2021 brought me to Scotland for some amazing road trips around the country. One of the best experiences I had was getting to take my dad on a trip around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park! We had an amazing few days camping, hiking, and taking in the sights (and thankfully avoiding the midges!). This national park is easily accessible from Glasgow and you can visit in a day, but I really think you need a few days to explore it fully. I definitely felt like our 3 days there weren’t enough. Here’s a travel guide to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in Scotland!
How to Get to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is located north of Glasgow. If you’re coming from Glasgow, it’s actually really accessible by public transportation. You can get the train to Balloch, or take the West Highland Line that stops at Tarbet, Ardlui, and Crianlarich. Citylink buses stop at Balloch, Luss, Tarbet, Inveruglas, Ardlui, and more. You can access a lot of places in the national park without driving! If you’re wanting to explore a national park in Scotland without a car, this would be an excellent choice.
However, nothing beats the freedom of having your own car. I love road tripping and with your own set of wheels you can simply see so much more! It’s just under an hour’s drive from Glasgow to Luss or Callander. From where I live in York, it’s just over 4 hours.
What to See: The West Bank of Loch Lomond
I would say this is arguably one of the most popular parts of the national park, as the main A82 highway runs along the west bank of Loch Lomond. For many of my trips to Scotland, this is the way I’ve driven north to the Highlands. The views over the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond simply can’t be beat.
Balloch Castle Country Park
This park is located at the very southern end of Loch Lomond, where the A82 and the A811 roads meet. The castle is closed off and fairly derelict now, but there are great views from the park and lots of space to walk around. So many families were here having picnics and playing games! There is also free parking in the large car park here.
Luss
One of the prettiest places to visit around Loch Lomond, Luss can’t be missed. It is really popular on Instagram these days, but it’s definitely worth visiting. It’s a conservation village that was created in the 18th and 19th centuries for workers of the nearby slate quarries, and the cottages and houses in the town are effortlessly charming! You can take a cruise on the loch from Luss, and there are lots of picnic spots by the water. I skipped Luss on my first ever visit to the area (back in August 2018) and definitely regretted it. So I was really glad to go back on my most recent trip!
Firkin Point
This is a nice stop north of Inverbeg along the A82 and Loch Lomond. There are nice views over the water here, and it’s a good place to get out, stretch your legs, and take a break if you’re after one!
Tarbet
Tarbet is the intersection for your route: you can continue on the A82 north of Loch Lomond to Crianlarich, or you can turn off for the A83 and see the Arrochar Alps. There isn’t all that much here in terms of attractions, but there are Loch Lomond boat cruises available! Tarbet is my preferred rest stop of choice on the A82, as there is free parking and a free toilet in the small café.
Tarbet Isle
Just north of Tarbet, Tarbet Isle is a very small island just a few hundred meters off the shore of the loch. I’ve always like stopping here to get out and walk along the loch, clamber over the rocks, and take in the amazing views here.
Inveruglas
There isn’t much to see around Inveruglas, but there is the Inveruglas Pyramid which shouldn’t be missed on a trip around Loch Lomond. Called An Ceann Mòr, it’s 8 meters high and you can climb to the top for an stunning view out over the loch. There is a car park here (which does charge) and also a café with toilets. If you’re wanting to bag a Munro, you can hike up Ben Vane (915 meters) from Inveruglas. The walk will take about 4.5-6.5 hours – read more about it on WalkHighlands.
What to See: The East Bank of Loch Lomond
The east bank of Loch Lomond has two of the most popular walks – both of which I do recommend doing! This is much quieter, and the road north of Balmaha is narrow. Be prepared to pull over into a widened passing place when driving here.
Conic Hill (Balmaha)
Balmaha is a popular village, with a visitor center, some options for food/drink, and access to Inchcailloch island by ferry. But the real reason the village sees so many visitors is because it’s the starting point for the walk up Conic Hill. The peak may only be 361 meters high, but it’s a steep climb through the woods and then the open hillside to get to the top. The West Highland Way long-distance trail also runs through here!
I absolutely loved this hike – the views from the top over Loch Lomond are simply incredible. It took me almost exactly 2 hours total to go up and down. If you’re looking for a short hike around Loch Lomond that offers excellent views, Conic Hill shouldn’t be missed! There is a large car park at the visitor center, but it’s also possible to get to Balmaha by bus from Balloch.
Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond is 974 meters high, and the most southerly Munro in Scotland. It is a very popular walk, but with good reason – the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, and the views (I’m told, haha) on a clear day are stunning.
I went up the Ptarmigan trail, and down the standard “tourist” route – read about my route up Ben Lomond here! I loved this hike so much, it was difficult but so rewarding – especially as I got to do it with my dad!! That’s right, age 67 and my dad tackled Ben Lomond as his first Munro. It was awesome to share the experience with him.
Inversnaid Falls
North of Ben Lomond but only accessibly by road via Loch Arklet, Inversnaid Falls is a pretty waterfall in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. I didn’t have quite enough time to make it here on my trip. But it’s definitely on my list for next time!
What to See: The Trossachs
A huge part of my trip to this area was around the Trossachs – there is so much more to the national park than just Loch Lomond! Here are some of the best places to see around the Trossachs.
Three Lochs Forest Drive
This is a beautiful 7-mile drive that takes in Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie, and Loch Achray. It’s only open for vehicles from March to October, and there is a charge of £2. I camped at the campsite at Loch Achray (more details below!) so I spent a lot of time in this beautiful area. This was such a peaceful part of the national park, and I loved every second I was here.
Aberfoyle and Duke’s Pass
Aberfoyle is a charming village located on the River Forth. There are lots of shops, cafes, and places to eat here – after tackling Ben Lomond, we feasted on pub grub at the Faerie Tree which was the perfect reward. Go Ape Aberfoyle is located just a few minute out of town. If you’re passing through Aberfoyle, you can’t miss a drive up Duke’s Pass! The road itself is in great condition (one lane each way). So it’s really not as treacherous as you might think. The views from here are simply incredible! I drove this pass a few times every day (as we needed to get to/from our campsite) and it’s well worth the drive.
Ben A’an
The real reason I came to the Trossachs? To hike up Ben A’an. This hill has been on my list for years – I was supposed to go in 2019 to break up the journey to the Isle of Skye, but that didn’t happen. I’ve been simply obsessed with going here, and I am so glad I finally got to make it happen. There is a car park at the start of the walk, which costs £3 for all day parking. It took me about 2 hours and 15 minutes there and back in total. This included about half an hour at the summit, taking photos and enjoying the views. The walk up is steep – Ben A’an is 461 meters high. But it is, quite simply, one of the most incredible places I have ever been in Scotland.
While I would like to come back again during the day, to appreciate the views from a different perspective, visiting at golden hour was phenomenal. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was so beautiful. If you only do one hike in the national park, it should be this one. Ben A’an, you were worth the wait.
Loch Katrine
One of the most well-known lochs in the Trossachs is Loch Katrine. You can take a steamer cruise out on the lake! This was one of the things I was most looking forward to, which unfortunately we couldn’t do due to covid/limited timetables. This is absolutely on my bucket list though, and a great way to explore the loch.
Loch Venachar
This is a pretty loch, which you can see lots of as you drive along the A821 road. There are some good forestry walks around the loch, or you can just explore the shoreline. I saw several people swimming here in the morning!
Inchmahome Priory
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it to Inchmahome Priory, as it has been closed off/on due to covid restrictions. This priory, built in the 13th century, is located on an island in Lake Menteith, which you can only get to by boat – both Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots visited here for sanctuary and solace. The site is run by Historic Scotland today, and the boat trip is included in the admission costs.
Callander
This town is one of the main hubs in the Trossachs. There are loads of places to eat, drink, and stay in the town – if you’re looking to base yourself around the Trossachs for your trip, I would definitely recommend staying in Callander. While the town itself has lots of amenities to offer, the two most popular attractions are just outside of town. Unfortunately I didn’t make it to Callander Crags as I didn’t have enough time, but the views from here are meant to be great.
I loved the short walk out to Bracklinn Falls, an impressive waterfall that’s about a 15-minute walk from the car park. While most of the walk to the falls is downhill, there are nice views out over the countryside as you go. There’s meant to be a nice loop (about 3 miles) that you can do. However the bridge across the falls was closed when I visited so after wandering around the west side of the falls, we headed back.
Loch Lubnaig
Loch Lubnaig is an easy loch to explore, as the A84 road runs along most of the eastern shore. I saw lots of people swimming here, even though it was pretty early in the morning! It’s nestled between several mountains and very picturesque.
Rob Roy’s Grave
In the tiny village of Balquhidder, you’ll find Rob Roy’s Grave in the churchyard. Rob Roy MacGregor was a Scottish outlaw who became a folk hero. While Sir Walter Scott may have exaggerated his life a bit, Rob Roy did become an outlaw after defaulting on a loan and going into debt – and he was eventually imprisoned before being pardoned. His grave is one of the lesser-known attractions in the Trossachs.
Killin
The small town of Killin, in the northeast part of the Trossachs, was one of my favorite places that I visited! With a waterfall, a stone circle, a castle, and a pub serving up very tasty food, what more could you ask for?!
The Falls of Dochart are right by the main A827 road that runs through the town. I did a short walk of about an hour from the waterfall around to see Kinnell Stone Circle, which is thought to be from the 2nd or 3rd century BCE. The stone circle is on private land, but you can see it from the path.
I took the old railway line (now a walking trail) to Finlarig Castle. The castle is on a mound in the woods, and is just ruins now. It was cool to see though, although the pit next to part of the castle was a bit grim as it was supposedly used for executions. If you want to spend a bit more time here, it’s not far to reach the western shores of Loch Tay. At 15 miles long, this is the sixth largest loch in Scotland.
Falls of Falloch
North of Loch Lomond just off the A82 road, the Falls of Falloch is a beautiful waterfall. It’s about 10 meters high, and certainly worth a stop. There is a very short trail to walk out to the viewing platform from the car park. The turn off the road can be a bit sharp and please drive carefully – I saw a car flip over (!!) in the car park when I was there. Thankfully no one was hurt at all, but it’s made me very cautious!
Crianlarich
Crianlarich is located in the very north of the national park, and it’s where the A82 and A85 roads meet. There isn’t much in the town itself, but there are plenty of good hikes to do in the surrounding area.
There are also so many more incredible hikes you can do in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: Ben Ledi, Ben Venue, Ben Vorlich (there are two peaks called Ben Vorlich), or Ben More from Crianlarich are all on my list to do for next time.
What to See: A83 to the Arrochar Alps
West of Loch Lomond, there are a number of places to see along the A83 road and in the Arrochar Alps. One of the most popular hikes is the Cobbler, which is 884 meters high. One of my favorite views is from Rest and Be Thankful, a scenic overlook that has incredible valley and mountain panoramas. Even better when you are there first thing in the morning and can start your day with a hot bacon sandwich from the van parked there!
With so many mountain peaks to climb it can be difficult to choose! Ben Donach, Beinn Ime, or Beinn an Lochan are other popular peaks in this area. I hiked part-way up Ben Donach on my trip a few years ago, and the views were incredible.
Outside the National Park
Outside of the national park boundary, you can carry on driving the A83 from Arrochar and visit Loch Fyne. The sea loch is well-known as its oyster industry is associated with the chain of Loch Fyne restaurants. It is a beautiful drive and I’d definitely recommend it. Inverary is a pretty little town, located on the western shore of Loch Fyne. I would love to return as Inverary Castle had already closed for the day when I was here, and it looks incredible! There is also a prison/courthouse-turned-museum here.
If you’re traveling along the A85 road, you can’t miss a stop at Kilchurn Castle. These eerie ruins, on the banks of Loch Awe, are free to visit. While access is from a car park close to the road, I’d also recommend driving along the A819 road to see the incredible view of the castle from across the loch. This isn’t in the national park boundary, but if you’re in the area it’s a must-see.
While technically outside of the national park limits on the opposite end (closer to Glasgow), I loved visiting Glengoyne Distillery. You can do a distillery tour if you like, or else you can just pick up a bottle or three in the shop. Something I missed on this trip was the Devil’s Pulpit – a pretty gorge with a waterfall and stream flowing through it. It’s official name is Finnich Glen, and hopefully I can go next time I’m in the area!
Planning Your Trip
I camped for three nights at the Loch Achray campsite, which is run by the national park. It was £7 per person, per night, and we paid extra for firewood which we got on arrival. You can book your specific pitch on the website. There were no showers or drinking water (something that was made very clear before booking), but the location is just amazing. I would absolutely recommend this campsite. For more information and bookings, visit the Loch Achray campsite website.
Keep in mind that the byelaws around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are in effect from March-September. This means you need a permit for wild camping. Wild camping is not allowed within the camping management zone during these months unless you have a permit. It is easy to buy a permit online in advance. These byelaws are in place for a reason, so please abide by them. Wild camping is legal in Scotland outside of the camping management zone, providing you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
If you’re not wanting to camp, there are plenty of accommodation options around the area – from basic hostels to fancy five-star hotels! You can search for hostels here, or for hotels and B&Bs here. On the west bank of Loch Lomond, I’d recommend staying around Luss. In the Trossachs, I’d recommend staying around Callander.
Having your own transportation will give you so much freedom, and I do recommend having a car. However, it is entirely possible to visit the national park with public transport – there are both trains and buses to get you around! I always book my train tickets in advance on Trainline. If you’re flying, Glasgow Airport is closest – I book flights on Skyscanner. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Looking for a tour? Check out these tours to visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – many start and end in Glasgow!
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is easy enough to visit as a daytrip from Glasgow. But I am so glad I got to spend a long weekend here and explore the area more thoroughly. There are so many beautiful hikes to do, pretty villages to see, and lochs that are perfect for swimming or water activities like canoeing or kayaking. I hope this post helps you in planning a trip around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs!
Have you been to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs before? What were your favorite places?!
You might also like my posts:
A 7-Day Itinerary for Scotland’s North Coast 500 Road Trip
What to See on the Isle of Mull and Iona in Scotland
What to See and Do in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Alternative Isle of Skye: 4 Ways to Avoid the Crowds
What to See and Do in and Around Inverness
All of my Scotland posts!
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