Places to stop off

Ardlui

On the banks of iconic Loch Lomond and the famous West Highland Way. Ardlui offers superb views of hills, mountains and loch. Take the boat and walk a part of the West Highland Way north to Inverarnan or south to Inversnaid.

Facilities: Scotrail station, Citylink bus stop, B&Bs, camping, hotel, cafe, shop, restaurant, marina and on-demand ferry.

Balloch

Activity hub with great transport links. Passing through Balloch is the John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way, NCN 7, West Loch Lomond Cycle Path and the Glasgow to Balloch Cycle Path. Visit Balloch Castle Country Park and enjoy a variety of walks, walled garden, castle and great views over Loch Lomond.

Facilities: hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, cafes, toilets, bus station, railway station, shops, Tourist Information Centre, car parking.

Balmaha

Tantalising view across the bay towards Inchcailloch island. Unique destination on the Highland Boundary fault line. The Millennium Trail takes you around the village or tackle Conic Hill (part of the West Highland Way). A longer day out can include walking north to Rowardennan. Don’t miss the opportunity for a selfie with the statue of Tom Weir at Balmaha Bay!

Facilities: shop, restaurant, ice cream parlour, bar meals, coffee shop , B&Bs, bunkhouse, toilets, National Park Visitor Centre, canoe hire, car parking.

Inchcailloch

Inchcailloch is a wooded island rich in biodiversity and history and an ideal place to experience remoteness and wildness. Cherish the tranquillity, peace, beauty and scenery the island has to offer. There are three walking routes on the island which can be enjoyed separately or together.

Facilities: composting toilets, campsite and picnic area.

Inversnaid

Offers great views of Ben Vorlich, Ben Vane and Beinn Narnain and there is a local path up through the oak woodland. Walk or cycle to Stronachlachar on the Old Military Road (part of The Great Trossachs Path). You can also visit the RSPB visitor centre at the remains of a Garrison Fort. Walk north to Ardleish/ Inverarnan or south to Rowardennan on the West Highland Way.

Facilities: cafes, restaurants, toilets at Stronachlachar and Aberfoyle.

Inveruglas

It offers magnificent views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond. The walk to Loch Sloy or Arrochar is a great day out enjoying superb views of Loch Long and The Cobbler (Ben Arthur), Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime. Inveruglas links to the Cowal and Three Lochs Ways and is a popular starting point for hikes up Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich.

Facilities: cafe and toilets, Citylink bus stop, car parking, picnic area. B&B’s in Arrochar.

Loch Lomond Shores

There is so much to see and do here as well as some retail therapy! This special destination has a Bird of Prey Centre, Sea Life Centre, High-level Ropes Course, the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer and cycle & canoe hire options. There are seasonal promotions, markets, crafts, and a woodland walk.

Facilities: restaurants, cafes, shops, toilets, picnic areas, car parking, hire of bikes, canoes and activities.

Luss

A very picturesque and photogenic conservation village with pretty 18th and 19th century cottages, it offers short local walks and superb views from the pier to Ben Lomond, Inchcailloch and other Loch Lomond islands. Frequent Waterbus services to Inchcailloch and Balmaha.

Facilities: cafes, restaurants, shops, hotels, B&Bs, toilets, Citylink and local service bus stops, toilets, car parking (£).

Rowardennan

The starting point for Ben Lomond, a walking part of the West Highland Way or just a place to relax and take in the wonderful scenery to the north of Loch Lomond, it is easily accessed from Tarbet by the waterbus to the SYHA hostel jetty in Rowardennan.

Facilities: Hotel, bar meals, tea and coffee, toilets, Youth Hostel (also provides meals and snacks to non-residents), B&Bs, bunkhouse, car parking (£).

Tarbet

The visitor site at Tarbet, Loch Lomond is still under construction, it is open with limited access. For updates, please see the Tarbet page.

Tarbet is one of the bigger villages around Loch Lomond and consequently offers several options to explore the outdoors. From there you can access The Three Lochs Way, the Cowal Way or walk the circular Hidden Heritage Trail to Arrochar. You can also take a short waterbus voyage to Inversnaid to access the Great Trossachs Path and West Highland Way.

Facilities – cafes, hotels, B&Bs, toilets, West Highland Railway station (½ mile), Citylink bus stop, car parking, picnic area, bicycle hire.

Loch Katrine

Stronachlachar is a small hamlet that can be found at the far end of Loch Katrine. Historically this was ‘Rob Roy land’; still standing is Glengyle house originally built by Rob Roy. Stronachlachar has a real sense of splendid isolation.

Facilities: The Pier Cafe, toilets.

Trossachs Pier – The hills and forests surrounding Loch Katrine are home to many species of wildlife, including Scotland’s elusive red squirrels. A perfect day away location where you can cycle, walk, sail, fish or simply do nothing & enjoy the views.

Facilities: Brenachoile Cafe, toilets, car parking (£), cycle hire.