Menu
Search
loch-lomond-view-luss-pier-and-ben-lomond-in-the-back

Luss

The picturesque conservation village of Luss sits on the western shore of Loch Lomond just off the A82, 9 miles north of Balloch and about 10 miles south of Tarbet. Occupation of this area dates back to medieval times, but much of the village you see today was created in the 18th and 19th centuries to house workers from the nearby slate quarries. The neat rows of cottages come alive in spring and summer with elaborate flower displays on all sides as visitors make their way to the loch shore.  No visit to Luss is complete without taking in the view from the end of the pier with Ben Lomond standing proudly over Loch Lomond.

luss-pier-lit-up-in-the-night-northern-lights-green-and-purple-visible-behind-above-ben-lomond-and-hills

Aurora Borealis over Luss Pier

History & heritage

Around 1,500 years ago, an Irish missionary, St Kessog, arrived at Loch Lomond, bringing Christianity to the area. At the time Luss was called Clachan Dhu (the dark village) because it lay in the shadow of the surrounding hills. St Kessog was martyred and his body embalmed with sweet herbs. Legend has it that the herbs grew and covered his grave, providing a new name for the village – lus is Gaelic for herb. The present church was built in 1875 but the graveyard is much older. The earliest stones date from the 7th or 8th century and includes an 11th century Viking hogback grave. Inside there’s a lovely ceiling made from Scots pine rafters and some beautiful Victorian stained-glass windows.

luss-hills-covered-with-a-smattering-of-snow-above-loch-lomond-and-dusk

Luss Hills at dusk

The Luss Hills & The Loch

The Luss Hills are easily accessible and popular with walkers. These hills have pronounced conical peaks, curving ridges and steep, smooth slopes which are often cut by birch-filled gullies. They form a prominent backdrop to Helensburgh and the Loch Lomond basin and contribute to the dramatic scenery around the Loch.

From the pier visitors  can catch loch cruises and waterbus services, exploring the loch’s islands and linking to Balloch, Inchcailloch and Balmaha. Luss has a long beach which is popular for picnics and paddling when the sun is out.

luss-pier-road-loch-lomond-in-distance-tourists-walking-pretty-houses-with-flowers-outside-on-both-sides

Luss Village (credit: Gavin Young)

Village walks

There are four short walks that will help visitor discover more about the village.

  • Lochside Path (15 minutes) – explores the village and the shore on flat even surfaces
  • Riverside Path (30 minutes) – follows the banks of Luss Water on flat even surfaces
  • Slate Quarry Path (30 minutes) – passes one of the old mills and a slate quarry with some steep sections and steps
  • Luss Heritage Walk (1 hour) – a full circuit of the village, the river and the surrounding countryside, with some steep sections and steps

You can download a map of these walks in and around Luss.

The village has a large pay and display car park with public toilets at the car park, and a variety of shops and places to eat and drink, from a quick coffee to a three course meal.

Did you know?

The village was used for the TV soap ‘High Road’, which cemented its popularity during the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Find out more…

Skip to content