Activities and Places

Balloch on the southern shore of the loch was a former Victorian resort town which used to lure day trippers from Glasgow who would descend on the town as the interchange point between train and the loch steamers. Today the town is still easily accessed from Glasgow by rail and is the main base for Sweeney Cruises who have been operating on Loch Lomond for over 120 years and operate both daily cruises and private charters. Balloch Castle Country Park, just outside the town offers woodland and lochside walks, nature trails and of course a castle.  Close to Balloch is the Loch Lomand Bird of Prey Centre which is a rescue, conservation and educational facility with over 28 species of bird.

Balmaha is a village on the eastern shore of the loch. Here you can hire a rowing boat from here, and also take part in numerous water sports.  Just a bit further north from Balmaha is the village of Rowardennan (the furthest north you can take a vehicle) from where you can begin an ascent of Ben Lomond the most southerly of the Munro mountains.

Opposite Balmaha on the western shore of the loch is the picturesque village of Luss. A settlement has probably existed here since the 14th century. A few miles south of Luss is the famous Loch Lomond Golf Course, which has hosted the Scottish Open Championship since 1996. This challenging course in spectacular scenery provides a rich golfing experience for players and spectators alike.

Further up the western shoreline, Tarbet is a great base for sailing, pleasure cruising and cycling. The16 mile route between Balloch and Tarbet with railway stations at both ends mean you can travel just one way by bike and take your bike on the train to return. Arrochar just west of Tarbet is a village at the top of Loch Long. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in Scotland Arrochar has become a magnet for hill walkers of all skill levels.  

The Trossachs lie to the east of Loch Lomond.  Access to open water paddling by canoe or kayak is particularly good within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. In particular Loch Drunkie, Loch Achry, Loch Ard and Loch Katrine can be easily and safely reached. At Loch Katrine you can sail onboard the historic Steamship Sir Walter Scott and have the legends of the beautiful loch narrated to you by a member of the ship’s crew.  The town of Callandar a few miles east of Loch Katrine has many craft and woollen shops as well as the Rob Roy Centre which has an exhibition and film about the legendary local outlaw.