Loch Lomond and the Trossachs guide: walks, boat trips and where to stay

T By Thomas · Updated 20 October 2026 · 3 min read

Airports

Glasgow (GLA), Edinburgh (EDI)

Best time to go

May-September

Type

National park

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park was Scotland's first national park, opened in 2002, and it is one of the easiest places to experience Highland scenery from the cities. Loch Lomond itself stretches about 24 miles north from Balloch, with around 30 islands in its broad southern half and mountains closing in further north. To the east, the Trossachs are a gentler landscape of lochs, forests and hills that inspired Sir Walter Scott.

It is a popular day trip from Glasgow, but staying a few nights lets you enjoy the quieter northern shores and the Trossachs. For the rest of the country, see our Scotland guide.

Where to stay

• Balloch – the southern gateway, with a railway station, the Loch Lomond Shores centre and most boat trips.
• Luss – a pretty conservation village of stone cottages on the western shore, busy by day but lovely in the evening.
• Tarbet and Arrochar – between Loch Lomond and Loch Long, close to the Arrochar Alps.
• Balmaha – on the quieter eastern shore, on the West Highland Way and near Inchcailloch island.
• Callander and Aberfoyle – small towns in the Trossachs, good for walking and cycling.

Things to do

1. A boat trip – cruises from Balloch, Luss and Tarbet, or a water bus between villages in summer.
2. Ben Lomond – Scotland's most southerly Munro (974 m), a popular day hike from Rowardennan.
3. Conic Hill – a short, steep climb from Balmaha with superb views along the Highland Boundary Fault.
4. Inchcailloch – a small wooded island with nature trails, reached by a short ferry from Balmaha.
5. The West Highland Way – Scotland's best-known long-distance walk runs along the eastern shore.
6. Loch Katrine – take a cruise on the historic steamship Sir Walter Scott, or cycle the lochside road.
7. Kayaking and paddleboarding – hire kit in Balloch, Luss or Milarrochy Bay.
8. The Trossachs – drive the Duke's Pass, see Loch Venachar and Loch Achray, or climb Ben A'an.

Best time to visit

May to September is the best time for boat trips, water sports and long walks. June and September can be quieter and pleasant. Summer weekends and bank holidays are very busy, with full car parks in Luss and Balmaha. Autumn colours in the Trossachs are beautiful in October. In winter some boat services stop, but walks are peaceful and the hills may be snow-capped.

Getting there

From England, take a train or the sleeper to Glasgow, then a ScotRail train to Balloch in about 45 minutes. The West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street also stops at Arrochar and Tarbet and Ardlui on the way to Fort William and Oban. Glasgow Airport is about 30 minutes' drive from Balloch. Driving from London takes about seven to eight hours via the M6 and M74.

Getting around

The A82 runs up the western shore and can be slow in summer. Citylink coaches use it to reach the north. Buses link Balloch and Balmaha, and passenger ferries and water buses cross the loch in season, which makes linear walks easy. For the Trossachs, a car or bike is easiest.

We research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.