Things to Do in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

Conic Hill Balmaha Loch Lomond views

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There’s no shortage of things to do in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, the Bonnie Banks on every Scotland bucket list. Attractions by the loch, activities on the water, nature, hikes, shopping, food and drink, you’re in for a busy trip to this national park.

Loch Lomond is an easy day trip from Glasgow. Just hop on the train to Balloch; from there, it’s all aboard the Loch Lomond boat tours!

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Things to Do in Loch Lomond By Area

Balloch

Enjoy a Boat Ride on Loch Lomond 

Set sail from Balloch on a 1-hour hour Loch Lomond boat trip.

This a large, comfortable boat with indoor and outdoor seating.

The seats inside are next to big windows for unspoilt views of the lochside. 

Silver Dolphin Boat Tour Loch Lomond docked at Balloch

Loch Lomond stretches for 24 miles and has 22 islands and 27 islets.

Learn about the history of the national park from the tour guide’s stories told over the speakers. 

Have a Pint by the Fire at The Balloch House

The Balloch House is in an 18th-century building with a beer garden for dining and drinking.

The menu includes starters, mains, fish, and grilled food like steak and stonebaked pizzas.

Brunch is served Monday to Saturday, and roast is available on Sundays. 

Watch a Game at Tullie Inn

The Tullie Inn is a modern restaurant and pub with screens showing football games.

There’s also outdoor seating with umbrellas. 

Karaoke with Locals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 

If you like a cheap drink and a bit of sing-song, pop into the ‘The Lodge’ Glenroy Bar at Lomond Park Hotel. 

It gets rowdy on weekends, so be prepared for spilt drinks, sweat and singing! 

Cocktails at The Pier

Do you prefer live music and a cocktail menu? 

Reserve a table at The Pier Kitchen for a contemporary setting and friendly staff.

Food is also available from brunch through to dinner. 

Things to Do at Loch Lomond Shores

Shop at Loch Lomond Shores

Grab a snack at a lochside stall or shop ’til you drop at Loch Lomond Shores.

Popular brands and family-owned businesses are located at this scenic shopping centre.

Enjoy a Drink with Views at Duck Bay 

Duck Bay is a popular restaurant and hotel by the loch.

The outdoor seating has views of Ben Lomond and the Arden Hills. 

Duck Bay Loch Lomond outside

Inside, there’s a relaxed cafe selling light meals and impressive cakes, as well as an upmarket restaurant with a varied menu. 

You can also stay at Duck Bay, which means you can browse the wine and whisky menu before falling into bed!

Check out rooms and rates here.

Things to Do at Balmaha

Hike Conic Hill

See the line of the Highland Boundary Fault from the summit of Conic Hill at Balmaha.

Balmaha sign for Conic Hill hike at Loch Lomond Scotland West Highland Way

From the Balmaha car park, follow the trail through the woodlands up to the hill, past the Highland cows, and to the summit. 

Remember to look back at the views as you ascend.

The route is slightly stony near the summit, so hiking boots or shoes are recommended. 

Views from Conic Hill over Loch Lomond at Balmaha West Highland Way route

Follow the same path on the way down. 

The hike takes around 1.5-2 hours. 

Conic Hill is part of the West Highland Way multi-day hike. 

Views from Conic Hill over Loch Lomond at Balmaha part of West Highland Way route

Ice Cream at St Mocha 

St Mocha is a takeout ice cream and coffee shop next to the Oak Inn.

Flavours include traditional ones such as vanilla and Scottish flavours like tablets.

Cone or tub?

The cafe roasts its own coffee, too. 

Dine at the Oak Tree Inn

You really won’t be disappointed with the food and service at the Oak Tree Inn.

The menu consists of soup, sandwiches, main meals and desserts made by hand using local produce.

The decor on the walls of this cosy pub will keep you intrigued for the duration of your meal.

There are also tables outside for al fresco dining, which is ideal for those with dogs.

The Oak Tree Inn is across the road from the Conic Hill car park, ideal for a hike and lunch combo.

The Oak Tree Inn pub Balmaha decor and table

Things to Do at Luss and Beyond

Enjoy a Wander Around Luss

One of the most popular activities in Loch Lomond is a slow walk through the cute village of Luss.

It has a pier, an 18th-century Parish Church – look out for the Viking Hogback Grave, and 19th-century houses with perfectly presented flowers.

Pick up a souvenir at Luss General Stores and food at the Coach House or Village Rest. 

Luss General Store with nice houses and hanging baskets in Loch Lomond Scotland

Watersports

Whether you fancy a paddle in a kayak or some stand-up action, there are options for watersports on the loch, launching from Luss.

If you prefer to experience the water from a boat, hop on a cruise or take a water taxi to another location.

Luss Watersports on Loch Lomond

Things to Do in The Trossachs

Loch Ard Trails

If you’ve seen images of the Trossachs in autumn on social media, you’ve most likely come across the stunning Loch Ard with its canvas of foliage and picturesque houses reflecting in the water.

There are a few options to consider when visiting Loch Ard.

Either park at the main car park (on Google Maps) and join the red, black, or blue trail around the forest and loch; the latter ends at the famous Creag Ard House the quickest.

Or park at the Milton Car Park, just before the main one, and walk to the right of the car park sign by the residential houses to the loch; this is the fastest way to capture the popular scene.

Fall foliage around Loch Ard

Dine in Aberfoyle

Aberfoyle is a cute village with a main street with a couple of cafes, a gift shop, a pub, a deli, and a Co-op.

I always pick up a traybake at The Station Cafe when I’m in the area.

Duke’s Pass

The road behind the main street leads to some pleasant surprises, including Duke’s Pass (A821), the seasonal Three Lochs Forest Drive, and Loch Achray.

The journey is winding, so be careful when taking the corners.

This is the way to our next stop.

Loch Katrine Viewpoint

If you type Trossachs Pier into Google Maps, you will be taken to the car park of this purpose-built viewpoint.

It overlooks Loch Katrine, sandwiched between Ben A’an and Ben Venue.

There’s a large fee-paying car park, toilets, cafe, and gift shop.

This is where you alight to board a Loch Katrine cruise, where my friends got engaged!

Hike Ben A’an

Ben A’an is a busy hill in the Trossachs and is popular for good reason.

The relatively short hike (3.7km / 2.25 miles) provides stunning views of Loch Katrine.

Aim to get to the car park on the A821 very early to avoid disappointment, especially on dry days.

Set aside 2-3 hours for hiking The Mountain in Miniature.

Be prepared to climb boulders, which can be slippy underfoot.

I turned back on my most recent hike as visibility was poor, the mist was turning to that rain that “really gets you wet”, and the rocks were slippy!

Path leading to Ben A'an in Autumn The Trossachs Scotland

Things to Do Near Loch Lomond

The Green Welly Stop

Did you even visit the West Coast if you didn’t go to the Green Welly Stop at Tyndrum? 

Use the loo, grab a coffee, or have a diner-style meal at this landmark. 

Psst! I like The Real Food Cafe over the road.

The Green Welly Stop Tyndrum Loch Lommnd shop

Stirling For History

Stirling is a small yet historically significant city in central Scotland.

Visit Stirling Castle at the top of Castle Hill for exhibitions in this 12th-century royal building and the Old Stirling Bridge over the River Forth.

The National Wallace Monument, which celebrates Sir William Wallace, is a prominent feature in the Stirling landscape.

It requires walking uphill, but the views are worth it!

Alternatively, spend the afternoon at the spa in the old Victorian school building, Stirling Highland Hotel.

Stirling is also featured in our guide to staycations in Scotland.

Blue skies and Old Stirling Bridge reflecting in river

How to Get to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is easy to get to from Edinburgh and Glasgow and appears on many Scotland road trip itineraries.

Edinburgh to Loch Lomond Shores is a 1.5-hour drive, and Glasgow to Loch Lomond Shores is just 40 minutes by car.

Organised day trips to Loch Lomond leave both cities daily.

Alternatively, the train from Glasgow to Balloch takes 50 minutes where you can hop on a public bus or the Trossachs Explorer.

Citylink Buses has a service from Glasgow that stops at Balloch, Duck Bay, Luss, Inverbeg, Tarbet, Inveruglas, Ardlui, Inverarnan, Crianlarich, and Tyndrum.

Loch Lomond views

Visiting Loch Lomond Responsibly

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is only one of two national parks in Scotland and its ease of access makes it a very popular place to visit.

Along with the Isle of Skye, it is often cited as a destination which suffers from overtourism.

Ways to travel to Loch Lomond responsibly include:

  • Visit during quieter seasons and outside of school holidays
  • Leave no trace – pick up all your litter from days out and camping
  • Apply for a permit to camp 1 March to 30 September; you cannot ‘wild camp’ during this time
  • Book local accommodation and dine out
  • Be respectful of locals, and don’t park outside of car parks and parking spaces
  • Use public toilets; if you have to do a number two while hiking, dig deep and cover the hole up
  • People have died swimming, only get into the water where it is safe to do so

Why not consider a lesser-known area in Scotland?

Camping Management Sign Loch Lomond at Conic Hill

Final Words

As you can see, there are many things to do around Loch Lomond that warrant a night or two on your Scotland itinerary!

Which attractions are your favourite? Tell us in the comments below.

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