Best Walking Routes in Loch Lomond
Seeking to discover the beautiful pure great thing about Loch Lomond and its environment? Look no additional! On this article, we now have compiled a listing of 17 of the very best strolling routes in and round Loch Lomond, providing you breathtaking views, various landscapes, and an opportunity to expertise the tranquility of Scotland’s largest loch. Whether or not you’re a seasoned hiker or a leisurely stroller, there’s a route right here to go well with each stage of health and curiosity. Lace up your strolling boots and prepare to find the wonders that Loch Lomond has to supply. Listed below are three highlights from the choice:
1. The West Highland Means: This iconic long-distance path spans roughly 96 miles, operating from Milngavie, close to Glasgow, to Fort William. A portion of this spectacular route takes you thru the attractive Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park. Immerse your self within the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands as you stroll alongside the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
2. Conic Hill: For these on the lookout for a shorter, but rewarding, hike, Conic Hill provides unbelievable panoramic views over Loch Lomond and its surrounding landscapes. This comparatively straightforward to reasonable path is a well-liked alternative, ascending to a peak of 361 meters (1,184 ft). As soon as on the summit, you can be greeted with breathtaking vistas that make it properly well worth the effort.
3. The Ptarmigan Ridge: Nestled within the southern a part of the nationwide park, this route takes you on a scenic journey alongside Ptarmigan and Ben Lomond, providing beautiful vistas of the loch and its neighboring Munros. As you discover the rugged terrain, preserve a watch out for the ample wildlife, together with the elusive ptarmigans that give the ridge its title. This difficult hike rewards adventurers with unparalleled views and a way of accomplishment.
Embark on these and plenty of extra Loch Lomond strolling routes to relish the pure splendor, embrace the peace and tranquility, and create unforgettable reminiscences amidst certainly one of Scotland’s most picturesque places.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the most lovely nationwide parks in Scotland that’s dwelling to nice Loch Lomond strolling routes and trails, beautiful lochs together with Loch Lomond itself, and so many beautiful Scottish landscapes simply ready to be found.
I not too long ago spent three months residing in varied elements of Scotland together with Edinburgh and Glasgow, however my favorite place was simply outdoors of this nationwide park. We bought fortunate with the climate that means I bought out and discover most of the finest strolling routes that Loch Lomond has to supply.
The factor that shocked me essentially the most? Simply how mountainous Scotland might be. After 6 years of residing in Vancouver, I’d forgotten simply how good strolling within the UK might be.
As a nature lover and energetic traveller, I’ve at all times been drawn to the rugged great thing about Scotland’s mountains and hills. The beautiful views that I skilled whereas strolling in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park had been up there with among the finest.
From the picturesque villages and tranquil lochs to the rugged peaks and dramatic valleys, the park is stuffed with pure magnificence and issues to do.
Under, I’m sharing with you among the finest Loch Lomond strolling routes.
From straightforward walks to strenuous hikes up Munros, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park has one thing for everybody. Put in your strolling boots and prepare to discover among the most beautiful landscapes that Scotland has to supply on these Loch Lomond strolling trails.
About Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park is positioned in central Scotland, only a brief distance from Glasgow.
The park is known as after Scotland’s largest loch, Loch Lomond, which is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, together with forests, mountains, and rolling hills.
The Trossachs, which is sometimes called the Highlands in miniature, is an space of woodlands, lochs, and glens.
Collectively, these areas kind Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park which is stuffed with alternatives for outside actions, together with mountain climbing, biking, fishing, and watersports. Contained in the park, there are additionally some tremendous cute villages, loads of nice eating places and, after all, some whisky distilleries
Try this information for the very best issues to do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park.
get to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Attending to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park is comparatively straightforward, whether or not you’re travelling from Glasgow or Edinburgh or additional afield.
Driving to Loch Lomond
To drive from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond takes round 1.5 – 2 hours and from Glasgow to Loch Lomond takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
In the event you’re coming from London, the drive is round 7-8 hours however can range enormously relying on the visitors. From Manchester, anticipate your drive to Loch Lomond to take round 4.5 hours.
I take advantage of comparability websites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to ebook my automotive leases because it’s straightforward to verify costs and examine the very best offers!
By public transport
For many who desire public transport, the best choice is to take a prepare to Glasgow, which is well-connected to different elements of the UK.
An ideal choice for this, when you’re coming from London, is the Caledonian Sleeper Practice which leaves London at evening, arriving in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or additional north, the next morning. I’ve ridden the Caledonian Sleeper twice now and it’s certainly one of my favorite methods to get to Scotland from the south!
Book your Caledonian Sleeper train tickets here
From Glasgow, you’ll be able to take the Glasgow-Balloch prepare or the Glasgow-Oban/Fort William prepare to achieve Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park relying on precisely which a part of the park you’re seeking to discover.
You possibly can ebook trains on-line upfront by utilizing TheTrainline.com which makes it tremendous straightforward to plan your journey forward of time!
Or, when you resolve to hire a automotive, I take advantage of websites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to ebook my automotive leases because it’s straightforward to verify costs and examine the very best offers!
Flying to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park
In the event you’re flying into Scotland, Glasgow Airport is the closest airport to Loch Lomond although Edinburgh’s principal airport tends to have higher flight connections internationally and extra choices domestically too.
Skyscanner is what I usually use to find cheap flights.
Neither metropolis is that removed from Loch Lomond and you may can hire a automotive or take a taxi to achieve the nationwide park.
I take advantage of comparability websites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to ebook my automotive leases because it’s straightforward to verify costs and examine the very best offers!
Guided excursions of Loch Lomond
Alternatively, you’ll be able to be part of a guided tour that visits Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Nationwide Park. There are many small group excursions accessible from each Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Under, I’ve picked out a few of th finest that go away from both Edinburgh and Glasgow so you’ll be able to select relying one the place you had been staying earlier than.
Guided excursions to Loch Lomond from Glasgow:
Guided excursions to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh:
get round Loch Lomond
The best option to get round Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park is by automotive as bus connections might be few and much between. In the event you’re sticking to the mains cities and villages in Loch Lomond Nationwide Park then buses ought to be just right for you, however when you want to hike and cycle then a automotive might be much better.
I take advantage of comparability websites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to ebook my automotive leases because it’s straightforward to verify costs and examine the very best offers!
What to know earlier than occurring a stroll in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Along with checking the climate for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, there are a number of different issues it is best to know earlier than trying the stroll:
- All the time apply go away no hint ethics and pack out something you are taking with you.
- Persist with pre-existing trails to keep away from eroding the panorama
- All the time pack layers and waterproofs – that is Scotland in any case!
- Inform somebody the place you’re going and whenever you anticipate to be again.
- Be sure you stroll together with your 10 necessities.
Navigating whereas on the path: You will discover this hike on AllTrails which is my normal go-to for planning my hikes, navigating, checking path situations and, if mountain climbing solo, ensuring others know I’m protected. The OS Map app is without doubt one of the finest mountain climbing apps for trails within the UK and is rather like having lots of of OS maps in your pocket!
What to pack for these Loch Lomond walks
What to pack for this hike is dependent upon what season you’re mountain climbing in.
- Try my day hike packing checklist right here.
- In the event you’re mountain climbing in summer season it is best to pack sunscreen, sun shades, layers, water and bug spray in addition to all the pieces within the 10 necessities for mountain climbing checklist.
- Right here is what to put on mountain climbing in sizzling climate
- Try this submit on the very best leggings for mountain climbing or what to put on mountain climbing in summer season for extra particulars and my gear suggestions.
- In the event you’re mountain climbing in winter after the snow has began falling you’ll want microspikes on the very least. If there’s plenty of snow you’ll most likely want snowshoes.
- You also needs to take loads of layers together with a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are additionally mandatory in addition to a good backpack to maintain all the pieces in.
- You also needs to pack water and a few snacks too to maintain you going as they’re a part of the 10 necessities for mountain climbing!
- Planning a mountain climbing date? Try what to put on on a mountain climbing date however nonetheless look cool.
17 of the very best Loch Lomond strolling routes
1. Inchcailloch
Gentle white sands, an opportunity for a wild swim and a mini mountain await walkers on the magical island of Inchailloch in the course of Loch Lomond.
At lower than a mile lengthy, with an outstanding lookout level, historical ruins and an abundance of wildlife, Inchcailloch Island might be reached by a two-minute ferry experience from Balmaha.
When you’re there, a mild stroll leads throughout the island to Port Bawn (Port Bán), the place a well-deserved swim awaits earlier than heading again to the ferry and Balmaha.
- Distance: 2.9 km
- Length: 1- 1.5 hours
- Elevation: 146 m
- Problem: Simple
- AllTrails+ map
2. Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe
This magical stroll by way of Aberfoyle is steeped in thriller and is a enjoyable Loch Lomond strolling route for households.
On this stroll in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, you’ll undergo lovely native woodland, open countryside, and alongside rivers.
The spotlight of this stroll is reaching the highest of Doon Hill which is the doorway to an underground Fairy Queen’s palace.
Legend has it that Reverend Robert Kirk’s spirit was trapped on this palace after revealing secrets and techniques in regards to the fairy people in 1691. There are many surprises that await you right here!
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Elevation: 125 m
- Length: 1-2 hours
- Problem: Simple
- AllTrails+ map
3. Conic Hill stroll
Excellent for these brief on time or mountain climbing in Scotland with youngsters in tow, Conic Hill is a straightforward stroll in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs which rewards walkers with excellent views throughout Loch Lomond.
Most ought to permit 1-2 hours to finish this stroll which is without doubt one of the iconic Loch Lomond trails.
On a stroll to the highest of Conic Hill, you’ll comply with a well-marked street by way of historical woodland. As you get nearer to the summit, you’ll discover steps on the path that will help you with the ultimate climb.
This hill is a part of the West Highland Means (see beneath) and so that you’ll see indicators for that as you stroll this path.
On the finish of your stroll at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, snag a desk at Oak Tree Inn, simply throughout from the automotive park for a well-deserved pint at this cute lakeside pub.
- Distance: 4 km
- Elevation: 316 m
- Length: 1-2 hours
- Problem: Simple
- AllTrails+ map
4. Ben A’an
Ben A’an is a small however fashionable mountain hike in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
At 454 meters excessive, Ben A’an provides a comparatively straightforward stroll and the views on the finish are critically spectacular as you look down onto Loch Katrine. It’s among the best walks round Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
The mountain climbing path to Ben Aan begins on the automotive park on the A821 street and takes round 2 hours to finish.
You’ll start by mountain climbing by way of some woodland earlier than tackling the stone steps up. to the summit.
Mix strolling Ben A’an with a go to to Loch Katrine for a enjoyable day trip within the Loch Lomond space.
- Distance: 3.7 km
- Elevation: 348 m
- Length: 2-3 hours
- Problem: Simple/reasonable
- AllTrails+ map
5. Callander Crags and Bracklinn Falls Bridge
One of many finest issues to do in Callander is to go out to the Brackllin Falls Bridge. This straightforward stroll can be mixed with the Callander Crags path which is value doing and collectively these walks are up there on my checklist of the very best walks close to Loch Lomond.
These trails take you thru woodland and as much as the excessive crags above the village, winding by way of the forest and popping out to some lovely views.
It’s straightforward to mix Callander Crags with a stroll to Bracklinn Falls or to do every stroll individually.
Callander Crags
- Distance: 4.8 km
- Elevation: 281 m
- Length: 1-2 hours
- Problem: Simple/reasonable
- AllTrails+ map
Bracklin Falls
- Distance: 6km
- Elevation: 240 m
- Length: 1-2 hours
- Problem: Simple
- AllTrails+ map
6. Loch Ard Round
On the centre of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs Nationwide Park, Loch Ard provides a variety of mountain climbing trails that may be as brief or lengthy as you resolve.
One of the vital fashionable is the Loch Ard Loop stroll alongside the shores of the loch, previous Rob Roy’s Cave and even previous Duke Murdoch’s Citadel.
- Distance: 12.7 km
- Elevation: 308 m
- Length: 3-4 hours
- Problem: Average
- AllTrails+ map
7. The Glen Ogle Path
Mountain climbing the Glen Ogle Path is a incredible option to expertise the Scottish Highlands and revel in a stroll in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park.
This path is pretty light with only a few steeper sections and takes you over disused railway tracks, an previous army street and over the beautiful Glen Ogle viaduct with superior views of Loch Earn.
From dense forest walks to strolls throughout previous stone bridges, the path is various and can preserve folks entertained.
- Distance: 11 km
- Elevation: 375 m
- Length: 3-4 hours
- Problem: Average
- AllTrails+ map
8. Strone Hill
Strone Hill is without doubt one of the finest strolling routes in Loch Lomond, providing spectacular views over the Firth of Clyde and its sea lochs.
On a transparent day, you’ll get views of Arran, the Arrochar Alps, and even Glasgow within the distance.
The route begins at Graham’s Level Heritage Park and takes you on a mixture of surfaced paths, cycleways and trails which may get muddy.
As you hike you’ll get to take a look at views of Dunselma Citadel and the not too long ago restored Blairmore Pier on Loch Lengthy too.
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Elevation: 488 m
- Length: 3-4 hours
- Problem: Average
- AllTrails+ map
9. Ben Ledi
Ben Ledi, often known as Callander’s mountain since it’s simply seen from the centre of this cute city, is a well-liked mountain stroll in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park.
It’s an easy-to-navigate path with views just about the whole approach earlier than you sort out a couple of false summits and make it to the highest. From there, you’ll be able to select to loop all the way down to the trailhead through Stank Glen, or head again the way in which you got here, retracing your steps.
From the highest, you’ll be able to see Ben Lomond, in addition to loads of different hilltops and lochs.
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: 750 m
- Length: 3-5 hours
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
10. Stuc a Chroin
Stuc a’ Chroin is a mountain positioned within the southern a part of the Scottish Highlands not too removed from Callander or the Ben Ledi trailhead.
At a peak of 975 m, this mountain will get Munro standing and those who hike this difficult route of ups and downs are well worth the effort whenever you make it to the highest for the attractive views.
You possibly can hike to Stuc a’ Chroin through Ben Every, or through Ben Vorlich with the latter being very strenuous and involving a scramble.
- Distance: 13 km
- Elevation: 1,110 m
- Length: 5-7 hours
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
11. Ben Vorlich
There are two Ben Vorlich’s one within the Trossachs and Loch Lomond and one other within the Arrochar Alps. This one refers back to the stroll within the Trossachs!
The Ben Vorlich within the Trossachs stands at 985 meters excessive and provides beautiful views of the encircling space.
The mountain climbing path to the Munro of Ben Vorlich begins at Loch Earn and includes a gradual ascent with some steep sections in the direction of the summit, making it a difficult but rewarding hike.
As soon as on the summit, you’ll get panoramic views of Loch Earn and the encircling mountains.
For a difficult day hike in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, mix Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin and tick off two Munros in 1!
- Distance: 13.7 km
- Elevation: 1,048 m
- Length: 3-5 hours
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
12. Ben Vane
Though Ben Vane solely simply makes the lower to be categorised as a Scottish Munro, attending to the highest of this rugged peak is a spectacular hike in Loch Lomond.
Close to the Arrochar Alps, you’ll get beautiful views from the summit of Ben Vane. This route is a troublesome stroll in Loch Lomond, with a number of false summits earlier than you attain the highest. There’s additionally a scramble simply earlier than the summit.
The hike begins in Inveruglas and it’s the right place to cease in after your stroll in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs since there’s an awesome pub right here for a pint and a few meals!
- Distance: 11 km
- Elevation: 966 m
- Length: 4-6 hours
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
13. Ben Extra
Ben Extra, standing proud at 1,174 metres, is the tallest of Loch Lomond’s Munros and is commonly thought-about tougher than Ben Lomond.
The terrain is fairly rocky underfoot making it difficult to hike in elements. It’s additionally steep for many of the path, however navigation is mostly straightforward. The path additionally will get tremendous boggy so that you’ll need some respectable mountain climbing boots.
In the event you persevere and make it as much as the highest then you definitely’ll get rewarded with the beautiful views that await you.
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Elevation: 949 m
- Length: 4-6 hours
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
14. Ben Venue
Though its title might translate to ‘miniature mountain’ in Scottish Gaelic, Ben Venue is something however small.
This peak looms over Loch Achray and Loch Katrine and provides excellent views. It additionally stands as one of many basic peaks of the Trossachs.
As some of the fashionable ‘Grahams’ in Scotland, rising between 2,000 ft and 2,500 ft above sea stage, Ben Venue is a must-do for any eager hiker visiting Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Along with its pure magnificence, Ben Venue is steeped in native historical past and fantasy. The Go of the Cattle, an historical path utilized by Highland cattle thieves as they fled with giant herds of cows, might be discovered to the north of the summit, near the shore of Loch Katrine.
Sir Walter Scott, the well-known poet, described Ben Venue as “fragments of an earlier world” in his narrative poem The Woman of the Lake and so mountain climbing up Ben Venue is like taking a step again in time, to a world the place historical past and fantasy had been intertwined and nature was each revered and feared.
- Distance: 14 km
- Elevation: 703 m
- Length: 5+ hours
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
15. Ben Lomond
Mountain climbing Ben Lomond is an unforgettable expertise and among the best walks within the Trossachs and Loch Lomond mountain climbing routes.
I hiked Ben Lomond through the Ptarmigan path with associates, coming down the mountain monitor I can say it was certainly one of my favorite walks in Loch Lomond for the views! Personally, I like to recommend doing this because it’s a extra scenic route.
At 974m excessive, Ben Lomond is certainly one of Scotland’s hottest peaks and many individuals’s first Munro.
On the high, you’ll get wonderful views of Loch Lomond and the encircling mountains. We had been even capable of see Ben Nevis from the summit!
The Ben Lomond hike takes you thru woodlands, heather moors, and rocky outcrops and also you’ll get critically spectacular views just about the whole approach over. The views over Loch Lomond had been so lovely!
- Distance: 12.4 km
- Elevation: 961 m
- Length: 4-6 hours
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
16. The West Highland Means
The West Highland Means is a 155 km long-distance mountain climbing path that runs from Milngavie, close to Glasgow, to Fort William within the Scottish Highlands.
The path passes by way of a few of Scotland’s most lovely landscapes, together with Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe.
The path is often accomplished in 6-9 days, relying on the hiker and it’s a well-marked path with a mixture of straightforward and difficult terrain.
Alongside the way in which, hikers can get pleasure from beautiful views of Scotland’s countryside, fairly villages, and historic landmarks.
The West Highland Means is without doubt one of the hottest mountain climbing routes in Scotland and a must-do for anybody seeking to expertise the great thing about Scotland on foot.
- Distance: 155 km
- Elevation: 3,565 m
- Length: 6-9 days
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
17. Rob Roy Means
From Drymen to Pitlochry, the Rob Roy Means is a 128 km route follows paths utilized by the infamous outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.
This long-distance Scottish backpacking route, passes Loch Tay, with Ben Lawers, Ben Ledi and a number of other different lochs. You’ll hike by way of forests, over rivers, and thru small cities and villages.
Whereas this route takes most individuals 6-8 days, you’ll be able to regulate it relying by yourself health ranges and the time you may have.
- Distance: 128 km
- Elevation: 4,191 m
- Length: 6-8 days
- Problem: Strenuous
- AllTrails+ map
Remaining ideas on the very best Loch Lomond strolling routes
There are such a lot of superior Loch Lomond strolling routes on this lovely nationwide park.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a leisurely stroll by way of lovely woodland or a difficult climb up a mountain, the park has one thing for everybody. From the long-lasting West Highland Technique to the distinctive Glen Ogle Path, every route provides one thing totally different.
Whether or not you’re an skilled hiker or simply getting began, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park will go away you with reminiscences that may final a lifetime.
FAQs about the very best walks in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park
How lengthy does it take to stroll round Loch Lomond?
It might take a very long time to stroll round Loch Lomond and many of the stroll wouldn’t be very fairly because it goes alongside a busy street. The very best half is within the village of Luss or, try among the walks and hikes that make up Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park on this submit.
What’s the most lovely city in Loch Lomond?
Whereas Balloch is the largest, I feel the prettiest city in Loch Lomond is the village of Luss.
Is Loch Lomond free to entry?
Sure, all Nationwide Parks within the UK are free.
Why is Loch Lomond so well-known?
Loch Lomond is the largest lake within the UK and has songs, poems and artwork primarily based on it.
Is Loch Lomond parking free?
Most parking for Loch Lomond is pay parking and you will discover indicators within the automotive parks displaying how a lot that you must pay. There’s often an hourly price in addition to a day price.
Hannah began That Adventurer after graduating again in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to metropolis breaks in Europe, a 3 month street journey throughout the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years residing in Canada, you’ll discover posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in energetic journey and on That Adventurer you’ll discover mountain climbing, strolling, biking, snowboarding and all types of energetic journey guides to mean you can see a vacation spot in an adventurous approach.
Now again in Europe, you’ll discover new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the subsequent yr ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and locations in between.
This text offers a complete overview of 17 of the very best strolling routes within the lovely Loch Lomond space. From straightforward strolls to difficult hikes, these routes cater to all ranges of health and supply breathtaking surroundings. Whether or not you are exploring the enchanting forests, serene lochs, or majestic mountains, there’s a path to go well with everybody’s preferences. With detailed descriptions, maps, and useful ideas, this text serves as a useful information for walkers in search of to discover Loch Lomond’s pure wonders.
1- The article offers a various vary of strolling routes within the picturesque Loch Lomond space, catering to totally different health ranges and preferences.
2- Every route is accompanied by detailed descriptions, maps, and useful ideas, making certain walkers have all the required data for a profitable and pleasing expertise.
3- The article highlights the beautiful pure great thing about Loch Lomond, from its fascinating forests and tranquil lochs to its majestic mountains, providing walkers a really immersive and awe-inspiring expertise.
