Inchcailloch

Inchcailloch is part of the Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve and is a wonderful place to visit due to its rich natural and cultural heritage. It is the perfect place to experience remoteness and wildness in a safe and easily accessible location and, weather permitting, you can visit the island all year round.

Each season brings something new to discover. In the spring the island is carpeted in bluebells which creates a magical backdrop for the wildlife that lives there. In summer the island flourishes and becomes a rich habitat for birds, flowers and plant life. Throughout the autumn and into spring migrating wildfowl set up home here.

Most visitors come to cherish the tranquillity and peace, as well as the outstanding beauty and scenery the island has to offer. Some have even claimed the view at the summit is the best in Scotland! It is a place of true wild, natural beauty that is just waiting to be discovered.

A small campsite on the southern tip of the island in Port Bawn is open between 1st March and 30th September.

Fast facts:

Inchcailloch means “island of the old or cowled woman”
The highest hill on the Island is called Tom na Nigheanan which means ‘hill of the daughter’.
In the early 8th century, an Irish missionary, St Kentigerna settled on the island. She died here in 734 and legend has it that a nunnery was established right here.
The cultural importance of the church and its burial ground are now recognised and is the only Scheduled Ancient Monument in or around the Loch Lomond area.

inchcailloch-island-old-cemetery-in-sunshine-surrounded-by-forest — The ancient cemetery and church ruins

Walks

Once on Inchailloch there are three walking routes which can be enjoyed separately or together. Each path takes 30-45 minutes, just take your time and enjoy the view. You can download A walking guide to Inchcailloch.

Central Path – this is the most direct route from the north pier to Port Bawn and takes around 20 minutes.
The Low Path is a gentle woodland walk with a few slopes and steps. At first sight the woods look untouched by man, but look closer and you’ll discover that people played an important part in creating this wonderful home for wildlife.
The Summit Path is more strenuous with a steep climb to the top of the island. Here you’ll find out how dramatic forces of nature have sculpted the island and created lots of different homes for plants and animals.

Explore the walks around the island with Google Street View

Facilities

There are compost toilets on the island (please note that there is no running water on the island). Picnic tables are available on a first come first served basis. Visitors wishing to BBQ should bring their own and leave the area clean for others. There is also no refuse collection on the island. Please take ALL your litter and disposable BBQs home. There are recycling facilities and bins in Balmaha car park.

Getting there

By public transport: From Glasgow, it takes approximately 2 hours to get to Inchcailloch. Take a train to Balloch, which is easily accessible from Queen Street Low Level station and a journey typically takes 50 minutes. Outside the train station, on Tullichewan Road, take the 309 McGills bus service to Balmaha, which typically takes 30 minutes. From here, take the waterbus, for which you can find more information here. There are also waterbus services from Balloch and Luss between March – October. For more information about the route, check the Traveline Scotland website.

By car: From Glasgow it takes approximately 50 minutes via the A809 through Bearsden; in Drymen, switch to the B837 to Balmaha, and then take the ferry to Inchcailloch from the pier. Alternatively take the A82 from Glasgow to Luss, and from there jump on the waterbus to Inchcailloch.

If you are arriving in your own boat, please anchor in the bay or beach your vessel.