Events
You will find here listings by month of the events led by National Park Rangers or by National Park Centres. They are all free of charge.
We also include details of some community events, with links to their sites for further information. The Park Authority is not responsible for these and there may be charges for them.
February / March / April / May / June / July / August / September / October / November / December / January / February / March /
Loch Lomond Heritage Display
When Tuesday 1 to Sunday 15 July
Where National Park Centre, Luss
A wealth of material about the history of the area around Loch Lomond compiled by local heritage societies.
Time 10am to 5pm
Contact 01389 722120
School Holiday Fun and Games
When Tuesday 1 July to Thursday 14 August
Where National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Tuesdays: climate change games, fun and interest for all the family. Wednesdays: Gateway Highland Games – learn about traditional highland games and try tug o’ war, crannog capers, hurl the haggis, kilted dash and lots more. Thursdays: get crafty: make the animals that are found in and around the Park from papier maché – the sculptures will go into our annual wishing tree display in December (see pxx).
Time 1 to 2pm
Contact 0845 345 4978
Requirements Booking essential, suitable for children 8 years and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring appropriate weather proof clothing, footwear and insect repellent.
Loch Lomond Shores Farmers' Market
When Sundays 6 and 20 July
Where Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch
A wide array of Scottish produce, including beef, lamb, pork, chicken, venison, seafood, smoked produce, home baking, soups, seasonal fruit and vegetables, hand-made confectionery, jams, chutneys and Scottish honey, oats and breakfast cereals, cheeses and oatcakes, hand made artisan soap, beverages and liqueurs.
Time 10am to 3pm
Contact For information www.lochlomondshores.com/
Lifejacket Clinic
When Sunday 6 July
Where Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway, Balloch
The RNLI Sea Safety Team and National Park Rangers invite you to bring your own lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Learn how to check it and look after it or try out one of a range that will be demonstrated before you buy from your chandler.
Time Drop in any time between 10 am to 4 pm
Contact For boat safety help or infomation on safety events National Park Ranger Service 01389 722030 or John Mason (RNLI) oldlussroad@blueyonder.co.uk tel 07780 955046
Flare Demonstration
When Monday 14 July
Where Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway, Balloch
The RNLI Sea Safety Team and National Park Rangers invite you to a demonstration to find out about the range of flares on the market and how to use them safely.
Time 7 to 9 pm
Contact For boat safety help or infomation on safetyevents National Park Ranger Service 01389 722030 or John Mason (RNLI) oldlussroad@blueyonder.co.uk tel 07780 955046
Why Don’t you…?
When Tuesdays 15 and 22 July
Where National Park Area Office, 52-54 Main Street, Callander
Join National Park Rangers for an afternoon of fun environmental activities, games and crafts. These events are aimed at children 8 to 12 years old. We will start off with some indoor activities and then venture out into the great outdoors to explore the National Park. Who knows what we may encounter?
Time 1.30 to 4pm
Contact 01389 722126
Requirements Booking essential. Children 8 to 12 years old. Consent forms must be signed by parent or guardian prior to the event. Bring waterproof clothing and suitable outdoor footwear
RSPB – Art in the Park
When Wednesday 16 and Monday 21 July
Where National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Join the experts from the RSPB. Combine the artist in you with the information on our feather friends to create your own artwork and see how you can help them lead a happy life. Lots of fun for all the family.
Time Drop in between 10am and 4pm
Contact 0845 345 4978
Requirements Suitable for all the family. Bring appropriate weatherproof clothing, footwear and insect repellent.
Intro to Inchcailloch
When Tuesday 17 July
Where Inchcailloch
Explore part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve with a countryside ranger introducing the history, wildlife and management of this special place.
Time 2 to 4pm
Contact 01389 722100
Requirements : Booking essential. Wear warm clothing and strong footwear. Meet at North Pier on Inchcailloch (ferry from MacFarlane’s Boatyard, Balmaha price £4, journey time around 5 minutes, call 01360 870214 to book the ferry).
Island Explorer
When Sunday 20 July
Where Meet at the North Pier, Inchcailloch
Be an island adventurer and explore the woodlands of Inchcailloch, an island in Loch Lomond. An afternoon of fun and discovery for the whole family.
Time 2 to 4pm
Contact : 01389 722100
Requirements Booking essential. Wear warm clothing and strong footwear. Meet at North Pier on Inchcailloch (ferry from MacFarlane’s Boatyard, Balmaha price £4, journey time around 5 minutes, call 01360 870214 to book the ferry).
Walkies in the Park
When Sunday 20 July
Where National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Come along and see the Scottish Canine Consultative Association Road Show in action. They will be promoting the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, responsible dog ownership and a code of conduct for enjoying the countryside with your dog. All of these, and their expert advice, will enable you to get the best out of walks with your dog.
Time 1 to 2pm
Contact 0845 345 4978
Requirements None
Wild Art
When Wednesday 23 and Wednesday 30 July
Where National Park Centre, Balmaha
Nature and craft activities for children aged three to six. Wear old clothes and bring a bag to take your crafty creations home.
Time 2 to 3.30pm
Contact 01389 722100
Requirements Booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Lomond Folk Festival
When Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July
Where Moss O’Balloch, Balloch
Annual folk festival on the shores of Loch Lomond. 2008 artists include Donnie Munro and Raggle Taggle Gypsies.
Contact For dates, times and process see www.lomondfolkfestival.com
Activ8 Cowal - Argyll Outdoor Recreation Festival
When Saturday 26 July
Where Glenbranter, Argyll Forest Park
This event combines the stunning natural environment of Cowal with the expertise of local and national outdoor pursuits instructors. If you’ve ever wanted to try rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking or orienteering, why not come along to this action-packed exhilarating day out for all the family.
Time 11am to 5pm
Contact 01369 705300
Requirements: Suitable for all the family. Please bring outdoor clothing, suitable footwear and insect repellent.
CSI wildlife
When Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July
Where National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Local wildlife liaison officers will explain that there has “been a murder”. Your job will be to solve the hideous crimes using your detective skill and the clues that have been left behind.
Time Performances at 12 noon and 1.30pm
Contact 0845 345 4978
Requirements Suitable for all the family. Bring appropriate weatherproof clothing, footwear and insect repellent.
Where Eagles Dare
When Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July
Where National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Falconry and birds of prey display team. Information on rare and endangered species - what is the cause of their disappearance? Also talks on conservation and wildlife crime.
Time Performances at 1.30 and 3.30pm
Contact 0845 345 4978
Requirements Suitable for all the family. Bring appropriate weatherproof clothing, footwear and insect repellent.
John Muir Exhibition
When Monday 28 July to Saturday 2 August
Where National Park Area Office, 52-54 Main Street, Callander
An exhibition about John Muir, a Scot from Dunbar who was one of the founding fathers of the great Parks in the USA and the worldwide National Parks movement. Information about the John Muir Trust, the Awards Scheme and stunning images from Yosemite National Park.
Time Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm; 1 to 4.30pm;Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm
Contact 01389 722126
Requirements None
Mr Munro's Walks
When Monday 28 July to Sunday 3 August
Where National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Come along and find out about walking in the National Park, pick up some tips on getting fit and perhaps conquer your first Munro in 2008. Information and displays on Munros in the National Park. Find out more about CowalFest and Crieff & Strathearn Drover’s Tryst Walking Festivals.
Time Drop in any time between 10am and 4pm
Contact 0845 345 4978
Requirements None, suitable for all the family.
National Parks Week
When Monday 28 July to Saturday 2 August
Where National Park Area
Countryside on a Plate - celebrate all that’s special in our National Parks at one of events during this national week. National Parks across the UK are also celebrating – find out everything that’s going on at www.anpa.gov.uk.
Or look out for one of our Slow Food in the Park events, which will be announced soon. Slow Food is an international organisation who not only care about enjoying and retaining our diverse heritage of regional food and drink and protecting it from globalisation, but are increasingly aware of the associated environmental issues. Visit www.slowfood.org.uk for more information.
Staring Down on Stars
When Monday 28 July to Saturday 2 August
Where National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch
Following a presentation at Cowalfest last autumn, an exhibition of photographs by James Ogilvie covering his trip to the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Valley and ascent of Everest in 2007. On display at the Gateway for National Parks week, thereafter various venues throughout the park.
Time 9.30am to 5pm.
Contact 0845 3454978
Requirements None.
