nearby communities and you’ll find a ‘hog back’ Viking grave dating from the 11th century lying in the churchyard.

Loch Lomond lies on the Highland Boundary Fault line that divides the Scottish Highlands from the Lowlands. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful loch than Loch Lomond, and at Balloch you can opt to take a one-hour cruise on Loch Lomond where you’ll enjoy stunning scenery with views of the magnificent Ben Lomond.

You’ll also see Inchmurrin Island the largest of Loch Lomond’s 33 islands and home to the ancient ruins of Lennox Castle, which in the 14th century sheltered Robert the Bruce before he became King of Scotland. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there’s plenty of time to explore Balloch Castle Country Park, where you can visit the Fairy Glen, the Chinese Garden and enjoy superb views over Loch Lomond.

We’ll stop for lunch within the Loch Lomond National Park before travelling over the dramatic Dukes Pass into the Trossachs, the name ‘Trossachs’ comes from the Gaelic meaning ‘a Bristly Place’. Its forest covered mountains and shimmering highland lochs will take your breath away.

This was also the stomping ground of Rob Roy MacGregor; you’ll hear tales from your driver guide about this Scottish folk hero. Was he a legendary soldier and clan leader, or a villain and outlaw? As we head through the Trossachs, keep a look out for our woolly, long-horned Highland cows, we call them hairy coos!

You’ll have time to visit to Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in Scottish history, great royal residence of the Stuart Kings and Mary Queen of Scots, who was crowned here in 1543, aged only nine months. With close associations to Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie, the castle overlooks the site of the battle of Stirling Bridge where another famous Scots hero, William Wallace of ‘Braveheart’ fame and his cry for freedom defeated a much larger English army in 1297.

From the city of Stirling, we’ll make the short drive to Glasgow where your Loch Lomond National Park & Stirling Castle tour ends.

1 Day Loch Lomond & Stirling Castle Tour from Glasgow

Departure & Return

Departs/Returns: Bus Stances 23-32, Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont St, Glasgow, G2 3NW

Tour Check-in 09:00 | Tour   Departs 09:15 | Tour   Ends 17:45

Late Arrivals

In the event you are late for any reason in arriving at your departure point and as result miss your tour, you will not be entitled to a refund.

We regret that we do not carry children under the age of 5 on our scheduled tours.

What’s Included

What to Bring

In Scotland we can get 4 seasons in 1 day, so we suggest bringing suitable clothing for all conditions, including a waterproof jacket and layers of clothing.

Shoes that are suitable for short walks on uneven paths and rough terrain. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and your camera to capture fantastic memories you’ll make on tour with us!

Most attractions & eating establishments we visit accept card payments, however we recommend bringing some cash with you.

This is limited to one piece of luggage (like an airline cabin bag) with a maximum weight of 15kg per person. For guidance, measurements should be no more than 65cm x 45cm x 30cm / 25in x 18in x 12in. You are allowed one small carry-on bag for onboard personal items.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel this tour 48 hours or more prior to departure – you will be refunded 90% of the tour price.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to departure – no refund will be due.

Cancellations must be made in writing. For further information please refer to our  terms and conditions  page.

Tour Highlights Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Ben Lomond , Highland Village of Luss, Loch Lomond Cruise, Balmaha & Stirling Castle.

Please have a look at some customer experiences with Discover Scotland Tours.

03/11/22 – Robert

We very much enjoyed our tour. Everything was on time with ample of time for sightseeing at each location. Our driver/tour guide was excellent – courteous, personable, witty and knowledgeable. Absolutely no complaints or suggestions.

07/09/22 – Julie

On the day of travel it was easy to find the minibus at the bus station.  The minibus holds 16 people although our group was only 10.  The driver/guide Karen was brilliant, she is extremely friendly and she kept us entertained all day with lots of facts and very amusing stories about the areas we travelled through. You can do an optional boat trip of Loch Lomond which Karen sorted out on our behalf and booked the tickets.  We visited a couple of villages, one for morning refreshments and one for lunch with plenty of advice on food opportunities.  Last stop of the day was Stirling Castle, with the town to explore for those who didn’t want to visit the castle. Most of the day was driving through extremely scenic countryside and I thoroughly enjoyed my day (despite the changeable weather!).  I definitely want to return to Glasgow and I wouldn’t hesitate to book another trip through Discover Scotland.

20/08/22 – Carola

We had a great day and fitted so much in. Your driver Frank was cheery, professional, very helpful and knowledgeable. As a Scot I enjoyed it very much and so did the lovely people we met on the bus from all over the world. I would highly recommend your tours to Scots as well as world travellers and I will be booking with you again in the future.

13/08/22 – Cesar

We had a magnificent tour to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. Gary’s been a superb guide, provided great information, was funny, and extremely kind. With all best wishes and looking forward to another tour.

19/06/22 – Ornella and Marzio 

A great experience! We greatly enjoyed two tours with your company, the Loch Lomond Tour on 19th of June and Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, Glencoe on 20th of June. The trip to Loch Lomond was fantastic, Karen, our driver guide, was very kind, professional, competent, engaging, informative (we learnt a lot of things) , travelling with her was a great pleasure. The second trip to Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, Glencoe, was interesting and amazing. We had a lot of fun with Scott, our creative driver, who involved us in the nature sceneries and provided us  with all sorts  of information, including  popular local music. Both trips were delightful, everything (organization, times, means of transport, communication mails) was just awesome. Thanks and surely we are going to recommend your company to all the people who want  to visit Scotland.

25/03/22 – Elva

I just wanted to write to you and thank you for our amazing tour. Everything about the tour was outstanding and perfect. I wanted to give a special thanks to Scott and John who were with us on our tour. They made the day even more perfect. In our group were 2 persons from the Icelandic search and rescue team and John provided us with so many information about the mountains and gave us great information about hiking options in the Highlands. He was also very well informed and has a good presence. Scotts commentary and sense of humor topped the day! He did so well this being his first day as a tour guide. We would all love to come again on his tour! 🙂  We would love it if you would send greetings and compliments to them from us and thank them ones again for the tour 🙂 You are very lucky to have them on your team 🙂

01/03/22 – Erin

Thank you for the lovely tour. We very much enjoyed Nick and his charming tour of loch Lomond and Sterling Castle. We loved the cleanliness and comfort of the bus and Nick’s hospitality. Since we are a large group and wanted to see more than just Edinburgh, but we’re afraid to drive on the left, we wanted just a day tour so we could do the rest on our own. Thank you again, it was magnificent.

31/10/21 – Palmina

I had a very nice time with an amazing driver to Stirling, one the most beautiful city in Scotland. As you know we could not visit the castle but I believe we had enough fun to cover this unfortunate event. Our driver, (I can not remember his name but I think it starts with F), was one the most expert divers with amazing knowledge in history and well traditional dress. He surprised us with a bag piped instrument and I would say it was one the most amazing music I’ve ever heard. He is extremely talented in music and I really enjoyed it. I would say it was one of the best trips I’ve ever had. I highly recommend travelling with Discover Scotland and I believe you are one the best team with the best tour guides.

11/02/20 – Sandy

The tour I took was most informative. Michael our tour guide kept enthralled with the history of the areas we visited. The weather played along and I had a great time wondering through the various sites. Many thanks to Michael for a most enjoyable time, you will see me again in the near future.

09/01/20 – Kamrul

We really enjoyed the trip. Mr. Nick was a fantastic tour guide, and we are looking forward to the next trip with Discovery scotland in near future.

Do I need to purchase my cruise and/or castle tickets in advance?

It’s not required to reserve your attractions in advance.

Your Tour Leader will arrange the Loch Lomond cruise for anyone interested after you board the tour.

Stirling Castle tickets can be purchased on arrival to the castle. If you do wish to reserve in advance then you can purchase entry for the 3.30pm arrival slot on their website .

Can I reserve a specific seat on the mini coach?

Seats are chosen on a first come first serve basis, we are unable to take requests for specific seats. Our mini coaches all have panoramic windows so the beautiful Scottish landscape can always be enjoyed, no matter where you sit.

If you suffer from motion sickness, then you may be affected by the roads in Scotland. They can be twisty and narrow. It’s best to come prepared with a travel sickness preventative, whether that be medicinal, wristbands or another option, to ensure it doesn’t impact your overall enjoyment of the tour.

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Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & Stirling Castle

Accommodation is payable on arrival

We offer a free accommodation booking service.

If you would like to book your own accommodation, please select 'Tour Only'.

Please select your requirements:

Our one day Loch Lomond tour from Glasgow, takes you sightseeing to Loch Lomond the Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle, and introduces you to the land and legends of Scottish heroes William Wallace and Rob Roy. Enjoy a cruise across Loch Lomond and end the day with a memorable visit to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically important castles.

See the Highlands in Miniature

Once our Loch Lomond tour departs from Glasgow, we travel via the picturesque Campsie Fells, before making our first stop at Loch Lomond, one of the prettiest and largest lochs in the whole of Scotland. Here you can enjoy an hour long cruise* taking in spectacular views of the loch's many islands and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a stroll through the picturesque loch-side conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses, cafes and stunning views across the loch's western shoreline.

We then travel on for some lunch in the small village of Aberfoyle, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Trossachs National Park, just below the Highland faultline. After lunch our Loch Lomond tour from Glasgow shall continue the journey of exploration through the Trossachs - Scotland’s first national park, known as ‘the Highlands in miniature’ for its abundance of lochs, mountains and forests and the homeland of legendary outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor.

We depart for Stirling early afternoon and our last stop is the magnificent Stirling Castle*, sitting high on volcanic rock, offering wonderful views of the landscape. You will have time to visit the castle and learn of the exploits of key historic figures including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. With lots of interesting things to see and do here, the Stirling Castle experience is well worth a visit.

Please Note: Some interior areas of Stirling Castle are currently closed. For more information please visit their access guide.

Driver-Guides

Tour Overview

Tour highlight.

Loch Lomond

The Trossachs National Park

Stirling Castle

*Optional Extras:

Loch Lomond cruise

A couple of things To know

• Digital translations
• Knowledgeable Driver-Guide
• Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach

Not Included

• Entrance to attractions
• Food and Drink

A great tour!

“This was a great tour. We got to see so much of the iconic Scottish landscape in one day. Robert was an excellent guide; funny, gave great recommendations for food and was drove really carefully. Can highly recommend this tour especially if you are short on time.”

tofffromballarat, travelled December 2023. - Review from tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the departure point.

Your tour from Glasgow departs from 19 Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NX. This is located outside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and opposite Buchanan Bus Station.

You can view our departure point via. the following link:  https://goo.gl/maps/yfVSoBUGrVK1EFYF8

You can also find us by  Glasgow Public Transport Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive in this window as tours must depart on schedule.

Are the optional extras included?

No, optional extras are not included in the tour price. The price of your one day tour from Glasgow includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide, and transportation on one of our luxury modern air-conditioned coaches. All optional extras - attraction entrance fees, loch cruises, food and drinks, etc - are not included in the price of your tour. 

From April 2024, the prices will be as follows:

• Stirling Castle - Adults: £17.50, Seniors: £14, Child (7-15): £10.50, Child (Under 7): Free
• Loch Lomond Cruise - Adults: £13.50, Youth (13-15): £12.50, Child: £9.50

Do I need to pre-book the optional extras?

No, you don't need to worry about pre-booking any of the optional extras. All the optional extras can be booked on the day and your Driver-Guide will advise you of how to book. We negotiate discounted rates for you, ensuring you'll always get a great deal at Scotland's top visitor attractions. Please note that many visitor attractions and accommodation providers may not accept card payments, so please ensure you have plenty of cash with you on the day. If you have any questions about this please contact our Reservations Team on +44 (0)131 226 6066 - open 07.00 - 21.00 daily.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, all of our tours are in English. Your tour will be taken by an experienced, knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking Driver-Guide. You'll find a digital translation of your tour through a link on your confirmation email. Digital translations are available for this tour in the following languages:

• Chinese (Mandarin)

What should I bring with me?

As we like to give you as much time off the coach as possible with the opportunity for walks, we recommend you bring warm and/or waterproof clothing, wear comfortable walking shoes and take sun-block or a hat for sunny days. Don't forget your camera to capture all the lovely scenery and wildlife you'll encounter on your tour! Since we cannot allow hot food on our buses you could also bring a cold packed lunch with you to make the most of your time at each stop, this would be particularly time-saving in the busier months!

Can children travel on this tour?

We welcome children over 4 years old on our tours, and children aged between 4-16yrs are eligible for the concessionary rate. We regret we are not able to carry children under the age of 4.

How accessible are the locations?

Some of the locations may cause accessibility issues due to their geography and architecture. If you are a wheelchair user or have restricted mobility, we would suggest downloading this helpful  Access Guide  by Historic Environment Scotland.

Can we have our own coach?

Of course! This tour is part of our exclusive tours collection; here we have the option of your own coach and your own Driver-Guide for yourself and your loved ones. The flat fee includes complimentary pick up and drop off in Edinburgh city centre. For more information and to book, please contact us .

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Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Day Tour

Classic one day tour that visits stirling castle, loch lomond & and the trossachs..

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• Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Day Tour from Glasgow

Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Day Tour from Glasgow

Discover Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle. Enjoy a cruise across Loch Lomond, explore the pretty village of Luss and end the day with a visit to Stirling Castle. Runs Monday & Thursdays all year. Returns Glasgow 18:00. Probablt the perfect tour if you want to get out but don't want the monster Loch Ness Odyssey.

• Visit to Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond National Park
• Trossachs Hills
• Loch Lomond

Balmaha, Loch Lomond, Aberfoyle, Loch Achray, The Trossachs National Park, Stirling Castle.

Check Rates & Book Now

Enter your travel date and then on the next screen you can enter traveller details to receive an instant quote.

From Glasgow we drive via the picturesque  Campsie Fells (A) which overlook Glasgow, passing  Glengoyne Distillery , before making our first stop at  Loch Lomond , (C) one of the prettiest and largest lochs in Scotland.

While here you can enjoy an hour long cruise* taking in spectacular views of the loch's many islands and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a stroll through the picturesque loch-side conservation village of Luss , (D) with its quaint houses, cafes and stunning views across the loch's western shoreline.

We then travel on for some lunch in the small village of Aberfoyle , (E) nestled in the heart of the beautiful Trossachs National Park , just below the Highland faultline. After lunch we continue our journey of exploration through the Trossachs - Scotland’s first national park, known as ‘the Highlands in miniature’ for its abundance of lochs, mountains and forests and the homeland of legendary outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor .

We depart for Stirling early afternoon and our last stop is the magnificent Stirling Castle , (F) sitting high on volcanic rock, offering wonderful views of the landscape. You will have time to visit the castle and learn of the exploits of key historical figures including William Wallace , Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. With lots of interesting things to see and do here, the Stirling Castle  experience is well worth a visit.  We then make our way back to Glasgow.

Beautiful Sightings - Lomond and Stirling

Written by Mikael on Saturday, 10 June 2017

We went to Loch Lomond and Stirling castle. Though the weather was very Scottish - drizzling and raining - it was a revitalizing trip. The stories told by the guide gave colours to the trip, and the scenery was both beatiful all those forests - and exciting the loch and the small village of Loss with it´s viking gravestone. The castle was a beatiful fortress with a poor exhibition and a rather tired military museum. It was well organized and perfectly prepared and served by the guide. This is good thing to do - in all weather.

Written by Anon on Friday, 09 June 2017

Phenomenal experience. We took the tour starting in Edinburgh, driving to Loch Lomand and Stirling Castle. Our guide, Marty, was hilarious, engaging, knowledgeable, and entertaining. He told great stories about Scots, gave us an amazingly detailed and entertaining history about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Rob Roy while we were driving, and then explained context for the places we visited with regards to those great Scots.

The lunch stop was perfect- delicious and affordable options. The stops at Loch Lomand and Stirling Castle were perfectly timed for exploration, tours, and enjoyment without dragging on.

If you want to see the highlands and a gorgeous lake, and enjoy Scotland, this tour is perfect. 10/10. Will recommend to friends.

1 Day Stirling Tour

Written by Anon on Thursday, 01 June 2017

Fantastic tour of Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and surrounding countryside. Our tour guide Laura was terrific and made the journey even more interesting with her tales of Robert the Bruce, Rob Roy and King Edward. She was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Great way to spend the day.

Trossachs & Stirling

Written by Federico on Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Laura was an exellent guide, very knowledgeble and funny, we were concerned about the boring transport part of the tour but in reality those parts were the most amazing one!

Prices shown are for transport and driver-guide only.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:   Stirling Castle. Loch Lomond cruise

The Little Details

• Minimum Age: Age 5+
• Min Age: 5 years
• Tour Vehicle Type: Mini Coach
• Months of Operation: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, All Year
• Duration of Tour: Full Day
• Departure Point: Glasgow
• Departure Point: 266 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1QX.
• Departure Time: 09:30 (please arrive 15mins prior to departure time)
• Expected return Time: 18:00

Rates & Dates

Certain Dates are designated peak periods and operate High season rates as below:

• Easter - 13 April - 27 April 2019
• Spring Bank Holiday: 24 - 31 May 2019
• Christmas / New Year:  15 Dec 2019 - 4 January 2020

We offer a discount for children between 5 and 16 years, students (you must show your student card) and seniors (adults 60 years old and over). Children under 5 are not carried on any tour.

Rates vary across the year.

Booking Notes

Click on the 'Book Now' button to check availability and make your reservation. Enter your dates and ticket requirements and complete the details for immediate booking. Email Voucher should be with you in less than a minute.

Some Places We Will Visit

Balmaha located on the East Shore of Loch Lomond is a great stopping off point at the foot of the Conic Hill. This beautiful place has been slowly transformed into a popular tourist destination on the Loch. Balmaha is an ideal spot for walkers on the West Highland Way. The name Balmaha is said to be originated from the Gaelic from the St Maha’s place giving the village an ancient origin.

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The sleepy village of Aberfoyle suddenly bursts into life in the summer with the arrival of hordes of tourists. It lies on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and, along with Callander to the east, is one of the main tourist centres for the Trossachs.

As you'd expect with such a strategically important town, Stirling has a long and fascinating history and is packed with major historical sights.

Small traditional village on Loch Lomond that is a heritage site protecting its pretty streets. The Loch Lomond cruise boats depart from pier here.

Castle Visited

Stirling Castle

Scotland's most strategic castle with a dominating position over the gateway to the North of Scotland.

Similar Tours

Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Day Tour from Edinburgh

This one day tour from Edinburgh takes you to Loch Lomond, the Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle, and introduces you to the land and legends of Scottish heroes William Wallace and Rob Roy. Runs everyday, all year.

• Prices From: £39
• Runs : Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Every Day
• Tour Details

• Prices From: £36
• Runs : Monday, Thursday

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Loch Lomond Day Trip: One Amazing Day in the Trossachs

Posted on Published: January 23, 2022  - Last updated: May 30, 2024

Categories Blog , Europe , Road Trips , Scotland , United Kingdom

Continuing on our two week road trip of Scotland, we ventured west towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs after two days exploring Falkirk (for the Kelpies) and the city of Stirling . Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is perfect for nature lovers. It’s the perfect day trip from Glasgow, too.

We quickly discovered that one day was not enough to explore the region. However, if you’re embarking on a lengthy Scotland road trip and you only have a limited amount of time in the area, here’s our guide to the ideal Loch Lomond day trip.

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Table of Contents

Why Visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs?

Where is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and why would anyone want to travel there? Loch Lomond is the biggest lake in all of Britain, and certainly one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the country. The word, “Trossachs”, refers to this area that’s thought to be the Scottish Highlands in miniature form. It’s all of the sleepy villages, enchanting forests, and twinkling lochs west of Stirling and east of Loch Lomond.

For those spending a longer amount of time in Scotland, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is home to 21 Munros (Scottish mountains). You’ll have many opportunities to do some “ munro bagging ” by hiking all of them. The easiest Munros to hike on any Loch Lomond day trip are: Ben Lui, Ben Lomond, Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime, and Ben Vorlich.

Getting Around the Trossachs

I highly suggest renting a car in Scotland, even if you aren’t used to driving on the left. You will have the freedom to explore at your own pace and go everywhere you want, whenever you want.

I recommend comparing car rental prices for the best rate. If you aren’t comfortable with driving, you can look into small group tours in Scotland to get around and explore.

Loch Lomond Day Trip Itinerary

Deciding to spend one day in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park? There are so many things to do in Loch Lomond that you’ll be hard pressed to fit it all into one day. We had an absolutely wonderful time in the region and I can’t wait to return to explore more of it.

Here’s exactly how to plan your day trip to Loch Lomond if you’re driving over from Glasgow , Edinburgh, Stirling, or any other nearby location in Scotland. We drove to Loch Lomond from Stirling and the small town of Callander was our home base. After spending the night in Callander, we continued west, hitting up more places in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs on our way to Oban and Glencoe.

Doune Castle

I realize that Doune Castle isn’t technically within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. It’s a great pit stop on your way towards Callander and the national park. We started our day in Stirling and ventured towards Doune Castle before visiting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Doune Castle was the home of Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland.

You might recognize Doune Castle from several popular filming sites. It’s featured in Game of Thrones, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Outlander (as Castle Leoch). Actor/director Terry Jones provides the commentary for the audio tour of Doune Castle, while interweaving stories from the film set of the Holy Grail.

We really enjoyed wandering around the ruins of Doune Castle. You can tour the impressive great hall, the kitchen tower, and the upper chambers of the castle. You’ll have to use your imagination to envision what the castle looked like back in the day.

Doune Castle is included in the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass , which provides you access to numerous historic sites. The most popular attractions include Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle, Iona Abbey, and Fort George, among many others.

There are also several day trips that incorporate Doune Castle as part of the tour. You can take an Outlander Tour from Edinburgh that stops at Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace and more. There’s also this fabulous West Highlands Tour of Lochs and Castles from Edinburgh, featuring stops in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

Lunch in Callander

We dined at a really cute spot called Campbell’s Taste of the Trossachs in Callander. It shut down for a litle while, but has reopened as Susi’s Taste of the Trossachs . We enjoyed really tasty vegan burgers here, though I’m not sure that they are still available. They definitely still have the vegan sausage rolls and a vegetarian breakfast available.

There’s another establishment in Callander called Deli Ecosse that was on our list that I suggest you check out. They’ve got quite a few vegan meals in addition to typical omnivore selections. Deli Ecosse reportedly has vegan haggis, a vegan cheese toastie, a veg minestrone soup, vegan cakes, and plant-based milks for coffee.

Loch Venachar and Loch Katrine

From Callander, we drove on the A821 heading west towards Loch Katrine. On the way, we enjoyed marvelous views of Loch Venachar from the car. There are some places along the side of the road to pull over, so you can get out of the car to soak up the scenery.

After witnessing the beauty of Loch Venachar, we continued on until we reached Loch Katrine. By the time we arrived in the afternoon, the car park was empty and all was quiet. We walked around the harbor for a short while to admire the views. If you’d like to explore more of Loch Katrine, you can take a Loch Cruise on board the modern cruiser, Lady of the Lake or the steamboat, Sir Walter Scott. Both boats have heated indoor areas so you can stay comfortable, even in chilly weather.

Scenic Drive on Duke’s Pass

The owners of the accommodation where we stayed tipped us off to Duke’s Pass. We asked for some scenic areas nearby, and they told us that it’s one of the most beautiful drives in the region. They were right! From Loch Katrine, Justin and I drove down the winding road that is Duke’s Pass and were in awe of all of the sweeping views that awaited us.

There aren’t too many places to pull off to the side of the road here as it’s a relatively narrow pass. We managed to find one spot where I hopped out to snap a few pictures. Even still, this might be one where you slowly drive down the road and marvel at the scenery all around. Don’t stop your car on the road or put yourself into any dangerous situations.

Balloch Castle and Country Park

Next, it was time to visit Loch Lomond itself. The Balloch Castle and Country Park is a charming area of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and perfect to add to your Loch Lomond day trip itinerary. It’s Loch Lomond’s only country park and it has an interesting feature: Balloch Castle.

The country park was established in the 19th century, but didn’t become officially recognized until 1980. The castle and the park were organized and built by John Buchanan of the Glasgow Ship Bank. Balloch Castle and Country Park has 200 acres of paths, forest, wetlands, and open green space.

I loved walking along the lake and exploring the gardens where many flowers were in bloom. There’s also a small Fairy Trail around the property that makes use of the tree stumps of trees that had to be cut down.

The castle itself was built in 1800, although it lies abandoned today. It was once purposed as the headquarters for the Countryside Ranger Service. Even though you can’t go inside the castle, it’s a lovely landmark to admire on the property.

Balloch Country Park is the only registered historic designed landscape in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The layout of the park remains largely unchanged for over 200 years. For those looking to explore the park in some detail, check out this pamphlet with more information about the gardens and the grounds.

Dinner at Queen of the Loch Pub

We stayed in the town of Balloch for dinner and found an interesting dining experience at the Queen of the Loch . The pub welcomes larger groups, guests of its 27 room hotel, and any visitors to the area. Dogs are allowed in the restaurant and we saw several pups laying on the floor by their owners. It’s great if you’re traveling with your dog and want to dine out. There are also a couple of play areas, both indoors and outdoors, for the kiddos to run around before their meal.

It’s not a traditional restaurant where a server greets you at your table and takes your order. Instead, choose your meals and order up at the front bar. Then, a server will bring your meals out to you. We were drawn to dine at the restaurant because they had a few vegan dishes on the menu. The vegan options (and items that can be prepared vegan) are clearly marked.

You can choose from: cauliflower wings, beer battered onion rings, cauli wings salad, the Moving Mountains burger, a mushroom Bourguignon pie, an aubergine bake, and a whole bunch of side dishes. We weren’t starving, so we simply ordered some cauliflower wings and a small plate of nachos with guacamole.

We were most impressed by their vegan dessert selection. Choose from apple pie, vegan ice cream, raspberry jam donut pudding, and a praline chocolate tart. I couldn’t resist ordering the praline chocolate tart. We ordered it with a scoop of the vegan ice cream.

Shortly after, the staff members told us that they were actually all out of vegan ice cream. But, to make it up to us, they gave us a second chocolate tart! We thought that was so nice of them and fabulous customer service that went above and beyond.

Stay at Abbotsford Lodge

Abbotsford Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Callander is an ideal home base for your travels when spending one day in Loch Lomond. It’s a charming small town with cozy cafes and nearby natural attractions like waterfalls and hiking trails. After a day of exploring the national park and other local gems, Abbotsford Lodge is one of the best hotels in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to rest and relax.

The rooms are incredibly spacious and tastefully decorated. The tartan curtains and the woodsy wallpaper evoked the atmosphere and vibes of Scotland. Abbotsford Lodge is a quiet accommodation in a peaceful area of town where you’ll enjoy a restful night’s sleep. In the morning, the Scottish buffet breakfast was delicious. Plus, for my vegan friends out there, make a request for vegan haggis. The owner, Dina, whipped up a delicious plate of vegan haggis that I really loved!

You can book your stay at Abbotsford Lodge, read my full review of the property, and read more reviews by travelers who have spent the night. I highly recommend staying at this delightful lodge that has the personal touches of a B&B and the amenities of a comfortable hotel.

BOOK YOUR STAY | READ MORE REVIEWS

More Things to Do in Loch Lomond

After waking up at Abbotsford Lodge and enjoying a delicious Scottish breakfast, it was time to embark on a morning hike. There are lots of things to do near Loch Lomond, and many of them are right on your doorstep in Callander.

From Abbotsford Lodge, it’s possible to walk to Callander Crags and Bracklinn Falls. It was a beautiful day outside, so I decided to walk up to Bracklinn Falls (takes about 30 minutes from Abbotsford Lodge). You can also drive up to Bracklinn Falls as there is a car park at the path to the waterfall.

Bracklinn Falls in Callander

From the car park, it’s only a short walk to Bracklinn Falls and the Bracklinn Falls Bridge. Walk down the main path and through the woods. You’ll start to hear the sounds of rushing waters in the distance as you approach the waterfall. Before long, you’ll see a unique bridge over the river with views of the cascading water from the bridge itself.

The original iron bridge, built for a visit from Queen Victoria in the 1870s, was completely destroyed by a flood in 2004. In 2010, this striking wooden structure replaced the original bridge. If you decide to keep walking, the path does eventually loop back around to the car park (5.25km hike in total, taking about 1.5 hours). As I had already walked for a half hour, I turned around and headed back to the hotel.

Hike at Callander Crags

On my way to Bracklinn Falls, I noticed the entrance to another hike called Callander Crags . It’s a 4km hike through the forest, and some of the hike is uphill. Eventually, you’ll reach a lookout point for wonderful views of Callander from up above. The entire hike is another 1.5 – 2 hours in total.

Falls of Falloch

Before leaving Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Justin and I stopped at one of the most beautiful natural places in the area, the Falls of Falloch. It’s one of those spaces that offers a big payoff for very little work. There is a small car park at the Falls of Falloch. Walk down a gently worn and well marked path a very short distance to the waterfall.

The River Falloch drops off the edge of a cliff, forming a 10 meter (30 foot) cascading waterfall. There’s a large pool at the base of the waterfall, although I’d think that it’s a little too cold for swimming!

There’s an interactive sculpture at the Falls of Falloch called Woven Sound. This art installation by John Kennedy is a lengthy tunnel of woven steel rods. Walk through the sculpture to view the Falls of Falloch from another angle. At the viewpoint, there’s an etching of a diary entry by Dorothy Wordsworth that pays tribute to the writers and artists who were inspired by the waterfall in the early 19th century.

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Take a Loch Lomond Tour

Don’t feel like driving yourself around? There are lots of amazing tours that you can take with local guides that will show you exactly what to do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.

This tour of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park will take you on a walk through the countryside, a visit to waterfalls and glens, and your guide will point out native wildlife. It includes round trip transportation, snacks, and refreshments.

You can also book this day trip to Loch Lomond from Glasgow or this day trip to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh , depending on where you’re staying. They both include Stirling Castle as a point of interest, too.

Want to see more photos of Loch Lomond?

View all of our travel photography in one place! You can browse and buy any of our pictures, including prints, gifts and more.

Loch Lomond Itinerary Map

Here’s our entire Loch Lomond itinerary displayed visually on a map. It will show you exactly where we visited on our journey through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This map shows you what to do in Loch Lomond in some detail.

More Scotland Travel Blog Posts

Looking for more itineraries and inspiration from around Scotland? Here are some more articles from our travel blog featuring Scotland:

• Fun Things to Do in Glasgow
• The Glasgow Mural Trail
• One Day in Glasgow Itinerary
• 25 Best Movies About Scotland You Need to Watch
• 20 Gifts for People Who Love Scotland
• How to Hike Ben Nevis, the Highest Peak in the UK

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Savvy Travel Advice

10 Things to do in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

Last updated: May 29, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 51 Comments

There are many things to do in Loch Lomond, and it is a popular weekend destination for locals from Glasgow and Edinburgh in search of nature and outdoor activities. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was Scotland’s first national park, designated in 2002.

The national park contains a diverse geography that includes 21 munros (Scottish mountains), two forest parks, 22 lochs, and over 50 designated special nature conservation sites that are home to a variety of wildlife. Loch Lomond itself is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area.

Visitors can go cruising on a lake in a historic steamship, rent a canoe or kayak, spend a day visiting small villages, see Rob Roy’s gravestone, have fun at an aerial adventure park, or go climbing or biking. If you enjoy hiking, there are a number of short and moderate hiking paths to enjoy here, and a few of Scotland’s popular long distance paths such as the West Highland Way and The Three Lochs Way run through here.

If you are visiting Glasgow or Edinburgh and are looking for scenic landscapes or outdoor adventure, you might consider a day trip to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. We’ll share our top things to do in Loch Lomond and provide tips about visiting the area based on our own visits.

Table of Contents:

Basic Travel Information for Loch Lomond

We’ll share how to get to Loch Lomond, how to get around Loch Lomond, where to stay, when to visit, and where to find further resources on planning your trip.

Getting to Loch Lomond?

Loch Lomond makes an easy day trip or weekend trip from Glasgow (25 miles) or Edinburgh (78 miles). If you are flying into Scotland, Glasgow Airport is the nearest airport with the best connections to Loch Lomond. Rental cars are easy to hire at the airports of Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness.

The area can be reached by car, train (check ScotRail  or Trainline   for service), bus (check National Express for service), or seaplane (check Loch Lomond Seaplanes services here ).

If you don’t have a car and would prefer to have a guided visit, it is also possible to take a bus tour that visits Loch Lomond such as this tour we did from Edinburgh that included a visit to Loch Lomond and two whisky distilleries.

You can see a number of small group tours to Loch Lomond from both Edinburgh and Glasgow by Rabbie’s Tours. There are also other options such as this tour which includes Stirling Castle.

Getting around Loch Lomond?

The easiest way to get around Loch Lomond is by car or bus, although you can also get around the area by train, bike, hiking, waterbus, or boat although you’ll be more limited in where you can visit. Local train services are through ScotRail and there are a number of local bus services . For more info about getting around Loch Lomond see the national park website. 

Best Time of Year to Visit Loch Lomond?

It depends on what you want to do in Loch Lomond as there are things to do in the park all year round.  However, some of the attractions and businesses are seasonal, especially the water related activities, campsites, and boat cruises. The most popular time to visit is between April and October as there is warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and more attractions are open.

However, if you are seeking solitude, cycling or hiking off-season can be a great time to get out into nature without any crowds and many people love to see the snow-covered landscape in the winter. You’ll find festivals and special events throughout the year and during Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year’s) you’ll find holiday celebrations throughout Scotland.

Where to Stay in Loch Lomond? 

T o make the most of a trip to Loch Lomond, we would definitely recommend spending a night or two to see the highlights of this area. I would do a little research first to see what you want to do in the park so you can determine the best area to search for lodging. 

The most visited parts of the park are probably the south and west, and that section has the highest number of tourist attractions and services, but all areas of the park are worth exploring depending on your interests.

If you only have a day or two, I’d focus on an area or two of the park you want to explore. Some places with more lodging include Callander, Balloch, Luss. If you want to stay south of the park, you could also consider Helensburgh. You could also day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh but we’d recommend spending the night if you have the time.

Accommodation options around Loch Lomond range from small hotels and bed-and-breakfasts to campsites and cottages. To search and compare prices for hotel, apartments, and B&B options you can check to see what Loch Lomond lodging is available during your visit.

B&Bs & Hotels in Loch Lomond

We can personally recommend the refined but cozy  Loaninghead B&B  in Drymen for those looking for a peaceful B&B experience with a great breakfast. 

Some other options we suggest checking out are Shandon Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast (cozy farmhouse B&B) in Drymen, Loch Lomond Arms Hotel (traditional village inn) in Luss, Woodvale (well-rated B&B) in Balloch, and Queen of the Loch (hotel with on-site restaurant) in Balloch.

Self-Catering Accommodations Options near Loch Lomond

If you are looking for self-catering options, there are lots of apartments, holiday homes, and private rooms you can book around Loch Lomond.

To get started, we’d recommend checking out holiday homes on Booking  as well as Plum Guide , Vrbo and Snaptrip which between them offer a variety of apartments, homes, and private rooms to get started on your search.  

A couple of options, both in Drymen, are Loaninghead Holidays  (cozy well-furnished holiday cottages located next to the recommended Loaninghead B&B) and  Luxury Lodges  which are luxury self-catering cottages with private hot tubs.

Luxury Accommodation within Loch Lomond National Park

Many of the self-catering spots and nicer B&Bs are listed as luxury properties such as  Luxury Lodges mentioned earlier. For those looking for a bit more luxury and a resort style experience, I’d recommend checking out the 4-star  MacDonald Forest Hills Hotel in Aberfoyle and the 5-star  Cameron House  in Alexandria.

Both of these hotels offer a swimming pool, on-site restaurants and bar, recreational facilities, a fitness center, and a spa.

Loch Lomond Hostels

There are a few hostel options around Loch Lomond. The Rowardennan Youth Hostel in Rowardennan is a well-rated budget spot offering dormitory style accommodation.

Camping at Loch Lomond

For those planning to camp, there are plenty of areas you can do so within the park and nearby. You can check on camping regulations and book available pitches and RV spots  here within the national park, or check out one of these camping and campervan sites .

You can go wild camping in many areas of the park but not all so do check the wild camping regulations as there have been increased regulation recently because of irresponsible campers.

You also may need to obtain a permit to camp (regardless of the type of camping) in certain areas of the park, depending on the time of year.

If you are planning on renting a campervan, we recommend using Motorhome Republic . They compare prices across the major rental firms in the UK to find the best price for you. You can book your campervan for the UK through them here .

Where to Find out more information about Loch Lomond?

For more information about the area, we recommend checking out the Love Loch Lomond website , the local destination organization, as well as the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park website. 

If you are planning to combine a visit to both Glasgow and Loch Lomond you can check out Laurence’s post about a 2 day visit to both Glasgow and Loch Lomond as well as the  Pack More In  website, which has lots of practical information and tips for visiting both places in a short amount of time (e.g., a weekend). We also have a guide to more  day trips from Glasgow  for further inspiration.

Once in the area, we also recommend checking out one of the local visitor centers which are located in several towns throughout the area to pick up brochures and maps, as well as ask about local sites and events.

10 Things to do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond first became a popular tourist destination after being featured in Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake and even Queen Victoria would make a stop here. This area continued to gain in popularity for its natural beauty, becoming the first national park established in Scotland. There are a lot of things to do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and the surrounding area around the park.

Loch Lomond is a popular spot for nature lovers and is a popular weekend escape for locals from Glasgow, Stirling, and Edinburgh for a couple of days of outdoor pursuits.The top things to do in the area involve outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, stargazing, climbing, camping, and cycling. But there are also other things to do such as challenging yourself at adventure parks, visiting historical and cultural attractions, exploring small towns, whisky distillery tours, golfing, and buying local produce at farmers’ markets.

The area also offers plenty of family-friendly activities with nature parks, an aquarium, canoeing, mini golf courses, aerial courses at adventure parks, guided family activities, and more to keep both children and parents entertained.

Hiking, Climbing, & Cycling

Whether you are looking for a pleasant lochside stroll or a strenuous multi-day hike, you’ll likely find a trail or path of interest at Loch Lomond. Many of Scotland’s most popular hiking trails run through this area, including the long-distance trails  West Highland Way , Rob Roy Way , and  The Three Lochs Way .

There are also a number of short and moderate hiking paths to enjoy here which include country parks (e.g., Balloch Castle and Mugdock Country Parks), old railway lines, lochside paths (e.g.,Clyde Sea Lochs Trail), and forest treks.   I’d check at the local tourism information offices or with your lodging for the best paths near you.

For those looking for hilly forest paths, we can recommend Queen Elizabeth Forest Park  in the southeast part of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National park which offers some wonderful scenery and views. If you are exploring the west side of the national park, you can alternatively visit Argyll Forest Park which also offers some lovely woodland scenery.

For those interested in climbing or bouldering, you can also find sites that are well-suited to climbing in Loch Lomond . There are 21 munros (hills or mountains over 3,000 feet high) within the park, and Loch Lomond is a popular spot for munro baggers (those trying to summit all the munros in Scotland) with several relatively  easy to hike ones here for the less hardy adventurers.

For those planning to do a lot of hiking or any long-distance hiking, we’d recommend getting a good hiking map. We personally recommend the Ordinance Survey maps for the area(s) of Loch Lomond National Park you plan to go hiking. There are OS 1: 50,000 scale Landranger maps (good for those planning to stick to established hikes and paths) as well as the OS 1:25,000 scale Explorer Maps for those wanting to explore beyond the paths.

For those with limited mobility who want to explore some of the trails, you can check out these trails and towns that have all-ability paths and trails.

Cyclists and mountain bikers also have a lot of options around Loch Lomond. There are a number of cycle routes around Loch Lomond , and you can choose from easy, mostly flat paths to more difficult mountain bike trails. One of the more popular bike paths is the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path which is suitable for leisure cyclists and families.

If you are not bringing your own bike, you can rent bikes from several places in the area including  Katrine Wheelz ,  Go Country ,  Loch Lomond Leisure , and Wheels Cycling Centre . Some of these companies also offer guided cycling and mountain biking tours.

You can also combine a day of biking and boating as many of the sightseeing cruises on Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine allow bikes and some even come with a bike rental option as part of the price. 

Sightseeing Boat Cruise

One of the most popular activities for first time visitors to Loch Lomond is to explore the area with a sightseeing boat cruise. Although there are a number of lochs in the area, the two most popular for boat cruises are Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine.

For Loch Lomond, the family-run  Sweeney’s Cruises have been offering sightseeing cruises of Loch Lomond for over 100 years, and they also offer a seasonal daily waterbus service and private boat charters. There is also the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer, built in 1953, that is being renovated by the Loch Lomond Steamship Service and is hoped to operate cruises again soon.

You also have several options on Loch Katrine , including the famous historical steamship Sir Walter Scott built in 1900 and the cruiser Lady of the Lake . 

As a fan of Sir Walter Scott, I couldn’t visit the area within doing a trip aboard the steamship Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine, a setting for his narrative poem Lady of the Lake . No matter what cruise you do, you’ll get some nice views around the loch and most offer commentary in English and serve refreshments on board.

We cruised Loch Katrine on a chilly morning and we were happy to sit with our hot chocolate and enjoy the cruise. This was followed by a simple hot lunch at the The Steamship Cafe  which is located next to the pier. Many cruises also offer the ability to take your own bike aboard or hire a bike so you can return by bike or do some biking before returning to the boat.

Water Activities

Loch Lomond & The Trossoachs National Park contains 22 lochs and 39 miles of coastline around three Clyde sea lochs so it should be no surprise that many people visit this area for a bit of time on or near the water. In addition to the sightseeing boat rides mentioned earlier, the area offers the opportunity for boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, paddleboarding, seaplane rides, and even river sledging.

If you plan to go swimming, you’ll need a wetsuit and appropriate gear as the water is never really warm! In the area, it is easy to rent boats, wetsuits, lifejackets, canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks, such as from Loch Lomond Leisure or In Your Element . Both of the above companies also offer guided water adventure activities such as kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, and river sledging. 

If you are planning to fish, you’ll need an angling permit (check out info for angling guidelines and permissions ) and for guided fishing tours (gear included) check out the Lomond Angler .

Adventure Parks

If you love adventure parks, then you’ll be happy to know that you’ll have your choice of adventures parks in this area. The two main ones are GoApe in Aberfoyle and  TreeZone in Balloch. Both offer treetop aerial courses that are appropriate for older children and adults, but do check age, weight, and height requirements before you go.

Laurence did the course at TreeZone and had a great time despite rain, and found the course to be both challenging and to have a great easy-to-use safety system.

If you go to Treezone, you’ll park at  Loch Lomond Shores , where you’ll also find a SEA LIFE aquarium , a birds of prey center , boat hire services, picnic area, and the Loch Lomond Shores shopping center.

It is an easy place to spend an afternoon, and is an ideal spot to stop for families. For miniature golf, you may want to stop at Jurassic Parrr in Clydebank.

Enjoy the Small Towns and Villages

If you enjoy wandering through small towns and villages, there are many to choose from scattered throughout the Loch Lomond area. Some of our favorites to explore are Callander, Luss, Balloch, Killin, and Carrick Castle. You should stop and explore a few and find your own favorites.

Many towns have small tourist information offices where you can pick up a map and explore the local historic sites, walking paths, and attractions. 

A favorite for many visitors is Luss , which is a scenic conservation village located along the shore of Loch Lomond. It has picturesque village houses, a sandy shoreline, cobbled streets, and several small shops. It is a pretty village and fun to explore, especially on a sunny day, but it can get busy as many bus tours stop here. 

During your stay, I’d ask about any local events or festivals which are always fun to attend. If you enjoy farmer’s markets, you might want to plan a stop at the popular local Farmer’s Market at Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch, which takes places each month on the first and third Sunday. You can find fresh produce, meats, seafood, bread, sweets, soaps, and other local products at the market.

Stay in a Cozy B&B, Cabin, or Campsite

Loch Lomond is a perfect place to spend a night or two away with your family or significant other in a cozy B&B, cabin, or farm stay. We personally stayed at the small and cozy  Loaninghead B&B , where we had a wonderful room with a king-sized bed, views of the hills and cows, and an amazing cooked to order breakfast served on fine china!

To search and compare prices for hotel & B&B options you can see what Loch Lomond lodging is available during your visit. You can also find a lot of self-catering lodges and cabins throughout the area. Camping and Rving are also popular options. You can go wild camping or book a pitch  (be sure to check out the local laws) within the national park or check out one of these camping and campervan sites .

Scotland is the home of golf and you’ll find a number of golf courses located near Loch Lomond . A couple are private clubs like Loch Lomond Golf Club and you have to be a member or be invited by one to play the course, but most are open to the public and offer reasonable rates and scenic courses.

Those looking for a bit of pampering might consider playing the championship standard Carrick Golf Course and staying in the nearby Cameron House Resort & Spa. No matter which courses you are interested in playing be sure to pre-book your tee times before your visit.

Seek out Nature

Loch Lomond is one of the top destinations for nature and wildlife in Scotland. Hiking, cycling, horse trails, and nature trails are plentiful throughout the Loch Lomond area and nature lovers should have no difficulty seeking out some great nature spots. The park includes such a variety of habitats—forest, meadows, wetlands, sea lochs, etc.—that it supports a wide variety of plants and animals. 

The area has plenty to offer for wildlife lovers including the possibility to see otters, red deer, porpoises, red squirrels, pine martens, and loads of bird species from birds of prey like golden eagles to seabirds such as gannets. You can find a number of nature trails within the forests and parks, and the RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Scotland has a Nature Hub at Loch Lomond between Balloch and Drymen which is a special area of wildlife conservation. The RSPB is a great resource to contact for wildlife information in Scotland.

For those seeking woodland areas, we recommend checking out either  Queen Elizabeth Forest Park  or  Argyll Forest Park . There are several waterfalls around Loch Lomond , including the Falls of Dochart, Inversnaid Falls, Bracklinn Falls, and Falls of Falloch, and waterfall lovers can have fun seeking these out, with access varying from easy walks to more strenuous hikes. A popular scenic spot for fans of the TV show  Outlander  is Devil’s Pulpit, a gorge in Finnich Glen south of Drymen. If you want to visit Finnich Glen, you can follow these instructions on how to find the Devil’s Pulpit . 

Scotland also has some of the largest areas of dark sky in Europe, and there are several spots within the Loch Lomond national park which are especially great for stargazing on a clear night. In the winter, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights!

Historical & Cultural Sites

Scotland is full of historical and cultural sites, and Loch Lomond is no exception. You can find a bit of everything from prehistoric cairns and stone circles to ruined castles to a masterpiece home of 20th-century Scottish design. Although it is not the best area of the country for culture lovers, there are some interesting thing to discover here. You can find interesting stories and history in each of the villages. For instance, the village of Tyndrum is built over the battlefield where Clan MacDougall defeated Robert the Bruce and also has an association with Rob Roy MacGregor.

Those interested in Rob Roy may want to stop to see his gravestone at the Balquhidder Parish Church. There are a number of heritage trails you can follow at several of the towns, including Killin, Luss, and Callander which include interpretation panels. Art and literature lovers may want to explore The Great Trossachs Art & Literature Trail which highlights the artists and writers, such as Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth, who visited and drew inspiration from this area.

Those interested in prehistoric to medieval history can find ruins and remnants throughout the area, such as the Auchenlaich Cairn, a neolithic chambered cairn, near Callander, the Kinnell stone circle in Killin, and the ruins of Strathfillan Priory in Kirkton, between Crianlarich and Tyndrum. 

You can visit small museums such as  Denny Tank  in Dumbarton, where you can learn about shipbuilding and see the world’s first commercial ship model experiment tank.

Architecture and art lovers will want to make a stop at  Hill House  in Helensburgh to visit one of the domestic masterpieces from Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh .  

Visitors may want to visit Dumbarton Castle , which is now a ruined castle but the park contains a Georgian governor’s house with artefacts, 18th-century artillery fortifications, and scenic views of Ben Lomond. Similarly, Balloch Castle Country Park is a former 19th century private estate where visitors can discover a variety of gardens and parkland and see the castle (although the interior is not open to the public).

Garden lovers exploring the western side of the park might want to make a visit to the Benmore Botanic Garden and those interested in old churches may want to make a stop at the nearby St Munn’s Church and Argyll Mausoleum in Kilmun.

Distillery & Brewery Tours

Most visitors stop for a whisky tasting and/or tour at some point during their first trip to Scotland, and this area can be a perfect place to do just that. You’ll be able to taste local whisky at just about any pub or bar in Loch Lomond and most bartenders should be able to offer some advice and guidance if you are new to whisky. But you can also head to one of the local distilleries if you want to see how it is made.

None of these are actually located within the national park, but all are a short distance away depending on which part of Loch Lomond you are visiting. The three closest that offer public tours are  Glengoyne near the village of Strathblane,  Auchentoshan  in Clydebank, and  Deanston  in Doune. All of them offer whisky tours, tastings, and the opportunity to buy whisky to take home with you. 

If you prefer beer to whisky, you might want to try a beer or cider from Balmaha Brewing Co. brewed at the Oak Tree Inn or beer from  the family-run Loch Lomond Brewery which you’ll find served and for sale throughout the area. Loch Lomond Brewery offer a variety of beers and can sometimes give brewery tours if you contact them in advance.

So there is our list of things to do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park! Have you visited Loch Lomond? If so, do you have any places you’d add to this list? If you haven’t visited yet, would you add Loch Lomond to your Scotland itinerary? As always, feel free to ask us any questions you may have about things to do in Loch Lomond or anywhere else in Scotland!  

**Disclosure: Although we’ve visited Loch Lomond a few times now, on our most recent visit we partnered with Love Loch Lomond who helped us plan the logistics of our trip to Loch Lomond, and who also covered our accommodation, some of our meals, and entry into local attractions in order for us to share our experiences as travel writers. However, as always, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. You can read more in our  Ethics Code  about how we accept work.**

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Sveta Post author

June 11, 2022 at 8:52 am

Such a wonderful description!! We are planning to visit to Loch Lomond and we are going to stay there for two days at Gowannlea Guest House and then we are going back to Edinburgh. Could you recommend us what are the better sights to visit ?

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

June 11, 2022 at 9:20 am

Sounds great and glad you will have the chance to visit Loch Lomond and Edinburgh. For things to do in Loch Lomond, we cover all the top sights and attractions in our article. The big focus is really the lochs themselves and outdoor things like hiking, boating, and cycling.

If you have any specific questions or have specific interests, happy to provide futher advice.

Best, Jessica

Colin Kint Post author

July 13, 2020 at 11:47 pm

Finally, I’ve got what I was searching for. It was a complete guide to travel loch Lomond. I’m planning on a tour with my family. Please note that I have 2 kids aged 2 and 4, my wife, and my elderly parents.

When it comes to going for a tour, the first thing that comes into my mind is the room. as my parents are old, they need better comfort. I was searching for a hotel near Trossachs national park to stay 3 days (at least). As you mentioned the room and food opportunities, I’m eager to know the medical benefits (if emergency) in the B&B. Can you please let me know so that I can start packing?

July 14, 2020 at 8:40 am

I think if you are parents are looking for a place to stay with more comfort and more amenities, you might consider the Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel . The hotel has a lot of amenities for the area, including a spa, and the hotel also has a 24-hour front desk that is staffed so that if there was an emergency, they could help you contact medical services right away. The hotel is located in Aberfoyle in the south eastern part of the park and there are several things to do in and around that part of the park.

The 5-star Cameron House is the other more luxury hotel in Loch Lomond but I believe it is currently closed until 2021.

In terms of medical services within the park, I am not an expert on that. But there are some clinics and at least one medical centre, but I think for hospitals, I think they would need to take someone outside the park. The closest major hospitals would probably be around Stirling and Glasgow.

Wishing you and your parents a wonderful trip to Loch Lomond!

Anita Post author

December 29, 2019 at 7:04 am

Hi, my friend and I are planning to visit the area at the end of February and were wondering if you had any recommendations for things to do in winter? Also do you think it would be feasible to drive there ourselves (in terms of road conditions in winter) or would we need to have experience driving through snow/icy roads? Really appreciate your help!

December 29, 2019 at 10:14 am

Yes, unfortunately, some of the attractions and activities we recommend at Loch Lomond are not open in winter or are not as pleasant in the winter months. This is especially so for the boat and water based activities. But there is still a lot you can do within the park. Here are some suggestions:

-Hiking is one of the most popular things to do within the park and so I’d definitely still recommend these as long as you are prepared for the weather and potential rain. Same with cycling. -There are still some local farmer’s markets and there is shopping at Loch Lomond Shores which also regularly hosts events. -It is a good place to go wildlife spotting and deer are common as well as winter birds and I’d consider a stop at the Loch Lomond RSPB Nature Hub. The geese can often been seen at sunrise taking off from the lake in large flocks. -Visit the historical villages like Luss. Also, I think most of the historical and cultural sites we list (e.g. Rob Roy grave, stone circles, Denny Tank museum, castle ruins), except for the botanical gardens, are viewable year round. Just be sure to check visiting dates/hours for any indoor attractions. -I think the Treezone (aerial adventure park and courses) is open on weekends and certain days over the winter months. I think there are also golf courses in the park that are open year round. -Stargazing is great in the winter on clear evenings. -The regular boat cruises on Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond are not running in the winter but it looks like there is one regular winter cruise on the MV Lady of the Lake on Loch Katrine. You can see cruise schedule here .

Although snow/ice is definitely possible in February (and throughout the winter months), the roads are generally fine in this part of Scotland in the winter and roads are regularly gritted as needed and any snow on the roads tends to be cleared really quickly. But of course, we also recommend checking road and weather reports during your trip. So I think you can definitely drive although you do have other options of course if you prefer not to do so.

If you prefer not to drive, I’d recommend joining a tour as the public transport is not super easy to get around unlesss there is a bus/train to the specific town/area you want to visit. Rabbie’s is our recommend tour provider in Scotland and they have several tours that include a visit to Loch Lomond, which you can see here . Unfortunately, though, some of these tours don’t run in the winter.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great visit to Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park!

December 30, 2019 at 8:28 am

Thanks heaps for your reply, it’s very useful for us. I’m glad to hear that we are able to drive and that some things are still open. I think we will try fit in some hikes if possible.

December 30, 2019 at 9:00 am

Hi Anita, You’re very welcome. Hiking can be fun in the winter as long as the weather isn’t too bad and you are well-prepared with good waterproof shoes and gear. A good place to start your trip might be to make a stop at the visitor centre in Balloch as they will know for sure what is open and happening during the dates of your visit and can also recommend which trails might be best for hiking at that particular time. Wishing you a great trip, Jessica

Tracy Post author

August 10, 2019 at 11:05 am

Hi! I love the article. There is so much wonderful advice! We will be travelling from Edinburgh to Oban and would love to know what you think is the best drive based on “views” with maybe a spot of hiking on the way through. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Tracy

August 11, 2019 at 5:32 am

You have a few options, the most direct route is north through Stirling and then across to Oban on the A84 and A85, which provides some time in the eastern and northern parts of Loch Lomond & the Trossahs National Park. You can of course stop for a hiking trail within Loch Lomond – one idea might be this hike to Bracklinn Falls from Callender. This route also gives you the chance to stop at a number of attractions along this route, including three River Forth bridges at Queensferry, the Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Duone Castle, Bannockburn, etc – obviously you would not have time for all these but you can pick a couple to stop at along the way.

Another route, which would take a bit longer but provides a route right up the center of Loch Lomond National park is to head across to Glasgow and then head north on the A82 through the heart of the park and then take the A85 to Oban. This route gives you more chances to explore Loch Lomond itself (you can take a boat cruise if you want) and to visit Luss village. You can easily stop at a hiking trail within the park, there are many. Along this route, you could also add Queensferry bridges, Linlithgow Palace, the Kelpies, House for an Art Lover, or other attractions in Glasgow, etc. to this route with only a short detour.

I think either of the above are great options, just depends on how much time and what you are most interested in seeing. If you are primarily wanting to explore Loch Lomond, the second option up through the park might provide more classic views and it takes you along Loch Lomond itself.

Hope that helps! Jessica

David Cameron Post author

April 2, 2019 at 2:46 am

One article and every detail I need is here. Superb work. The views look amazing, and those waterfalls look absolutely gorgeous. 2020 holiday trip has been decided thanks to you guys 🙂

April 2, 2019 at 9:27 am

Hi David, Glad this was helping in planning your trip to Loch Lomond. Just let us know if you have any questions as your trip gets closer. Best, Jessica

Jill Post author

May 28, 2018 at 1:25 pm

Scotland is so beautiful! I spent a day in Loch Lomond many years ago on my first trip to Scotland and I have fond memories of my visit there.

May 28, 2018 at 1:29 pm

Hi Jill! Glad you have some nice memories in this part of Scotland. Yes, we have really been spending some time exploring Scotland’s national parks over the past 2 years! Loch Lomond is really beautiful and we also love the Cairngorms National Park which also has some real beautiful areas and also a lot of wildlife. Laurence also likes it because you can ski there in the winter 😉 ~ Jessica

Patrick Post author

May 21, 2018 at 6:42 am

Hello, cool article. Funny Question, we are going to be visiting friends in Luss for the Highland games in July. My wife and kids wanted to go see some highland cattle. Can you please tell me where they are in the park? On the brochure it shows them. Thanks so much!

May 21, 2018 at 7:00 am

Hi Patrick, Highland cattle are scattered here and there in fields throughout Scotland so you’ll likely see them as you are driving around Loch Lomond National Park. There are several locations you might see them around Loch Lomond, but they obviously move around, go into barns, and change fields fairly often so there is no single place you can alway see them. But we have always seen at least a few from the road when traveling in the area, so I would just look for them in the fields outside of the towns and you have a very high chance of seeing them. If you are looking for a place to stay, I believe the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel in Luss keeps a few in a field next to the hotel. Enjoy the Highland Games in Luss and your time in Loch Lomond! Best, Jessica

Denise Post author

January 15, 2018 at 6:23 am

HI, thanks for the information. I am planning to travel in April and stay some days in the park. Was thinking about renting a motorhome. How are the facilities for motorhome in the part? Is it a good option.? How many days would you recommend. I am travelling with my husband and a daughter – 14 years old and a son – 12 years old. We like hiking and biking.

January 15, 2018 at 12:49 pm

Hi Denise, I have not personally been to Loch Lomond in a caravan or motorhome, but camping and caravanning in the park is very popular in the warmer months, and many sites provide good facilities. Here is a list of caravan & camp sites within the park that should help you find and book a place that best suits your needs. Note that in some areas of the park between March and September each year, camping/caravanning is only permitted in campsites or in camping permit areas. But that should not affect you as you plan to rent a proper caravan site. I’d rent the smallest size caravan that you need as with hilly narrow places in Scotland, having a smaller vehicle makes them easier and safer to navigate.

I think that a camping or caravanning trip to this area is a great idea, especially if your family enjoys outdoor activities as there is loads to do for an active family (e.g., hiking, biking, boating). Your kids may enjoy one of the zip lining and adventure parks as well. In terms of how much time to spend, you can see a lot in 2-3 days, but could easily extend this to a week or more if you want to do a lot of hiking & biking and see various areas of the park. I’d recommend if you are spending more than 3 days to set up in two different caravan sites so you see more of the park. Perhaps setting up in the eastern side of the park for 2-3 days and then setting up in the western part of the park for 2-3 days.

Enjoy your trip to Loch Lomond! Jessica

January 16, 2018 at 3:32 pm

Hi Jessica Thanks for your answer. Would April be a good time to go? I am worried about the rain

January 17, 2018 at 4:07 am

Hi Denise, I think April is a good month as the days will be longer by then. But if you have flexibility I would suggest May if that is possible just because the weather does tend to be a tad better and the seasonal businesses should all be open by then in the Loch Lomond area. But I am sure you will enjoy either month. In terms of rain, well, it rains throughout the year in Scotland so you may have rain during any month so I would just come prepared with waterproof layers, ponchos, waterproof hiking backpack covers, and waterproof shoes so that you can go hiking/biking in any weather. It rarely rains hard enough to really keep you inside so if you are dressed for the weather, you should be fine! Best, Jessica

January 17, 2018 at 2:39 pm

Fantastic, Thanks a lot!

Rob+Ann Post author

September 28, 2017 at 7:11 pm

The landscape is just stunning! It’s great that there’s much to do and see, but honestly…we’d stand there gobsmacked at the scenery! As always, great photographs. Loch Lomond, and Scotland in general, has been on our bucket list for far too long. Thanks for the great ideas to get us moving!

October 1, 2017 at 9:23 am

Hi Rob & Ann, Yes, Loch Lomond (and Scotland in general) has some beautiful rural scenery! Hope you get a chance to visit soon!! Jessica

Michelle Post author

September 25, 2017 at 2:40 am

I’ve been to Loch Lomond before, purely by accident – we were driving from Edinburgh up to Braemar and along the way we passed by this beautiful loch. It had no signage and there was nobody around, so we just took a couple of pictures and left, but later on, after looking at a map we concluded that it was Loch Lomond. (It was March, I think, so that might explain why it was deserted!)

I had no idea there was so much to do there! I’d definitely be up for some hiking and horseriding. Looks like a return visit is in order. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

September 27, 2017 at 4:51 am

Hi Michelle, Yes, Scotland outside of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, & the Isle of Skye tends to be pretty sleepy from about November to April, except for holidays. But I am guessing that perhaps you stopped at a loch in or near the National Park but perhaps not Loch Lomond. It is well signed and also most of the parking lots have signs as well and some even have tourist information centers, so it may have been a nearby loch as there are 22 of them just within the National Park! But who knows 😉 Hope you get a chance to return! Best, Jessica

October 4, 2017 at 12:20 am

Aahh that makes so much sense! You’re probably right, haha. Will have to check out the real Loch Lomond next time I’m in Scotland! 🙂

October 4, 2017 at 9:41 am

Hi Michelle, Yes, it is hard to know which loch you were at, it could have been Loch Lomond. Scotland has so many! But hope you get a chance to return to experience even more of Scotland’s beautiful lochs!! 😉 Jessica

Lara Dunning Post author

September 24, 2017 at 9:56 pm

Thank you for such a thorough post with lots of tips about exploring this National Park. Scotland is high on my list, and I love National Parks, so I so appreciate learning about this part of Scotland. Gorgeous photos!

September 27, 2017 at 4:45 am

Hi Lara, Yes, hope you get a chance to visit Scotland soon, I think it was just voted the most beautiful country by Rough Guide readers. Loch Lomond is a great area if you enjoy hiking and national parks! Best, Jessica

Rhonda Albom Post author

September 24, 2017 at 9:46 pm

I traveled through the area on a gorgeous summer day in 2012 ( a veritable heatwave in the upper 20’s). The area is so lush and green (couldn’t miss the highland cattle).

September 27, 2017 at 4:44 am

Hi Rhonda, Yes it is a beautiful area and lush (thanks to our rainy weather!) – especially gorgeous on a sunny day like the one you described! Best, Jessica

Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute Post author

September 24, 2017 at 9:11 pm

Loch Lomond is beautiful. I don’t think I have any Scottish roots, but the the area is so fascinating. Stone circles, distilleries, lambs, gorgeous waterfalls, and Rob Roy’s grave? I’m there! Thanks for linking in this week!

September 27, 2017 at 4:42 am

Hi Jim, Yes, there is plenty to keep travelers busy around Loch Lomond. It is a very popular spot for those looking for hiking, boating, and cycling, but it offers much more like the prehistoric sites, farms, waterfalls, shopping, villages, and historical sites! Hope you get a chance to visit on you next trip to Scotland! Best, Jessica

Bryna | Dotted Line Travels Post author

September 24, 2017 at 8:16 pm

Loch Lomond looks like an amazing National Park, and a great place to spend a weekend! I’d like to seek out nature (and get some great shots like you did) and visit some of the historical and cultural sites. I love visiting ruins! I’d also love to see some of those cows. I haven’t seen cows like that in real life. They’re pretty adorable!

September 27, 2017 at 4:40 am

Hi Bryna, Yes, I don’t think many people even know Scotland has national parks as they are fairly new. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, the first, was only established as a national park in 2002. If you enjoy national parks and outdoor activities, you may also want to visit Cairngorms National Park a bit further north. You can find Highland cattle scattered all over Scotland, especially in the middle and northern parts of the country, so you’re likely to see them if you venture outside the cities. We actually just saw some yesterday in France 😉 Best, Jessica

Julie Post author

September 24, 2017 at 3:36 pm

I would absolutely add Loch Lomond to my Scotland itinerary! Scotland is definitely on my bucket list but this makes me want to get there ASAP. Saving for later!

September 27, 2017 at 4:31 am

Hi Julie, Yes, Loch Lomond is a great place in Scotland to get out into nature and onto the lochs. Jessica

Anda Post author

September 22, 2017 at 11:53 pm

Another great guide with lots of detailed information about Loch Lomond. Your beautiful pictures surely make this place look very appealing. Breweries and Distilleries don’t interest me too much, but photographing waterfalls like that would. I have a lot of your posts bookmarked for future reference., so I’m going to save this one too. I’m hoping to make it to Scotland next spring.

September 23, 2017 at 2:26 am

Hi Anda, There are a lot of things to do in Loch Lomond, especially if you like being outdoors: hiking, biking, golfing, birdwatching, photography, boating, fishing etc. It is also great for nature photography as you said. If you come to Scotland, do let us know!! Best, Jessica

California Globetrotter Post author

September 22, 2017 at 11:48 pm

Oooh I’m in love with everything in this post!! From the plethora of lochs, to the cute cows, distilleries and beautiful hotels!! I wouldn’t mind spending a few days here!!

September 23, 2017 at 2:24 am

Hi Lolo, Yes, it is a pretty and (can be) peaceful place, especially if you head out hiking. It was nice to see the baby lambs in the fields and Highland cattle around the lake – we stayed at a B&B on a farm so it was a nice bucolic trip 😉 Best, Jessica

Tomas Post author

September 22, 2017 at 3:21 pm

Thanks for sharing this post because, only seeing your pictures make me go there right now, and then the adventure park and brewery. So I’ll pin it for later 😉

September 23, 2017 at 2:21 am

Hi Tomas, Yes, you could easily plan a day or weekend trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh to do a lake cruise around Loch Lomond or Loch Katrine, followed by the adventure park for the treetop course and zipline followed by some relaxing beers 😉 Best, Jessica

Hilary Post author

September 22, 2017 at 3:14 pm

Your photos are absolutely stunning, and really do the area justice! We’ve visited Scotland twice as a family and there is never enough time to see and do everything!

September 23, 2017 at 2:20 am

Hi Hilary, Yes, we have lived in Scotland for almost 2 years now and we still have a number of places we want to visit. I guess any place is like that. Hope you get a chance to come back and explore thoroughly as there are many things to do in Loch Lomond! Best, Jessica

Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields Post author

September 22, 2017 at 2:24 pm

We often combine travelling with cycling. I love the idea of cycling around Loch Lomond. I didn’t know you could do that. Thanks – I might add it to the holiday to-do list.

September 23, 2017 at 2:18 am

Hi Lyn, Yep, there are cycle paths all over the national park and around Loch Lomond as well as the Clyde sea lochs trail . You can also use the boat tours or water taxis to get across the lochs, as most allow bikes and you can also rent bikes from several places in the area. A great destination for both hiking and cycling! Best, Jessica

Anisa Post author

September 22, 2017 at 1:59 pm

I had to cut Loch Lomond out of our Scotland itinerary because we just didn’t have enough time. I hope to make it there on my next trip, it just looks lovely. I would like to take one of the sightseeing boats and also do some hiking.

September 23, 2017 at 2:15 am

Hi Anisa, Sorry you were not able to visit Loch Lomond on your visit to Scotland, but hopefully you can visit on a return trip. There is a lot to see is Scotland so I understand. It is a fantastic place for hiking and we definitely recommend one of the boat trips, we really enjoyed our cruise on the Sir Walter Scott but you have a lot of choices for either Loch Lomond or Loch Katrine! Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

September 22, 2017 at 6:29 am

I”m not much of an adventure park person, but the breweries and nature hiking look good to me! My husband would be all about the golfing. Great photos of the waterfalls, by the way. My brother in law (who loves nature photography) is giving these photos the thumbs up!

September 22, 2017 at 12:48 pm

Hi Seana, Hiking and visiting a brewery is definitely a good way to spend some time around Loch Lomond. There are loads of hiking trails for people of all levels and through a variety of landscapes. If your husband likes golfing, he’s definitely enjoy a trip to Scotland, the home of golf. Glad your brother-in-law enjoyed our photos, we had some gray days on our last visit to Loch Lomond but landscape photography is Laurence’s favorite type of photography as a travel photographer 😉 Jessica

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• Distilleries
• Distillery visit

Loch Lomond and Whisky Distillery Half-Day Tour Verified

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This half-day Loch Lomond and Whisky Tour gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. You’ll also visit the Glengoyne Distillery, to take in the production, smells, and flavors of their whisky.

• Follow the course of the Clyde, the river that made Glasgow great
• Admire the beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Learn about malt whisky production at the Glengoyne Whisky Distillery

Departing from Glasgow city center at 13:15, you’ll enjoy a leisurely drive, following the course of the Clyde, the river that has been so important in Glasgow’s history. The Clyde was once home to the shipyards and heavy manufacturing factories that forged Glasgow’s name as the Second City of the British Empire.

On this 4.5-hour excursion, you’ll travel north to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. This area of outstanding natural beauty straddles the cultural and physical boundaries of the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland and is now a managed and sustainable environment for visitors and local people, right on the doorstep of Glasgow.

Go for a stroll along the shores of Loch Lomond in Balloch Country Park or soak-up the atmosphere in the bars and restaurants at Loch Lomond Shores. From here you can walk to the former volcanic plug at Dumgoyne Hill and visit the Glengoyne Whisky Distillery Experience.

Glengoyne produces a Highland single malt from water that runs out of the volcanic rock behind the distillery.

On the tour you’ll experience the majesty of one of Scotland’s most famous Lochs and round your afternoon off with a dram of whisky, the water of life, before returning to Glasgow at 18:00.

What’s included

• Transportation by air-conditioned mini-coach
• Driver/guide

What’s not included

• Refreshments
• Glengoyne Distillery entrance fee
• Price From £22
• Listing categories Amateur
• Location / Region Lowlands

Opening Hours

12 reviews on “loch lomond and whisky distillery half-day tour”, s l – united kingdom.

Great tour with a great guide

Zuzanne – Sweden

Outstanding professional and friendly service

I’m glad I choose this tour. Toni, the guide/driver was one of the most professional persson I have met. He had a close contact with the office and made sure that guests who were running late will be on the bus. Even thoug it put us 5 min behind the scheduled trip, Toni reassured us that it will not effect our tour. He also gave us a choice between two options to view Loch Lomond and took the extra 20 min total drive to make sure we have the best scenery. He was not aware that the road the distillery was closed, but with a professional, calm but fun attitude he got us there on time and we did not miss a minute. We actually had a chance to experience more of the Scottish country. He introduced us to many interesting facts and the music choice and information around it was extra. The guided distillery tour was also a pleasant experience. I experienced a great afternoon with an intelligent and fun guide. Well planned trip, I can highly recommend.

Carole – United Kingdom

We enjoyed the tour and the sampling of the whiskey

Jayne – United Kingdom

Our guide Ian was excellent, very knowledgable. Unfortunately his company hadn’t advised him of the roadworks on the Erskine Bridge, nor that there was a big swimming event on, which meant we had only 15 minutes at Loch Lomond instead if more than an hour which was very disappointing as we had guests from New Zealand with us. The distillery tour was excellent and even the weather cleared up a bit!

Iain – United States

Not much to see at the lake when it’s raining.

The lake visit was of little value in the rain. The distillery tour was interesting because of the old school production of their products.

Maria – Sweden

Really nice trip, absolutely pricewort. The guide’s, Jim and Stuart, made the trip both funny and interesting.

Marianne – Canada

Good Distillery tour. Loch Lomond is picturesque and nice for a stroll

Guide/ driver was friendly, informative and kept to outlined schedule. Vehicle was clean and comfortable. Although I have never had Scotch whiskey, I enjoyed it as well as the tour of Glengoyne. Excellent guide, Meghan explained everything about their product, the history of Glengoyne and how it is made as well as the differences between the various aged whiskeys.

Amanda – United States

Perfect Half Day Tour

The Loch was lovely. I am not a Scotch drinker, but I still really enjoyed the distillery tour. Well worth the time and money.

Laura – Spain

The guide made the tour great

We were so lucky to have IAN as out tour guide, a superfriendly and caring local. He was entertaining, helpful and always had something interesting to say at all time. The tour itself isn’t that great, I think it’s better worth your money to do a full day tour because we felt like it was too short. The distillery is very touristy and not thaaat good as we thought. The Loch is nice but also quite touristy.

Colette – United Kingdom

Absolutely brilliant tour of Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs with a lovely, enthusiastic and very knowledge guide. My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the distillery also.

Ylfa – Iceland

Great activity loved the guide

It was a great activity. We absolutely loved our guied (forgotten his name 🙁 ) But he told us a lot of interesting stories about Scotland.

Heather Ceana – Freital, Germany

Fascinating Tour

Tour the Glengoyne Whisky Distillery and learn about how whisky is manufactured. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. The process is quite fascinating. It was interesting to learn about the process and see the equipment involved. Great change to shop afterwards at discount prices.

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Loch Lomond National Park, Kelpies & Stirling Castle 1 day tour

Step back in time and discover the legends, landscapes, and landmarks that defined Scottish history.

Tour Highlights

Stirling Castle - Choose to step inside and learn about the most important battles in Scottish history.

The Trossachs - This beautiful region has attracted travellers from around the world since the 19th century.

Rob Roy country - Visit the region where the ‘Scottish Robin Hood’ made his mark.

Loch Lomond - One of Scotland’s largest Lochs. Admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family.

The Kelpies* - The largest pair of horse sculptures in the world are made from 300 tonnes of steel.

Your journey

Envision gory battles thrashing against the grand walls of Stirling Castle. Follow in the footsteps of the outlaws that hid amongst the hills of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. And relive the journeys taken by Rob Roy and William Wallace.

This Scottish tour is perfect for anyone who wants to admire beautiful scenery and learn about the heroes, tragedies, and landscapes that defined Scottish history.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• If you're planning to visit Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, it may be cheaper if you buy a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass

Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.

• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Attraction entry tickets

Leave Edinburgh and travel through the historic grace of Linlithgowshire. Your guide will help you spot Linlithgow palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

On the way to Loch Lomond you stop at the Kelpies Monument*. These two horses’ heads stand as a testament to the horse power that drove the industrial development of Central Scotland.

From here you head to the shores of Loch Lomond, which is Scotland’s largest loch and is protected as Scotland’s first National Park.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a walk along the ‘bonny banks’ and take in fantastic views of the mountains. This tranquil area was once the home of Scotland’s famous highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. By spending time on the trails by the loch you’ll be walking in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s greatest legends.

You then head into the Trossachs or ‘The Highlands in Miniature’, where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. Steep mountains, shimmering lochs, and thick forests: this area is stunning.

You stop for lunch in the heart of the National Park then continue to the city of Stirling where you can visit one of Scotland’s most magnificent castles*. You can choose to take in the views from inside and understand why this castle was so instrumental in Scottish history.

From here our short journey back to Edinburgh passes the Kelpies once again before arriving back in the capital.

*Please note the Kelpies Monument will be closed on Saturday 27th April due to their anniversary event. We will be unable to visit the site and apologise for the inconvenience.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Stirling Castle

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

Customer reviews

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The Trossachs Explorer – Frequently Asked Questions

The Trossachs Explorer is a new pilot bus service, which offers connections through the Trossachs, from Callander to Aberfoyle and back again. We know that a lack of viable public transport options is a real barrier in encouraging people to leave the car at home when exploring parts of the National Park. This pilot service aims to address some of these challenges.

Too many cars cause high emissions, congestion and pressures on local communities. The lack of public transport options creates an inequality in terms of who can access the National Park, and all that it offers. An efficient, inclusive rural transport network that meets the needs of both visitors and residents is a crucial part of becoming a Net Zero National Park and will contribute to the overall vision of the National Park as a thriving place that is nature positive and carbon negative.

About the Service

Where does the bus stop?

Callander, Kilmahog/Ben Ledi, Brig O’Turk, Ben A’an, Loch Katrine, Ben Venue, The Lodge, Aberfoyle and back again!

How much do tickets cost?

Under 22’s and over 60’s travel for free with National Entitlement Card (NEC). See the full pricing table for more information.

How do I pay for a ticket?

Its easiest to pay on the bus with cash or card or you can pay using the Midland Bluebird App .

Do I need to book a ticket in advance?

No need to book, just hop on at any of the stops along the route.

What if my bus is late or doesn't turn up?

Please contact Midland Bluebird with any day-to-day service issues.

03330 16 61 62

[email protected]

Is there a live bus tracker?

Yes, you can download the Midland Bluebird App that will show live GPS locations of the bus along the route.

What if the bus I want to get on is full?

The bus capacity is good with standing area allowing up to 63. Unfortunately in the unlikely event of the bus being full you will need to wait for the next service. If it is the last service of the day the operator will arrange a final service to collect you and others.

Can I take my dog on the bus?

Guide dogs, assistance dogs and learning dogs will have priority over any other animal. Dogs must be on a lead and are carried on local services only. Please note that we only allow one dog to travel at any one time on a bus. However, working dogs will never be refused from our vehicles, and should always wear the appropriate Hi-Viz harness to advise our drivers and other members of the public that the dog is there to assist its handler.

Who do I contact if I have lost or left something on the bus?

Please contact the operator, Midland Bluebird.

Can I take food and drink on the bus?

Yes this is permitted.

Why is there a reduced service on a Sunday?

The pilot is working within the limits of the existing operator capabilities and staffing structures, which results in a reduced Sunday service. A key element of the pilot evaluation will be to understand journey demand and how any future service in this location or elsewhere can support sustainable choices and what are the important times and days which address volumes and transport poverty.

Can I use a ticket between the Stirling/Glasgow regions?

Travel from either Stirling or Glasgow into the Trossachs area would require the same “All Zone” ticket (day, week, group etc.) so it would be possible to start in Glasgow and finish in Stirling without a different ticket being required.

You can link with the X10 into Glasgow and the 59 to Stirling. They are operated by Midland Bluebird/McGills so the “All Zone” ticket covers all of those journeys. You can also use the C60 bus operated by Stirling Council which links Callander to Killin, however that would require an additional ticket. The Journey Planner App is a great tool for choosing the best option.

Where are the specific bus stops in Callander and Aberfoyle?

The stop in Callander is at Station Road and the Aberfoyle stop is outside the Visitor Information Centre.

What's the best way of finding transport links from wider starting destinations?

If you are starting your journey close to rail options, the quickest way to access the Trossachs may be by train to Stirling to access the 59 bus to Callander, or train to Milngavie to access the X10 to Aberfoyle. The Journey Planner App offers a good tool for choosing the best option.

Accessibility Information

Is there a space for a wheelchair or pram?

Each bus has space for 1 wheelchair and 1 pram. More prams can be accommodated depending on space and patronage at a specific time.

We are happy to carry prams and buggies but a wheelchair always takes precedence over a pram or buggy. If a wheelchair needs the wheelchair space and it is occupied by a buggy, the buggy owner will be expected to fold the buggy to allow the wheelchair to have access to its space.

Please note, mobility scooters are not suitable to travel on any Midland Bluebird buses.

What size of wheelchair can be accommodated?

The wheelchair space on the bus is designed for wheelchairs which are no bigger than 700mm wide, 1200mm long and 1350mm high.

Is there a ramp on the bus?

Yes, a ramp can be requested which the driver will assist with.

Are there any fully accessible facilities at any of the stops?

Yes, there is a Changing Places Toilet in Aberfoyle.

Are drivers aware of the Thistle Card?

Yes, drivers are aware as well as the Volunteer National Park Rangers who will also be assisting on the bus.

Are there any barriers to physical accessibility at any of the stops?

The stop at Kilmahog/Ben Ledi is on an uneven and unsurfaced grass verge, so we recommend that you check suitability for your personal needs in advance.

What provisions are made for people with vision or hearing impairments?

Needs confirmed.

Park and Ride Options

Is there car parking available at the terminus of the route?

Yes there are car parks at both Callander and Aberfoyle, but it is worth noting Callander offers far higher capacity.

How much is car parking at Callander or Aberfoyle?

Both car parks are managed by Stirling Council. The car park at Aberfoyle is free to use (though capacity is limited). For Callander, you can pay with cash or via the Ringo app. The car park is open from 08:45 – 17:30 Monday – Sunday.

For Callander, prices are:

• £2.50 for up to 2 hours
• £3.00 for 4 hours
• £4.00 for all day parking.

Bikes and Storage

Can I take a bike on the bus?

No. The bus that is being used for the trial is a smaller model due to the roads and stops that the route follows, therefore there is no space for bikes on board. However, there is bike hire available in Callander and Loch Katrine.

Is there luggage storage?

No. There is no designated storage area for luggage other than a pram. Luggage and backpacks can be taken on board but we ask that you are considerate of other passengers and always follow instructions from the driver.

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